What type of silo do I need?

Well, this is the beginning of "thoughts from the chair of a retired plastics guy". Today I was thinking about questions that are asked of me. One that comes to mind is the type of silo needed for storing plastic resin.

Silos are fabricated in various materials, sizes and configurations. There are round ones, squares ones and rectangular ones. The plastics industry typically uses the round skirted hopper silo for plastic pellets. Materials used are aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel or corrugated galvanized. Carbon steel silos can be epoxy coated on the interior and are painted on the exterior. Aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized silos do not need to be painted.

Prices range from the least expensive, galvanized, to the most expensive, bolted stainless steel. All silos need to be erected.

Sizes range from a truck full capacity, up to 45,000 lbs, to rail car capacity, up to 180,000 lbs. If you are filling your silo by truck, we usually design for 60,000 lbs (12 ft x 24 ft). If you are filling your silo by rail car, we usually design for 200,000 lbs (12 ft x 54 ft). In each case we design for a reserve to ensure the silo does not reach empty. These sizes are based on storing pellets and the silo having a 45 degree hopper. There are a multitude of sizes available and they can be designed for the storage of powder.

There are three types of round silos, welded, bolted and corrugated. Welded silos are good up to a 13 ft in diameter as this is the largest diameter that can be hauled over the road as they are shipped in one piece. Bolted are 15 ft and up in diameter. Bolted silos are disassembled for shipping and reassembled on site. They are shipped with 8 ft high sheets. The sheet length is dependent on the diameter of the silo. Corrugated hopper silos are available from 6 ft diameter to 18 ft diameter skirted and non skirted. It is recommended that outside installations be skirted. They are shipped disassembled and have to be assembled in the field. The sheets are approximately 32 inches high with the length determined by the diameter.

Accessories such as guard rails, ladders with cages, truck and rail filling capabilities, level sensing, and inventory control systems are available for all silos.

My silo of choice is the welded carbon steel epoxy coated interior with a skirted hopper. It is easily transported over the highway in one piece and can be easily set on the foundation at its destination.

For more information, visit us on the web - www.coastequipment.com or contact Amy - amy@coastequipment.com

Until next time ...

Ken
A retired plastics guy