Bin Storage Research Articles

The distribution of insect pests and the associated loss of stored sorghum in the Kena district of Konso Zone, South-Western Ethiopia.

Sorghum is a staple crop grown in the poorest and most food-insecure regions of Ethiopia. But storage insect pests are its key constraints that have been causing considerable loss. Accordingly, an assessment of the prevalence of insect pests and the associated loss of sorghum stored under farmers' traditional storages was done in randomly selected major sorghum-growing kebeles of Kena District using a nested design between November 1, 2019 and December 30, 2020. It was conducted through the sampling of one kg of grain from a total of 360 randomly selected farmers' storages. Pests' abundance was determined by dividing the total number of individual species by the total number of samples. A count and weight method was used to estimate percent grain damage and weight loss by pests. Sitophilus zeamais, Sitophilus oryzae, Sitotroga cereallella, Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Cryptolestes pusillus, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Plodia interpunctella were the pests identified from grain samples. When compared to mid-latitude, where they were found in the range between 2.36± 0.21 and 17.50±0.98 mean number of species, all of these pests had a considerably (p < 0.05) larger distribution in low-land kebeles, where they predominated in the range between 5.44±2.00 and 23.61±1.75 amean number. During the nine-month storage period, the degree of pest infestation, percentage of grain damage, and weight loss were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the bamboo bins when no management measures were implemented in the mid-land and low-land kebeles, respectively, than in the barn. Consequently, bamboo bin storage was considered ineffective for sufficient sorghum grain protection against pests and the associated loss over a longer storage period. But barn storage and the use of cultural pest management practices performed better in protecting stored sorghum from pests. Therefore, improving the bamboo bin storage method is needed to improve its grain protection efficacy.

Эффективная переработка полезных ископаемых определяется правильностью стратегии выбора техники и технологии при производстве работ. В современных условиях, когда необходимо наращивание производственной мощности действующих горно-обогатительных комбинатов, повышение производительности производства не может рассматриваться в отрыве от возможностей конкретного технологического оборудования. При решении вопросов повышения эффективности горно-обогатительного оборудования требуется особо уделять внимание оптимизации его взаимодействия в единой технологической схеме. Общеизвестно, что на горно-перерабатывающих

The efficiency of mineral processing is determined by the correct selection strategy for equipment and technology in the production process. In the present-day context, when it becomes necessary to increase the production capacity of existing mining and processing plants, enhancing the production capacity cannot be considered in isolation from the potential performance of the specific process equipment. When addressing the challenges associated with improving the efficiency of mining and processing equipment, special attention needs to be paid to streamlining its interaction within a unified process flowchart. It is generally known, that the bin storages at mining and processing facilities are intended to receive rock mass and secure batching and uniform supply of loose and lumpy materials from the bin to the downstream technological equipment. The bin storage parameters have to be defined with account of the properties of the materials to be used. The aim of this study is to develop an optimal design of the bin-and-feeder system that would ensure the material path close to the brachistochrone curve. Based on the presented analytical dependences, the main characteristics of releasing the mineral raw material from the bin-and-feeder systems have been established for the conditions of mining and processing plants. The received data can be used in further research to provide a mathematical model of material flow, as well as in the finding an optimal design of the bin. A complex approach that included a system scientific analysis and generalization of previously published studies was used in addressing the tasks set. An approach is suggested to develop a promising design of the bin-and-feeder system to deliver the mineral raw materials based on using the guides that would ensure the material flow as close to the brachistochrone curve as possible. This approach can be implemented in the bin-and-feeder systems for ore processing plants in order to reduce the energy consumption for the transportation and feeding of the mineral raw materials.

