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Alternative Tips For Temporal Grain Storage

Secure Grain Storage

OVERVIEW

There is another option if you are caught short on storage and can’t find a bin set up for harvest, apart from taking grain to the elevator that may lead to market low price. Grains can be held outdoors for few months until you can get a new bin for storage, this would help in holding up some grains temporary to avoid or minimize quality loss. For grains stored in piles during winter weather with about 15% moisture or less does not necessarily have to be covered or aerated, it is in the following spring and summer that grains can be covered and aeration is necessary.

It is advisable to wait in piling grain outdoors until the final lap of the harvest, by that time the crop will have dried in the field and the temperature, around 50°F - 60°F, will be cooler for storage. Waiting until this time of harvest will ensure that grain is not exposed for long while a new bin is set up.

Tips For Grain Storage

Covers

Other tips on grain storage are effective but takes time, involve many instructions that can cause damage if neglected and more expensive. If you are searching for a simple means of covering grain that is not just effective but inexpensive, then the best choice is ALCO cover. The ALCO cover protects stockpile 100% from rain and other factors of damage, keeps the grain dry, can take more grain than any other means of storage, less instruction and a professional that can help in the installation and how to go about using the covers.

Grain Bagging

Grain baggage is another option of storing grains, for instance, a 10- foot diameter bag can be used to store up to 60 bushels per foot, it will cost about 5¢ to 7¢ per bushel for a single use storage bag, this includes loading and unloading equipment which is between $50,000 and $165,000. Grains should be dry and cool (50°F is ideal) before been put or stored in a bag.

Storage Space Estimating

Creating an outdoor storage is expensive, however, to avert excessive spoilage and quality losses, there is need to invest in site preparation. In preparing a site for storage, a good drainage system and the way a pad is created are important for the success of any site preparation. First in site preparation is estimating how much area of land you need to hold your crop overflow, follow the link for other steps: Emergency Storage of Grain: Outdoor Piling (publication MF-2363). When giving up space, area for conveying equipment and turning of trucks and trailers should be mapped out, trucks and trailers need about a ½ acre (or a 130-foot diameter) to turn around.

Protection From The Elements

Indoor Storage Space

Before carrying out your outdoor piling, consider possibility spaces in farmstead buildings. Old/Existing buildings can be used for storing grain temporarily if grains are not yet piled up against the outside walls, they can be piled up to 4 feet deep in the walls of temporal storage. The most economical response for short-term storage is the piling of grains on the floor and peaking the pile as much as possible, this was the final analysis, however, the ALCO cover is more economical and effective.

Pad

Select a site that is well drained, 1% - 2% slope is a good drainage, after your storage size must have been calculated, the storage pad should be crowned under the pile. Pad is created by mixing lime, and cement or fly ash in the soil before compacting it to reduce water intake, 6-mil plastic should be placed on the surface to prevent moisture from the ground wetting the grain. The standard amount of compression needed for a good pad should be about 95% of the proctor density, density gauge is used to measure the value and can be done by an engineering firm.

Aeration

Are you concerned about the center of the storage pile heating up? Ventilation ducts are positioned parallel to the axis of a pile rectangular in shape, the positioning matters a lot and plays a big role in cooling the pile’s core, it also makes it simple to remove the corn. Aeration demands low-velocity fans that provide approximately 0.1 cubic foot of air per minute per bushel of dry grain 15% moisture or less. Placing of ducts should be done 70 feet beyond the grain at the front and back end of the pile. For piles with a storage capacity of over 200 feet, ventilation of the core may be accomplished by running ducts from sides and intersecting at the center of an 80-foot duct parallel to the long axis, forming a T-shape.

Maximum Slope Achievement

The distance from the spout of the auger to the pile should be dropped to a minimum when building the pile, this will achieve maximum slope. The rolling of grains down the side of the pile shows the maximum angle of repose and pile height. Cover the pile with plastic tarps if the fall is wet and the pile is exposed for several months, 1 inch of rainfall distributed evenly across a pile can re-wet the top 12 inches of grain taking the moisture to 9%.

