Significance of choosing the right material for grain storage
Inadequate infrastructure for storage is the major cause of post-harvest losses for all kinds of food grains in India, which is estimated at around 15% by Food Corporation of India. Usually grains are stored in bags in warehouses with many associated losses, including spillage, rodent attacks, bird droppings, theft/pilferage, etc.
A strong thrust towards modern and scientific means of grain storage is essential.
Steel silos at present are the best alternative for grain storage, thanks to their versatility, easy assembly, hygienic handling and low storage cost. Over the years, bulk material storage silos made of metal have played an important role in conservation of key natural or man-made resources. Large steel silos can be used to store various agricultural, commercial and industrial products such as grains, cement, fly ash and mineral materials, thus meeting the storage needs of most enterprises in modern society.
Most critical amongst them is grain and food storage as well as food processing units, that demand utmost hygiene and protection from external factors!
Many conventional warehouses today lack adequate ambience such as proper temperature and moisture which greatly affects the quality of grains and leads to damage and wastage of the produce. The grains get infested with moulds and insects due to lack of safe and scientific storage practices.
What is a Steel Silo?
A steel silo is a cylindrical storage warehouse made of galvanized coils. Steel silos can also be divided into spiral steel silos and assembled steel silos. The structural principle of the steel silo is very different from the traditional warehouse. They not only optimize space as compared to traditional storage options but are also an economic solution with long-lasting performance.
Characteristics of a Steel Silos
✓ They offer high tensile strength
✓ Designed to withstand snow loads & strong winds
✓ Built with a robust framework, enable optimum storage conditions
✓ Designed to adhere to soil conditions
✓ Economical Grain storage options than warehouse storage
✓ Termite, fire and mold resistant
✓ Easy and Quick to install
The storage industry’s demand for non-conventional, futuristic, lightweight and stronger material; has led to a well-researched, durable and the most trusted product in form of ZINCALUME® steel.
Well researched and scientific materials used for storages such as ZINCALUME® Steel help our farmers and exporters to keep the quality of the produce in line with international requirements thus reducing losses. This also helps in getting better prices in the global markets apart from savings, by reduction in losses and rejections by importers.
Most Advantageous Material for Silos:
Best known for its exceptional performance, ZINCALUME® steel manufactured and supplied by Tata BlueScope Steel, is the most preferred material for making metal silos. With more than five decades of global presence, ZINCALUME® steel made of 55% Aluminium, 43.4% zinc and 1.6% silicon, is a tried and tested formulae for long lasting performance.
Some of its highlights are:
✓ Offers excellent corrosion resistance. Remarkable Cut Edge Protection
✓ Looks newer for longer due to reduced oxidation, up to 4 times longer life than conventional steel material
✓ Light weight, Conventional GI sections of higher thicknesses can be replaced with lesser sections of ZINCALUME® steel resulting in less bulky structures
✓ Easy formability, ZINCALUME® steel has specific steel grades suitable for most forming operations, without sacrificing coating adhesion.
✓ Improved thermal efficiency and temperature control for storage
✓ Sustained durability with low maintenance in the long term
✓ Suitable for all weatherability and climatic conditions
✓ Made from sustainable material
ZINCALUME® silos are best suitable for grains. Due to high solar heat absorption of Galvanised Steel silos, the grains in contact with heated Galvanised Sheets tend to become brittle. ZINCALUME® steel on the other hand ensures lesser heat absorption thus avoiding loss in quality of grains stored.
Apart from silos, ZINCALUME® steel, a versatile material is aptly suitable for other formidable structures for human interactions. Be it LGF, pipe cladding, doors and window frames, drywall partition or solar mounting structures; you can rest be assured of the quality and performance of ZINCALUME® steel as an alternate application.
Do get in touch with us for more information by writing to us on contact@tatabluescopesteel.com or visit our website www.tatabluescopesteel.com