Order picking heuristics for online order fulfillment warehouses with explosive storage

Fulfillment Warehouses (F-Warehouses) convert online customer orders into a delivery package. Key differences between a traditional and an F-Warehouse are (i) a very large number of small storage bins, (iii) an explosive storage policy that disperses inventory of each item to multiple bins, and (iii) commingled bin storage. The paper introduces the explosive storage picking problem, which is a special case of the traditional order picking problem. Since they stock items in multiple locations, there are multiple picking options for each item. A picklist for several items is generated from the current inventory dispersion and the objective is to minimize the picklist bin range. The problem is first formulated as an MIP and then three fast solutions, SpaceX MIP, H1, and H2 are presented. The H1 and H2 seed heuristics use weighted bin order fillability, as a surrogate for the probability a seed bin will generate short picklists. For small problems, SpaceX MIP found the optimal solution. Larger problems compared H1 and H2 with the SpaceX MIP solutions. On average, the H1 solution was 34% longer while the H2 solution was only 18% longer. The H1+2 strategy selects the shorter of the two solutions. For 62% of problems, H1+2 matched the SpaceX solution, and for only 17% of problems, the solution was worse than 20%. We tested H1+2 on an F-Warehouse simulator and it achieved 40% faster fulfillment relative to the benchmark.

Basic aspects determining dynamics of storage pests’ population in technocenoses of grain storage facilities of the Republic of Belarus

Nowadays the problem of storage pests is of current interest, as arthropods living in grain storage facilities and eating grain cause both direct and indirect damage. As a result of the research carried out in 2019–2020 in storehouses of Belarus, the species composition of stored grain pests including 17 species was specified. The paper focuses on the aspects affecting the change of species composition, dominance structure, dynamics of pests’ population when agricultural products are stored in grain storage facilities. It has been determined that the structure of fauna depended on the method of storage (floor storage, bin storage), purpose of products (seed or forage grain), construction and types of storage facilities (airproof, not airproof). In unfilled storehouses coleopterans dominated with a floor storage (84.4 % of the total number), and ticks at bin storage (56.3 %). In grain storage facilities for seeds grain ticks were additional species (27.5 %), and they were permanent in storage facilities for forage grain (52.9 %). The pests were not discovered in disinfected airproof grain storage facilities with seed grain. Abiotic factor (temperature and air humidity) is a key predictor regulating dynamics of the population of stored grain pests during winter and spring-summer periods. The reduction of sensitivity of lesser grain borer (death in 50 %) and ticks (death in 73.6 %) to insectoacaricide with pirimiphos methyl as well as rice weevil (50 %), rust-red grain beetle (20 %) and ticks (48.5 %) to the composition of bifenthrin and malathion was identified for the first time in Belarus. The data indicating obligatory after harvest treatment of grain (cleaning and drying) were obtained, as soon as the absence of these elements in the protection technology brings about the development of ticks during autumn-spring period. The findings can be used for the development of antiresistant and ecologically sound systems of protection against storage pests.

Study on vibration characteristics of ship mining system under composite load

The load that borne by ship mining system is very complex. The vibration of lifting pipe can be significantly affected by ocean current and wind load, which has a key impact on material lifting, ore bin storage and ship towing. Considering the composite load condition, the vibration control equation of mining ship is established based on the transverse swing mechanism of ship hull, and the variation law of transverse disturbance is obtained. The dynamic equation is constructed according to the bearing characteristics of the lifting system and the D’Alembert principle. The Wilson method is used to analyze and obtain the transverse vibration spectrum response of the lifting pipe under different wind loads, hull disturbance velocity and water depth. Based on the analogy method and hammering method, the vibration feedback test-bed of the lifting system is built, and the time-domain and frequency-domain vibration characteristics of the lifting pipe model under different water depths are obtained. The results show that in shallow water, the disturbance of mining ship and the composite load of ocean current are the key factors affecting the vibration amplitude of lifting pipe respectively. With the increase of water depth, the characteristic frequency and amplitude of the system decrease, and the amplitude gradually presents a discontinuous phenomenon.