Protection From The Elements

Winter Rated

ALCO covers provide low temperature protection for the coldest climates.

UV Rated

ALCO covers provide UV protection for the sunniest hottest climates.

Wind Rated

ALCO covers provide extreme wind protection for the widest climates.

Rain Rated

ALCO covers provide rain protection for the wettest climates.

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Save Your Business From EPA Fees And Fines

Overview

The guidelines on the waste container used were not really strict and this leads to the successful running of a business. Businesses started taking a nose dive on February 16, 2017, when the EPA released new guideline for Construction General Permit (CGP), these rules where stricter compared to what companies were used to. Undoubtedly the rules affected lots of businesses who make use of waste containers in offices and job sites. The new rules point out the crackdown on how containers should be prevented from precipitation that can result in stormwater pollution. This new rule has replaced the 2012 CGP.

The new rules stipulated that waste container should be closed at all time, before and after use, at the end of every day. Business must make provision to replace or get a new container once the waste vessel lid is either missing or broken. In the meantime, a method of preventing the release of pollutants to the environment should be provided in curtailing pollution. These strict rules are a result of the continuous fight against pollution through stormwater runoff. The new EPA guideline has fines on companies and businesses who fail to adhere to the rules strictly. An amount ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 per day, will be placed as fine on businesses who fail to stick to the new rule.

Secure Protection Against Stormwater Runoff

What Causes Stormwater Runoff?

Over the years a close study has been done on stormwater runoff and the EPA have discovered various causes of stormwater runoff and pollution troubles. Waste Management is one of the causes of stormwater runoff. Before now, the EPA rule mandated industrial facility to use waste management as a form of their daily processes. It is of great importance that companies take up their responsibility in reducing stormwater runoff. The guide for Industrial Operators on Developing Stormwater Pollution Plan when waste materials contaminate stormwater is that it must be safe in a restricted environment. Dumpsters (see dumpster covers here)that are not covered are the most common compliance challenge that affects operator when it comes to SWPPP. Leakage is caused if waste containers are open or not sealed. Stormwater runoff can be prevented by containment of waste.

Stormwater runoff is dangerous to the environment; water from rain or snowmelt that flows over the ground picks up industrial pollutants from sites like roads, building, parking space, and construction site etc. the polluted water can get into a local water source such as rivers streams creeks etc. as well as being dumped in a sewer system.
Federal, state and local government pass rules, on companies and businesses, on how dumpsters must be covered. The content of stormwater runoff includes chemicals like nitrogen, litter, phosphorus, grease, and other forms of elements that cause harm to the environment. The new guideline requires companies and businesses to develop and maintain Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) which corresponds with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) industrial stormwater permit.

Protection From The Elements

Winter Rated

ALCO covers provide low temperature protection for the coldest climates.

UV Rated

ALCO covers provide UV protection for the sunniest hottest climates.

Wind Rated

ALCO covers provide extreme wind protection for the widest climates.

Rain Rated

ALCO covers provide rain protection for the wettest climates.

Solving The Problem

ALCO dumpster covers are the solution to major of the challenges we face in a construction site, companies, cities, home, and offices that use waste container. This cover offers a simple and effective solution for reducing stormwater leakage to the ground, and shield companies from noncompliance and fines. Another advantage of the ALCO dumpster cover is its ability to prevent rainwater and snowmelt from reaching into a dumpster. ALCO dumpster covers operate in a high-level procedure, although never was there strict enforcement of previous regulations before the new CGP guideline by EPA. This new rules are strict and enforced on businesses, the need for an effective cover of dumpster is of importance.

