Cooling Potential of Bin Stored Wheat by Summer and Autumn Aeration

Mohamed Nejıb El Melki,Khaled El Moueddeb,Abdullah Beyaz

doi:10.15832/ankutbd.715508

Abstract

A one-dimensional mathematical model based on the formulation of mass and energy balance in stored grain was used to simulate grains storage conditions. The objective of such simulations was to produce grain ventilation strategies. The model was validated using data obtained from the monitoring of wheat stored in a galvanized steel cylindrical tank with corrugated conical bottom ventilated by perforated distribution pipes. A control strategy based on night time aeration from July to November followed by day time aeration for December to January was applied. Good agreement between the predicted and measured storage conditions has been observed (R2= 0.9698, S.E.= 1.479 °C in average temperature and R2= 0.99, S.E.= 0.00079 kg kg-1for moisture content). Night time grain aeration provided sufficient cooling (temperature near 10 °C in November). However, an 18% grain humidification process was induced. Day time aeration started at the end of November corrected this humidification effect for a grain temperature of 15 °C and a grain moisture content of 15% on dry basis.

Highlights

A one-dimensional mathematical model based on the formulation of mass and energy balance in stored grain was used to simulate grains storage conditions
During the Tunisian summer and fall, the ambient air is characterized by a high daytime temperature and low relative humidity, and a lower night temperature with a higher relative humidity
The objective of the project was to validate a simulation model to recommend aeration schemes for grain stored under Tunisian climatic conditions

Summary

Introduction

A one-dimensional mathematical model based on the formulation of mass and energy balance in stored grain was used to simulate grains storage conditions. The objective of such simulations was to produce grain ventilation strategies. Simulation models can economically be used to predict the temperature and moisture of stored grain, under different climatic conditions and aeration strategies. These models are used to evaluate the efficacy of ambient air aeration, to estimate the maximum safe storage period for grain and to predict the required aeration time. Many mathematical models are available to simulate the heat and the mass transfers in aerated bulk stored grains. (Jia et al 2001; Thorpe 2001; Andrade et al 2002 ; Iguaz et al 2004)

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Conclusion