A comparison of foraging‐range sizes, flight distances and foraging habitat preferences in urban and rural House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) populations

Lack of food for nestlings is a crucial factor influencing population size and dynamics in birds. It is one of the most cited reasons for recent House Sparrow Passer domesticus population declines in cities and rural settlements. However, a detailed comparative study of habitat use by parents delivering food to offspring in different environments is still missing. To obtain the most detailed information on fine‐scale foraging habitat selection, foraging‐range size, flight distance and foraging duration in typical Central European urban and rural environments, we conducted systematic observations of colour‐ringed focal individuals feeding their offspring. We found that urban House Sparrows had larger foraging‐range sizes and longer foraging distances than rural birds. Additionally, some preferred habitats, such as ruderal and woody vegetation, occurred less frequently in the urban area and consequently increased flight distance to key sources of invertebrate prey. In both environments, the most selected habitats – bin storage areas and poultry holdings – offered a stable and rich but probably lower quality ‘fast food’ source. Birds were willing to fly a longer distance to forage at bin storage areas, tall ruderal vegetation and poultry holdings. Our findings imply that natural food sources in the urban environment are scarce and scattered. Due to the improvement of socio‐economic status associated with better handling of waste products in both urban and rural environments, sprawl of highly urbanized areas and intensification of farming, important foraging habitats have thus decreased. We highlight the importance of maintaining suitable small‐ and medium‐scale farms in rural areas and suggest improvements in the management of green spaces in all types of human settlements that may support House Sparrow populations.

Experimental studies of a seed disinfection device

This article deals with one of the most pressing problems at present - reducing seed germination loss during storage in grain bins. The quality of the grain determines the germination rate of the seed and its maturity. However, anyone involved in agriculture can say with certainty that seed treatment before planting - “seed disinfection” - is just as important. Seed disinfection is a targeted procedure that aims to protect the seed economically and ecologically. Special preparations (pesticides) and their combinations are used for this purpose. The equipment used for seed disinfection in many plants does not always meet modern agrotechnical requirements of treatment quality, consequently it is necessary to develop technology and design of technical means with justification of its design and technological parameters. During the work, experimental methods such as simulation, observation, experiment were used. On the basis of this, the technological scheme and design of the unit for disinfection of grain in the flow when putting in storage was obtained and the optimal parameters of the proposed device were determined.

Dem simulations on gate loads and bin storage characteristics before discharge

Increasing demand has seen the requirement to accurately determine the gate loads of storage bins for the optimised design of the supporting structures and operation efficiency. The Australian Standard - AS3774 considers that gate loads are highly dependent on the degrees of bulk solids compressibility and gate structure rigidity and calculates gate loads in an empirical way. However, our previous experimental work has found that AS3774 overestimates the gate loads of a test bin operating with iron ore. In this study, the research is extended by using the DEM to describe the gate loads, in conjunction with the bin storage characteristics. The simulation results are compared to the experimental measurements and the theoretical predictions. It is suggested that the passive stress state may be partially ignited due to the deformation of the bulk solids and gate supports before discharge.

The dynamic stocking location problem – Dispersing inventory in fulfillment warehouses with explosive storage

Online order fulfillment warehouses (F-Warehouses) are a critical component of the physical internet. F-Warehouses convert online customer orders into physical delivery packages with an operational goal of fast fulfillment. Structurally F-Warehouses are unlike traditional warehouses and key differentiators are, a very large number of small bin locations, an explosive storage policy, and commingled bin storage. In explosive storage, an incoming bulk is separated into small lots which can be stocked in any bin throughout the warehouse. As orders flow in, this inventory dispersion increases the probability that a picker can locate multiple ordered items within a short distance. The dynamic stocking decision then is, where to stock the arriving inventory lots, such that picking algorithms can generate more efficient picklists and achieve the fast fulfillment goal. The paper presents first, an objective function for the dynamic stocking location problem and then formulates it as a mixed-integer program. The objective is a function of the weighted order fillability of each bin and models’ item-to-item order correlations. Two heuristics that solve the problem in a time-efficient manner are developed. Both heuristics performed well, with one providing a solution within 10% of the MIP solution 82% of the time. Using a database driven simulator, experimental runs were conducted on a problem with 22,000 orders. The results show the proposed stocking objective and associated heuristic reduced fulfillment time by 6.69%–11.19% relative to a segmented random rule. Performance improved by as much as 3.4% when the stocking bandwidth was increased from 20 to 40, while fulfillment time declined consistently with an increasing explosion ratio.