Companies and businesses now use tarps and bow system as an alternative to cover their dumpsters. This alternative method is undependable since the materials used are likely to sag or tear. Materials like tarps are not resistant to freezing and will become weighty, strong and difficult to use under heavy snow storm. Tarps might not hold water under a serious downpour. Issues of this nature will cause noncompliance with the new rules of CGP. ALCO dumpsters panel are made of 90% recycled high molecular weight polyethylene and are 100% recyclable. They can be fastened to the bottom of each container with nylon that has inflammable properties. With ALCO dumpster cover, there is no need for modification and hardware installation.

Keeping Fewer Fees and No Fine

With the use of ALCO dumpster cover, it will tremendously help with no exposure certification for exclusion from National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), stormwater permit and SWPPP certification (ISO14001). Concerns from industries about the need to cover open-air dumpster in other to be in compliance with stormwater regulations has increased, they have been notified of the looming increase in the restriction of stormwater regulations. For businesses and companies with the intention of keeping in compliance and reducing their fines and fees, ALCO dumpster cover is the solution.

Companies who use ALCO dumpster covers save money by reducing tipping fees and fines. Water-soaked waste and dumpsters with ice are more expensive to dispose of due to its weigh. They can be used to store valuable recyclables thereby preventing them from thieves. Illegal dumping, dumpster divers are reduced using the ALCO dumpster cover. This can lead to noncompliance with the new rules and regulation change of CGP released by the EPA. ALCO dumpster covers offer Affordable Solutions to help businesses and companies protect their environment and also avert them from going against the new rules and staying in compliance with all levels of government regulations. The cost for disposal and liability is lowered to a minimal rate.

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Invest In Covers On Your Outdoor Stockpile

OVERVIEW

Are you having challenges with your outdoor stockpile? Does your stockpile cause concern during inclement of weather? Don’t be surprised if your reserve needs protection regardless of weather forecast. Materials stored outdoors are at risk to water, wind and UV light damage, food such as salt, corn sugar or beats or raw materials like limestone, grain, sand, coal etc. are best protected under a stockpile. Maintenance of outdoor stockpile for various kinds of supplies have been the local practice, however, what’s new is that industrial and environmental professionals now understand the commercial, operational and environmental importance of preserving these goods with quality stockpile covers.

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Durable, Long-Lasting, And UV-Resistant

Best Practices

Stockpile always when you’re not working with the material. Below are other best practices for handling your stockpile:

Reduce the footprint.
Keep stockpile always covered.
Avoid dips and valleys at the top of your pile to forestall water and ice buildup.
Ensure there is enough access to acquisition inspections.
Keep Storing materials far from high-traffic areas.
Choose a stockpile site that will remain undisturbed for a very long period of time.
Putting sediment-control items, like logs, silt fence, straw bales, sandbags and rock socks around the edge of the stockpile.
Locating the stockpile away from drainage courses, drain inlets or targeted flows of stormwater.
Keeping liquids and dry materials on a different site.
Ensuring contaminated stormwater does not find its way into waterways, inlets, and catch basins.

Protection From The Elements

Winter Rated

ALCO covers provide low temperature protection for the coldest climates.

UV Rated

ALCO covers provide UV protection for the sunniest hottest climates.

Wind Rated

ALCO covers provide extreme wind protection for the widest climates.

Rain Rated

ALCO covers provide rain protection for the wettest climates.

Fast And Inexpensive Solutions

ALCO covers are known for having the largest panels in the industry, in over 150, 000 square feet at our facility, our covers provide economical way to store more products on a short and long-term basis. Reinforced polypropylene liners covers and tarps are manufactured at our facility and installation is as quickly as possible and they are cost effective. With our stockpile covers, you can complete your containment project with half of the estimated manpower within a short period of time leaving few liabilities.
Our team has the experience to decipher containment problems and fix them in no time, our jobs speak for us as we enter a new project with professionals on containment. Contact us if you have any challenge on containment.

