Automated Grain Aeration Control 

Automated grain ventilation is more efficient as it triggers based on the temperature difference between outside temperature and inside temperature of the silos and flat storages. This makes ventilation to run only those periods when needed, making it more control and precision method as compared to manual ventilation control. 

Running fans without considering storage conditions pose serious risks to storage.

How automated grain aeration control works

Automated aeration combines continuous grain and ambient temperature monitoring with precise fan control. The Quanturi grain monitoring system removes the need for manual checks by integrating smart aeration control with continuous temperature data, enabling remote management and informed decisions. This improves grain quality while reducing labour and operational risk.

Why it's important to run aeration in grain storages

Prevention of insect growth in grain storages

Automated ventilation control systems help to prevent post harvest losses due to insects. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in Queensland found with the help of aeration controller in grain storages, optimal temperature can be achieved which helps to maintain grain quality and stop inhibits insects’ development.

 

According to the research conducted by Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC), most storage pests stop developing at temperatures below 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). At warmer temperatures of 30–35 °C (86–95 °F), insects complete their life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, adult) in approximately 4 weeks, resulting in rapid population growth. However, at cooler temperatures of 20–23 °C (68–73 °F), insect development slows significantly, extending the life cycle to 12–17 weeks.

Aeration drying and cooling supports Temperature control

Naturally grain seed is an effective insulator, and it can keep its harvest temperature for a very long time. In a store grain, there could be many hot tiny pockets. For instance, 100 tonnes of grain required a silo with a volume of about 130 cubic meters, 80 meter cubic for grain and 50 cubic meters for air space. Around 38% of the total storage capacity Grains Research & Development Corporation.

Significant reduction in energy consumption

Using automated ventilation control or monitoring storage temperature to guide aeration decisions can save approximately 10–15% in energy costs. Such systems optimize ventilation schedules by running fans only when needed for drying or cooling and avoiding operation during peak electricity hours when rates are highest.

How to aerate grain storages with automated ventilation control systems

The Quanturi temperature monitoring system automates aeration by using the Tango M multiple sensor probes, which wirelessly measure both ambient and grain bed temperatures at various depths. The system connects to a software application, allowing users to monitor conditions and set aeration rules easily, without labour-intensive manual work. Fan will run based on your conditions and only when needed.   

Airflow considerations for effective silos ventilation

For silos with a capacity of around 100 tonnes, effective aeration can be achieved using airflow rates of 2–3 liters per second per tonne. This airflow can be supplied by an electric motor rated at approximately 0.37 kilowatts (0.5 horsepower). Grain Research and Development Corporation recommends airflow rates of 2–4 liters per second per tonne for cooling, and significantly higher rates of 15–25 liters per second per tonne when drying is required.

Grain cooling and dring serves different purposes 

Grain aeration systems are generally designed to perform one primary function: either cooling or drying. While both processes involve moving air through stored grain, the airflow rates and equipment requirements differ significantly. Trying to use one system to do both jobs can lead to inefficiencies and increase the risk of grain quality issues.

When to aerate grain for cooling

Aeration cooling is particularly effective during the initial storage cycle, especially when grain is harvested at approximately 15.5% moisture content and a temperature of around 30°C. Once placed into storage, grain temperature can rise rapidly, reaching up to 40°C within a few hours. Aeration cooling reduces the temperature to about 20°C and helps maintain grain temperatures between 17–24°C throughout November.

How to cool grain with optimal airflow rate

Aeration cooling requires relatively low airflow rates, typically around 2–3 litres per second per tonne. These systems are usually powered by small electric motors of about 0.37 kilowatts (0.5 horsepower). When operated under suitable conditions, cooling aeration helps lower grain temperature and maintain it at safe levels, reducing insect activity and preserving grain quality.

The risk of using high capacity fans for cooling

While high-capacity fans are effective for drying, they can be risky when used for cooling. If these fans operate when ambient relative humidity exceeds 85 percent, moisture can be rapidly added to the grain rather than removed. This highlights the importance of understanding fan capacity and monitoring weather conditions before operating aeration systems.

When to aerate grain storage for drying

When grain moisture content exceeds the recommended level, it must be dried using aeration or other drying techniques. Failure to do so can lead to mold growth and a loss of quality, reducing nutritional value and harming germination potential for the next crop.

How to dry grain with optimal airflow rate

Drying grain demands much higher airflow rates generally between 15–25 litres per second per tonne. To achieve this, fans are commonly driven by larger motors of around 7 kilowatts (10 horsepower). The higher airflow is necessary to push a drying front through the entire grain stack, removing excess moisture efficiently.

The risk of using low capacity fans for drying

Low-capacity fans cannot move the drying front quickly enough through the grain. As a result, the grain in the upper layers of the storage can remain wet for too long, creating ideal conditions for mould growth. This can lead to spoilage, quality downgrades, and potential financial losses.

Workaround when your storage has only drying fans

For storages fitted only with high-capacity drying fans, there are several options to safely achieve cooling. These include reducing fan run time, installing a smaller fan dedicated to cooling, restricting the fan inlet to lower airflow, or fitting a variable speed drive to reduce fan speed. Each option helps minimise the risk of moisture uptake during cooling. 

Matching aeration systems to your storage goals

Choosing the right aeration system depends on whether the primary goal is cooling or drying. Systems designed for cooling are energy-efficient and ideal for temperature management, while drying systems are more powerful but require careful operation. Matching equipment to the intended storage outcome is essential for maintaining grain quality.

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Quanturi Grain Monitoring System 

  • Detects temperature rise early

  • Sends temperature alerts

  • Eliminates manual temperature checks

  • Automated ventilation control

  • Easy setup, plug and play system 

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