On-board Live Storage of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua): Effects of Capture Stress, Recovery, Delayed Processing, and Frozen Storage on Fillet Color Characteristics

ABSTRACT On-board live storage of Atlantic cod caught by trawl was evaluated as a potential method to improve the color characteristics of fillets. Before slaughter and processing, the fish were: (i) stored live for 3–6 h, (ii) kept in dry bin, or (iii) stored on deck for 5 h post capture (without bleeding). Blood chemistry and white muscle biochemistry were determined after capture and live storage. Fillet color and presence of discolorations were assessed on board (fresh) and after frozen storage (market quality). All fish were considerably stressed by capture and did not recover to baseline levels after live storage. Processing just after capture, live or dry bin storage, resulted in fillets with good color characteristics. Delayed processing (5 h) resulted in fillets with inferior color characteristics. The color characteristics of fillets evaluated on board and after frozen storage followed a similar pattern, although fillets from all treatments exhibited a more yellowish tint after frozen storage. Under the present catch and processing conditions, live storage on board did not improve the color characteristics of cod fillets. Color analysis indicated that consumers would only be able to identify worst-case fillets cut from unbled fish as being inferior to fillets from all other treatments.

Influence of Kernel Shape and Size on the Packing Ratio and Compressibility of Hard Red Winter Wheat

Abstract. Grain compaction occurs during bin storage, and its determination is important for the grain mass estimation needed for inventory and auditing. The degree of compaction is dependent on grain type, bin type, moisture content, amount of grain, initial grain bulk density, coefficients of friction, lateral-to-vertical pressure coefficient, and variation in kernel size. Previous studies have correlated several of these parameters, such as bulk density and grain packing, with moisture content. This study investigated the influence of wheat kernel shape and size distribution on packing ratio and compressibility. Two dockage-free hard red winter (HRW) wheat samples, with no shrunken or broken kernels, were sieved using U.S. Tyler sieves #6, #7, #8, and #10, and the kernels retained on the sieves were used in the experiments. The kernel dimensional parameters and bulk sample parameters were measured, and additional derived parameters were calculated for each size fraction and variety. Packing ratio and compressibility of the size fractions and of binary and ternary mixtures of the size fractions were also determined for each variety. Packing ratio increased with larger kernel size, while compressibility decreased. Sphericity and flatness shape factor had strong positive linear relationships with packing ratio and strong negative relationships with compressibility, while elongation shape factor behaved the opposite way with packing ratio and compressibility. The higher the percentage mass of the larger kernel fraction in a mixture, the higher was its packing ratio and the lower its compressibility. The two tested varieties of wheat did not significantly differ in packing ratio and compressibility. These findings can be used in developing models for more accurate estimation of grain pack factor and to determine the mass of grain inside bins and other storage structures. Keywords: Compressibility, Packing, Shape, Size, Wheat.

Engineering methods to reduce aflatoxin contamination of corn in on-farm bin drying and storage systems

ABSTRACTOn-farm, in-bin drying of corn is weather dependent process that requires a careful selection of drying strategy in a locality to prevent reduction in the grain quality. This study simulated drying and storage of corn using different fan control methods and assessed the impact of infrared heat treatments to decontaminate corn of harmful molds spores. Fan operation considered included running the fan continuously, only at night (NANO), only during the day (NADO), at a set window of equilibrium moisture content of natural air, and when supplemented with heating of ambient air. The drying was investigated at various initial moisture contents (16 to 22%, wet basis), air flow rates (1.11 to 4.46 m3 min−1[air] t−1 [corn]) and corn harvesting start dates (August 15–November 15). To prevent aflatoxin contamination, freshly-harvested corn should be dried within 10 days to MC below 15% if prevailing relative humidity exceeds 86%.