Secure Your Investment

Let’s take a look at sandbags, made with burlap are often used in mass quantity for channel flood or direct traffic, they eventually rot outdoors if they are not protected from elements of damage, no matter what the form of these elements. Stockpile cover is also fit for covering raw materials like salt, lime, sand, mulch, fertilizer etc. the size of your cover is key to protecting your goods, either the standard cover or custom cover can be used depending on the size of what you intend to cover. Custom covers are used to cover not much shape of your property, they have the extra benefits to covering the exact size of a property, most times custom cover are more economical and portable than buying a cover too small or too large for a property. Hence, be sure of getting a cover with the needed strength to withstand harsh weather, when purchasing a cover, go for that with heavy duty high strength, puncture resistant, reinforced poly covers, these kinds of covers should last for many years and they come in various colors.

Protect The Environment

Not only your property will be in good form if your stockpile is covered from damage irrespective of the weather conditions. Covers are not used for covering inventory stockpile but also to reduce stormwater pollution against materials and offer compliance with stormwater rules. The environment is also at risk from polluted rainwater runoff, snowmelt runoff odor and windblown dust from inventory stored outdoors. Covers also prevent stormwater from washing over and across the open stockpile, leaving it contaminated and carrying the polluted particles off the environment.

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Alternative Grain Storage Solutions

OVERVIEW

If the possibility of having a bin put up before harvest is not coming through, and you are caught short on storage, there are other options which you have apart from taking grains to the elevator and suffering low prices.

Outdoor grain can successfully be held for a few months before a new bin is installed. The reason behind this is to create a temporal holding space to minimize the loss of grain quality. Dry corn stored in piles (15% moisture or less) during winter weather does not necessarily need to be covered or aerated. The only time when covers and aeration space are needed is when grain is stored in the next spring and during summer.

It is a good practice to wait and pile grain outdoors until the last harvest. This ensures that crop will have dried down to 15% or less and will be cooler. Waiting until the end of harvest helps the grain not to be exposed for long before rain while the new bin is finished.

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Tips For Long-Term Grain Storage

What About Aeration?

Ventilation ducts should be positioned parallel to the axis of a rectangular pile if you are concerned that it might heat up the center of the pile. By doing this it cools the pile's core and makes it easier to remove the corn. Aeration demands the low use of velocity fans that provide approximately 0.1 cubic foot of air per minute per bushel for dry grain.

Ducts should be extended to approximately 70 feet beyond the grain at the front and back end of the pile. Ventilation of the pile core of large piles of 200 feet or more, may be accomplished by running ducts from sides and intersecting at the center of every 80-foot duct running parallel to the long axis.

Indoor Storage Spaces

Before choosing outdoor piling, consider the possible spaces in farmstead building. These building can be used to store grain for a period of time if the grain is not piled against the outside wall. The depth of grains can be piled up to 4 feet along the walls for a short time storage. The most economical solution for a short-term storage is to pile grain on the floor and peak them in every possible means.

Protection From The Elements

Winter Rated

ALCO covers provide low temperature protection for the coldest climates.

UV Rated

ALCO covers provide UV protection for the sunniest hottest climates.

Wind Rated

ALCO covers provide extreme wind protection for the widest climates.

Rain Rated

ALCO covers provide rain protection for the wettest climates.

Estimate Storage Space

Grain outdoor storage is not without cost, although to avoid excess damage or loss, investment on-site preparation is vital. Adequate drainage system and modalities a pad is created determine its success. To achieve this you need to know how much area you intend to hold crop overflow. In the means of sizing up space, area for conveying equipment and maneuvering truck and trailers are included. To turn-around, trucks need ¼ to ½ acre / 130-foot diameter.

Creating Storage Pad

Once you know the actual storage size, select a location that is well drained. The pad should be crowned under the pile. A slope of 1%-2% provides good drainage. To create the pad mix lime, fly ash, or cement in the soil before packing it to reduce water permeability. The amount of compression needed to for a successful pad should be about 95% of the standard proctor density. Density gauge is used to measure the value of success by an engineering firm.

