Optimize Grain Aeration and Fan Efficacy in Your Bins

By Tom Miller

Getting the air out of a bin is as important as getting air in when it comes to drying and grain aeration for stored grain. The right static pressure in the bin is one of the keys for proper grain aeration. An oversized fan does not increase the airflow if the air cannot get out of the bin. This only provides higher static pressure, eventually resulting in the fan working against itself because the air volume blown into the bin is greater than the air volume that is able to escape. At that point, fan efficacy drops dramatically resulting in higher energy costs.

Ensuring fan efficacy

Using the right fan size (horse power and RPM’s) along with the proper square footage of roof openings (to allow the air and moisture to escape the bin), are important factors to how quickly and efficiently grain can be dried. Having proper moisture content of the grain allows you to maximize your price at the time of sale. Too high or too low of grain moisture content can result in dockage at the mill.  A simple survey of the bin is all it takes to determine the proper square footage of roof openings in order to optimize grain aeration and the efficiency of your fan.

For more information on grain bin roof vents or to request a survey of your grain bins, contact Tom Miller. Looking to make even more improvements to your grain handling setup? Check out these tips.