CFD modeling of air flow distribution in rice bin storage system with different grain mass configurations

Poor airflow distribution in grain mass during in-bin aeration, drying and storage may lead to moisture content variations that could be detrimental to grain quality. The effects of grain mass configuration and porosity on airflow distribution inside a rice bin were investigated using three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations and experiments. A finite volume method with porous media formulation was used to simulate air flow characteristics in peaked, inverted, and levelled grain mass configurations for long-grain rough rice with a porosity of 0.55, and mean particle size distribution of 2.94 mm. The airflows through the rough rice masses were simulated for airflow rates of 0.55, 0.825 and 1.1 m 3 min −1 [air] t −1 [rice]. The model was validated using a bench scale pressure drop system and an actual long-grain rice in-bin storage with peaked grain mass configuration having a capacity of 700 Mt. The results showed that long-grain rice has viscous and inertial resistance coefficients of 9.72E+06 and 36,185, respectively. Non-uniform airflow distribution dominated peaked and inverted grain mass configurations with peaked configuration having the highest restriction to airflow. Airflow at peak positions in the bed were significantly (p

Exposures to Carbon Monoxide from Off-Gassing of Bulk Stored Wood Pellets

There has been a significant increase in use of wood pellets in residential and commercial scale boiler systems within New York State, such an increase will lead to increased storage of bulk pellets in homes and buildings. Serious accidents in Europe have been reported over the past decade in which high concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) have been found in bulk pellet storage bins. Thus, additional exposure data for CO in pellet bin storage areas are needed to assess the potential hazards. Using calibrated CO sensors, continuous CO measurements were made from the spring 2013 to spring 2014 in a number of wood pellet storage bins in New York State. The CO sensors, in some cases, in conjunction with sensors for CO2, O2, relative humidity, and temperature, were installed in a residential basement, an external storage silo, and several boiler room storage areas in schools and a museum. Peak concentrations in these pellet storage locations ranged from 14 ppm in the basement residence to 155 ppm inside the ...

A System to Assess Grain Bag Storage Internal Environment

<abstract><title><italic>Abstract.</italic></title> Alternative grain storage systems have been adopted when traditional bin storage capacity is exceeded or unavailable. One method is grain bag (silo bag) storage systems. This system has been used for silage or high-moisture grain storage, has been employed for dry grain in other regions of the world, and is gaining acceptance in the U.S. Little peer-reviewed research is available to describe the grain bag internal environment and its effect on grain quality. In the reviewed studies, there was no consistency in the approach taken to characterize the grain bag environment. The objectives of this study were to design and fabricate a sensor system to measure the internal environment of a grain bag, to apply this sensor system under field conditions, and describe instrumentation considerations for grain bags. An instrumentation system of linearly mounted thermocouples and relative humidity (RH) sensors was developed. The linear sensor arrays have a sampling interval as low as 30 s. The system RMS error for measuring temperature (T) and RH were 0.6°C and 3.1%, respectively. The system was field tested and recorded internal environmental parameters for corn stored in grain bags. A defined peripheral layer that strongly responded to external ambient conditions was identified, which was expected. Temperatures were stratified within the peripheral region. To characterize the internal temperature of a grain bag, temperature measurements need to be taken at a minimum of three depths: at the internal bag surface, within the peripheral temperature region, and within the core temperature region. Collected T and RH data were used to describe the grain equilibrium moisture content. There were errors associated with both the measurement and calculation of EMC. Errors caused by measurement error were less than 2% for all temperatures between 20% and 80% RH. Researchers, producers, and grain managers could use a similar system to monitor grains stored using this alternative storage system and to make effective management decisions.

Effects of on-board storage and electrical stunning of wild cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) on brain and heart activity

Cod and haddock captured with commercial trawling gear were taken immediately after landing on deck to on-board storage in dry bins for measuring brain and heart activity, and behaviour. Other groups were first stored in holding tanks and then electrically stunned with a prototype “dry stunner”. For stunning 52Vrms was applied on individual fish for 1s. As a result, the cod and haddock received an electrical current of 0.34±0.09 and 0.36±0.12Arms, respectively. Electrical activity in the brain and heart was measured before and after electrical stunning. The fish remained conscious for at least 2h after landing and during on-board storage as indicated by the electrical activity measured in brain and heart. Behavioural responsiveness to administered stimuli was absent in both species. After electrical stunning, both species showed a general epileptiform insult which was characterised by a tonic phase followed by a clonic phase and terminating with an exhaustion phase.Since the fish remained conscious after landing and storage, electrical stunning and subsequent killing with a throat cut, may provide an option for improving fish welfare on-board commercial fishing vessels. In particular, we recommend to stun and kill wild cod and haddock as soon as possible after landing on deck using a dry stunner applying 52Vrms (coupled AC/DC current) for more than 3s.