Maximum Slope

In the course of building a pile, make sure the drop distance from the stream of the auger to the pile is at a minimum. This will attain maximum slope. The maximum slope of repose and pile height occurs when grain rolls down the side of the pile.

Covering the pile with plastic tarps is necessary if the fall is wet and the pile has been exposed for a long time. 1 inch of rainfall distributed across a pile could possibly re-wet the top 12 inches of grain to near 9% of moisture.

Bagging System

Using a bagging system of 10-foot diameter bag can store up to 60 bushels per foot. Grains put in bags should be dry and cool. The cost of using a bagging system in a single use is around 5¢-7¢ per bushel, loading, and unloading inclusive, this will cost around $50, 000 to $165, 000.

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Advantages Of Using Stockpile Covers

Are You Having A Stockpile Challenge?

If the weather is bad, does your outdoor stockpile gives you concern? You should know that your reserve needs to be protected every time, whether there is going to be a change in weather or not. Even if climate change is not a factor, materials outdoor are prone to wind, water, UV and other elements of damage. Stockpile cover is the best protection you can get if you intend storing foods or raw materials such as salt, corn, sugar, limestone, coal, grain, etc.

Although the maintenance of outdoor stockpiles for various types of supplies has been a practice for long, what makes it unique is that industry and environmental professionals now know its commercial, operational and environmental importance to protecting these outdoor stockpiles with high-quality covers.

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Superior Protection Against Birds, Rodents, And Debris

Basic Reasons Why You Should Cover Your Outdoor Stored Inventory Are:

Your stockpile is protected from rain, wind and UV erosion and damage.
Keeps your inventory in prime condition by preventing manufacturing downtime.
Inhibiting polluted rainwater run-off, a wind blows dust and odor problems, thereby making certain that you attain environmental requirements without inflicting or irritating your neighbors and community.

Solutions

Stockpile cover provides an economical way to store products in bulk for a long term. ALCO, known for creating the largest panels in the industry. Over 150,000 square feet, High strength RPE and reinforced Poly Propylene (RPP) liners, prefabrication of covers are done in our facility and installation is quick and cost-effective. With these, your containment project will be completed in no time with less manpower and few liabilities.

With decades of experience, the ALCO team will solve all containment problems. We are ranked number one in service, speed, and a quality job. To learn more about containment solution for your project contact us today.

Protect Your Investment With Covers

For your property or investment to be saved, you need to invest in purchasing a stockpile cover, regardless of climatic condition. Protection from elements of damage is very vital. In the case of sandbags which are made of burlap and often used in mass for controlling flood or traffic, will eventually rot outdoors if left uncovered from elements of damage.

By now, you should know that stockpile cover is perfect for raw materials like salt, fertilizer, coal, gravel, lime, grain etc. To ensure your investments are well protected from damage, you can choose either a standard or custom cover. Both covers can serve anywhere but if you are looking for a fitted cover to be the exact size of what you need to cover then a custom cover is perfect. The custom cover can be very economical in the long run than purchasing a cover too large or too small.

Getting a cover that fits is not all you should focus on. Be sure that the custom cover you are purchasing will have the strength to withstand harsh weather. Covers with Heavy duty, punctured resistant, reinforced, high strength poly covers should last for a long period of time under normal circumstance. They come in various colors, making them look more unique.

Protection From The Elements

Winter Rated

ALCO covers provide low temperature protection for the coldest climates.

UV Rated

ALCO covers provide UV protection for the sunniest hottest climates.

Wind Rated

ALCO covers provide extreme wind protection for the widest climates.

Rain Rated

ALCO covers provide rain protection for the wettest climates.

