Drive systems for crop storage
We understand the art of crop storage: an optimal climate, low dehydration losses and preservation of crop quality.
Operators of crop storage facilities need reliable storage conditions for potatoes, onions, or whatever the crop may be. Storage is about so much more than simply holding for later consumption. It is an art that involves handling, drying, cooling, temperature control, condensation and heating. Drive systems of De Gier are indispensable in every storage facility. They offer that extra level of reliability together with a storage facility climate control computer.
- We are pro-active in solutions
- Extensive technological expertise
- A wide range of products and possibilities
- Highly reliable and fast delivery
- A long warranty period and product life
- Systems that are very easy to install
Storage facilities and the art of storage
As a grower or farmer, you achieve the best turnover by delivering quality products. Your quality determines your revenue. This is affected by many factors. Some examples are the number of rotten or damaged tubers, the amount of soil accompanying the harvested product, and the harvesting method. Storage is about so much more than simply holding stock. It is a complex process that is impossible without coordinated control technology.
Crops are living organisms that continue to breathe during storage. Once a healthy product has been placed into storage, it is important to try to achieve the best possible climate. Some crops need to be stored for up to two months. The temperature, relative humidity and CO2 level must be controlled to minimise weight and quality losses. Modern barns or storage facilities are equipped with the latest ventilation technology.
Storage facilities and the art of storage
As a grower or farmer, you achieve the best turnover by delivering quality products. Your quality determines your revenue. This is affected by many factors. Some examples are the number of rotten or damaged tubers, the amount of soil accompanying the harvested product, and the harvesting method. Storage is about so much more than simply holding stock. It is a complex process that is impossible without coordinated control technology.
Crops are living organisms that continue to breathe during storage. Once a healthy product has been placed into storage, it is important to try to achieve the best possible climate. Some crops need to be stored for up to two months. The temperature, relative humidity and CO2 level must be controlled to minimise weight and quality losses. Modern barns or storage facilities are equipped with the latest ventilation technology.
Sidewall ventilation
The structure must have enough inlet openings to draw in the right amount of outside air. It must also have outlet hatches to discharge the inside air. As a general rule you can say that a larger air capacity causes the crops to dry and cool faster. This avoids dehydration losses. The hatches are located directly in the storage facility, and an additional ventilation duct with a central pressure duct for mixing outside air with drier indoor air is often used to ensure optimal climate conditions in the storage facility. The hatches must be as far apart as possible to prevent used air from being drawn into the storage facility. It is preferable not to have them in the same wall.
Sidewall ventilation
The structure must have enough inlet openings to draw in the right amount of outside air. It must also have outlet hatches to discharge the inside air. As a general rule you can say that a larger air capacity causes the crops to dry and cool faster. This avoids dehydration losses. The hatches are located directly in the storage facility, and an additional ventilation duct with a central pressure duct for mixing outside air with drier indoor air is often used to ensure optimal climate conditions in the storage facility. The hatches must be as far apart as possible to prevent used air from being drawn into the storage facility. It is preferable not to have them in the same wall.
Mixing valves
Because outside air is sometimes too cold for ventilation, the pressure chamber and inlet hatches are designed such that it is possible to mix outside and inside air. A central pressure duct is usually placed between the fans and the ventilation ducts. Fans directly in front of a duct result in relatively poor air distribution. Outside air ventilation must be complemented by internal ventilation. An air mixing system is also desirable so that a mixture of outside air and (warmer) air from the storage facility can be used for ventilation when the outside air is too cold. Special mixing valves are operated by drives and are often controlled independently by a climate or crop computer.
Mixing valves
Because outside air is sometimes too cold for ventilation, the pressure chamber and inlet hatches are designed such that it is possible to mix outside and inside air. A central pressure duct is usually placed between the fans and the ventilation ducts. Fans directly in front of a duct result in relatively poor air distribution. Outside air ventilation must be complemented by internal ventilation. An air mixing system is also desirable so that a mixture of outside air and (warmer) air from the storage facility can be used for ventilation when the outside air is too cold. Special mixing valves are operated by drives and are often controlled independently by a climate or crop computer.
Suction canvas
Suction storage is a popular system for drying and storing crops such as potatoes and onions in crates. It is also important to seal the head of the rows to prevent air loss. A simple solution is the use of suction canvas at the head of the crates. The canvas closes the pallet openings and the gaps on the head of the crates. This ensures that all the air passes through the crates. Complete closure may cause condensation. During ventilation, the suction canvas is often raised to position it freely above the crates. This ensures ventilation without condensation. When the storage computer indicates that ventilation is about to start, the canvas is lowered back onto the crates. The suction canvas can also be moved to easily add new crates.
Suction canvas
Suction storage is a popular system for drying and storing crops such as potatoes and onions in crates. It is also important to seal the head of the rows to prevent air loss. A simple solution is the use of suction canvas at the head of the crates. The canvas closes the pallet openings and the gaps on the head of the crates. This ensures that all the air passes through the crates. Complete closure may cause condensation. During ventilation, the suction canvas is often raised to position it freely above the crates. This ensures ventilation without condensation. When the storage computer indicates that ventilation is about to start, the canvas is lowered back onto the crates. The suction canvas can also be moved to easily add new crates.
Proper storage requires optimal control of the storage climate.
Operators of crop storage facilities need reliable storage conditions for potatoes, onions, or whatever the crop may be. Storage is about so much more than simply holding for later consumption. It is an art that involves handling, drying, cooling, temperature control, condensation and heating. Drive systems of De Gier are indispensable in every storage facility. They offer that extra level of reliability together with a storage facility climate control computer.
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