Supply Chain Management to Maintain Microbiological Integrity of Processed Grain Ingredients

Grain ingredients, such as heat-treated wheat flour, may be processed to achieve a reduced microbiological profile. However, these ingredients are subject to microbiological recontamination in the postprocess handling environment. Specific operations that often present challenges to maintenance of the microbiological integrity of processed grain ingredients include pneumatic material transfer systems, bin storage, packaging and bulk load out operations, and transportation. Supply chain management tools, including sanitation, sanitary design principles, Good Manufacturing Practices, and a pathogen environmental monitoring program can help manufacturers overcome these challenges and maintain the microbiological integrity of processed grain ingredients in the postprocess handling environment.

Food Security: Agriculture and Gender Relations in Post Harvest Storage

Provision of food has always been a challenge facing mankind. A majorcornerstone in this challenge is the competition from insect pests. While some pest-associated losses occur when the crops are standing in the farms or greenhouses, others are caused during storage in bins and granaries. Improvements in agricultural productivity are necessary to increase rural household incomes and access to available food but are insufficient to ensure food security. Achieving food security in its totality continues to be a challenge not only for the developing nations, but also for the developed world. Food security not only requires an adequate supply of food which also entails availability, access, and utilization of the food but also take into consideration post-harvest storage to prevent losses. In many African countries, subsistence farmers, regional scientists, and extension specialists rely on local plants for many medicinal needs and are amenable to using traditional plant materials for insect pest management. This paper discusses the rate of post harvest losses and sustainability of the agricultural policies and the role of the female gender in this issue.

저장방법에 따른 벼의 저장특성

The objective of this study was to investigate the adequate storage method that was able to maintain the high quality of rough rice according to storage methods and period. The quality change of the rough rice during the storage period was evaluated by storage method such as cooling bin using winter cold air, ordinary temperature bin, freezing, refrigeration and indoor storage. Moisture content, brown rice whiteness, hardness, crack ratio and germination ratio were measured in this study. Moisture content of rough rice stored in cooling bin using winter cold air and ordinary temperature bin were decreased by 0.07% and 0.42%, respectively, which were lower than the other storage method. The hardness of brown rice increased in order of storage method such as winter cooling bin, normal bin, freezing storage, refrigeration storage and indoor storage. Crack ratio by indoor and ordinary temperature bin storage were increased by 2.68% and 3.63%, respectively, whereas cooling bin using winter cold air, refrigeration and freezing storage showed below 1.0%. The highest germination rate was found in cooling bin using winter cold air. As a result, cooling bin using winter cold air can be evaluated for the adequate storage method of rough rice.

겨울철 냉기를 이용한 벼의 저온저장 (II) - 빈상부 쿨링시스템을 이용한 냉각 벼의 저온저장 특성 -

Storage rough rice in low temperature using the winter cold air avoids rough rice temperature increase which happens from early May, and this is possible by installing a cooling system in the top of a bin, the room between top rice level and bin ceiling. The research objective is to establish low temperature rough rice storage technique, furnishing winter cold air to rough rice, by investigating the cooling system potential of maintaining low rough rice temperature and by analyzing rough rice storage characteristics over a storage period. The rough rice storage characteristics were evaluated from January to August 2003, using a storage and dry bin of 400-ton capacity. Results of this research are as follows: Cooling bin using the cooling system in the top of the bin maintained the rice temperature less than 15<TEX>$^{\circ}C$</TEX> in entire portions in August. Moisture contents and germination rates of rough rice were decreased over the storage period, on the other hand, the rough rice stored in the ambient temperature bin had relatively lower moisture contents and germination rates to compare with the bin using winter cold air. Crack ratio and acid value of brown rice in the ambient temperature bin storage had increased more than the cooling bin storage. The result indicates that the storage bin using winter cold air and the cooling system maintains moisture content and germination of rice, minimizes cracked kernel and acid value, and preserves rice quality as well.