Best Practices

Cover your stockpile when not in use.
Minimize footprint
Elude dips and valleys on top of your pile to avert water and ice buildup.
Ensure enough access to procurement and inspections.
Keep Storing materials away from high-traffic areas.
Choose a stockpile location that will remain undisturbed for a long time.
Place sediment-control items, such as logs, silt fence, rock socks, straw bales, and sandbags around the vicinity of the stockpile.
Stockpile should be kept away from drain inlets, drainage system or concentrated flows of stormwater.
Separate dry and liquid materials.
Ensure that contaminated stormwater is channeled to the right direction and not to waterways, inlets and catch basins.

Protect Your Environment

The function of covers is not to protect your stockpile only, but to reduce stormwater pollution from materials, and also to ensure compliance with regulations on stormwater. The environment is also put at risk when contaminated rainwater, odor and windblown dust emanating from the inventory stored outdoors. Covers prevent stormwater from washing over and across exposed stockpile and becoming contaminated thereby carrying polluted particles off the property.

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Grain Storage Methods Alternatives

OVERVIEW

Grain is stored often in the outdoor pile for a short period of time. But, rain is a challenge to an uncovered grain. Statistically, 1-inch of rain increases the amount of moisture in a 1-foot layer of corn by 9%. This automatically brings about the loss of at least 2-feet of grain on the pile surface.

Make Utmost Use Of The Sprayer

If there is a loss of 1-foot on the surface of a 25-foot high, cone-shaped pile, this is a loss of about 13% of the total grain. This is equivalent to losing $9,750 if the grain is valued at $1 per bushel.

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Perfect For Temporary Storage

Grain Covers

Grain covers are held tight with the combination of straps and suction from the aeration system. In other to conquer the challenge of condensation, perforate the grain to provide a controlled air intake for the aeration system and airflow near the cover.

Ducts should be placed on the ground beneath the pile to pull air through the grain. If a perforated grain wall is used, the aeration ducts close to the wall should not be perforated otherwise the airflow through the grain will not be enough to near the wall.

Perforation

Perforations for aeration ducts need to be sized and spaced correctly, to allow air to and fro the ducts in a uniform manner and get satisfactory airflow via the grain. This is calculated using the maximum spacing for aeration ducts equal the grain depth to attain suitable airflow uniformity.

Protection From The Elements

Winter Rated

ALCO covers provide low temperature protection for the coldest climates.

UV Rated

ALCO covers provide UV protection for the sunniest hottest climates.

Wind Rated

ALCO covers provide extreme wind protection for the widest climates.

Rain Rated

ALCO covers provide rain protection for the wettest climates.

Keep The Grain Safe From Rodents

Do you Intend Creating An Outdoor Pile?

If your answer to the above question is Yes, then you need to take note of the following:

Prevent water infiltration with covers, for aeration and wind blowing will not dry wet grain adequately to prevent spoilage.
Prepare the ground surface with lime, use ash or cement to stop soil moisture from reaching the grain.
Pile storage should be placed on floor higher than the surrounding ground to reduce moisture transfer from the soil to the grain.
Ensure the ground surface is crowned to avert moisture into the pile drains out rather than building a wet pocket that results in grain deterioration.
Examine the entire area to avoid flooding during major rain events.

Chilling Stored Grain

Chilling grain with aeration helps to reduce insect infestation potential. Temperature affects the function of insects. If the temperature is reduced to 60°F reproduction is reduced, it goes below 50°F insects become dormant and they can be terminated if the temperature reduces further to 30°F.

Chilling grain as outdoor temperatures cool reduces moisture movement and the condensation prospective near the top of the grain pile. Furthermore, grain moisture content and temperature affect the growth of mold and grain deterioration, with the permitted storage time approximately doubling with each 10°F reduction in grain temperature.

It is appropriate that grains be cooled anytime the average outdoor temperature is 10° or 15° cooler than the grain. It should be cooled to an equivalent degree or below 30°F for winter storage in northern states and below 40°F in states warmer temperatures.

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