What is a Silobag?

A polyethylene bag 60 metres long and 2.75 metres in diameter for storing grain in the open.   It is suitable for storing wheat ( up to 220 mt ) maize, barley, sunflower, soya , sorghum and other commodities.

 

What is a Silobag made of?

A laminated plastic sheet made of 3 layers of coextruded polyethylene that is 250 microns thick.

The first 2 layers make the bag weather proof and act as a UV filter.

The third layer is black and protects the grain from sunlight

 

How does a Silobag protect the grain?

It is sealed and airtight. The bag is designed to stretch by 10% ensuring the grain is packed tightly and most air is expelled at filling. After filling and sealing, the few pockets of air / oxygen are eliminated by the grain breathing thus producing a modified atmosphere, rich in CO2.

 

How is a Silobag filled?

With a specially designed bagging machine that can be filled from a harvester, a grain cart or any high volume auger. Bags can be filled at 250 mt per hour.

 

How is a Silobag emptied?

Using a specially designed unloader that opens the bag and lifts the grain to a grain cart or truck at 180mt per hour.

 

Where are Silobags stored?

In the open, on any clean, well drained ground that is free from sharp objects and does not have too steep an incline. This can be a harvested field as long as the crop stubble is not too spiky.

 

What is the risk of condensation inside the Silobag?

If the grain moisture is at or below recommended levels there is no incidence of condensation as the bag is airtight and so there is no movement of moist air.

 

What if there are insects in the grain that is stored in a Silobag?

The bag is an airtight environment, anything alive (insects, bacteria, the grain) consumes the limited oxygen in the bag and expels carbon dioxide. Usually within 30 days the oxygen volume in the bag drops from 20% to 3%, the carbon dioxide volume rises from 0% to 17%. The inside of the bag has become anaerobic.

 

 

How long can grain be stored in a Silobag?

If moisture levels are within recommended limits grain can be stored in a bag for up to 18months.

 

 

What levels of grain moisture can be stored in a Silobag?

It is recommended that grain be stored at the 'normal' standards of the country.  Wheat can be stored for up to 2 years if below 12% moisture but can be stored for shorter periods at levels as high as 16%.

 

 

Can Silobags be reused?

No, the Silobag has to be cut open along its length to be emptied.

 

 

What can be done with used Silobags?

Silobags can be recycled as each bag is made of 120 kg of high quality polyethylene.

 

 

How secure is a Silobag?

A Silobag can be opened with a sharp knife but cannot be transported. Pilferage from a Silobag needs a recipient to carry the spilled grain.

 

 

If a Silobag is damaged can it be repaired?

Minor damage can be repaired with tape.  Major damage requires that section to be unloaded and re-bagged. Undamaged sections can be resealed.

 

 

How are samples taken from a Silobag?

With a grain spear directly through the bag.  The small hole is resealed with tape.

 

 

Is a Silobag at risk from large animals?

Yes.  Large animals including dogs should be kept away from Silobags. Although made of tough plastic there is risk of physical damage from claws or hooves.

 

 

Is a Silobag at risk from vermin?

Yes. If the ground around the bag is not clear there is a risk that rodents make nests or burrows around or under Silobags and may cause minor damage to the bags.  If there is a risk of rodents, traps or bait should be placed at the perimeter of the bags.

 

 

What other risk of damage exists for Silobags?

Silobags should not be placed under trees to avoid falling branches and risk of birds.

The tops of bags should be left clean and clear so that no animals or birds are attracted.

 

Are there other brands of machinery from the ones you offer?

Yes. With over 5 years of experience we have selected the machines that are the most cost effective and fit for purpose. We also work with the manufacturers to develop ideas and improvements for handling Silobags.

 

Are there cheaper bags available than yours?

Yes - grains bags are made in many countries and have a wide range of qualities.  Our bags come from Argentina where the grain stored annually is close to 40 mln mt.  We believe our bags are the best and have seen cheaper bags that are difficult to handle and have split. The marginal extra cost on a 200 mt bag of grain is worth it!

 

 

Are Silobags affected by temperature?

Grain is stored in Silobags at temperature extremes with no adverse affect.  Bags have been filled in temperatures over 45 deg C in Australia and been covered in snow and left at minus 20 deg C in Canada. The bags are made of polyethylene which can be affected at temperature extremes, more elastic in heat, more brittle in cold. Having a low profile and contact with the ground heat dissipates quickly.

 

 

How much ground is needed to store gain in Silobags?

Depending on the grain, calculate 3 - 5,000 mt per hectare.

 

What is the limit of grain that can be stored in Silobags?

None! With available land, just fill more bags. There are grain 'parks' in South Africa that hold more than 50,000 mt of grains.

 

 

Do Silobags need to be maintained?

Not the bag itself but the ground should be kept clear of weeds and other trash so that no vermin is attracted. It is recommended that a quick check is done weekly to keep everything clear.

 

 

What is the risk of theft from Silobags?

Depends on where the bags are placed. In open unprotected ground there is always a risk that bags are cut open and grain stolen. Thieves would have to have a method to carry the loose grain from the open bag which is not movable. With grain parks a perimeter chain link fence is erected and 24 guards are placed.