​Integral to many bulk materials handling and process systems is the need to store bulk solids, either at the point of delivery or as intermittent storage within the process.  Whether the product is to be stored in a silo or hopper, the key challenge is to ensure efficient filling, safe storage and reliable mass flow and discharge at the required rate.

 

Design of bulk material storage silos and hoppers must consider the following variables:

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• Material Properties

• Method of delivery of bulk material (e.g. pneumatic, bulk-bag, Front-End-Loader)

• Discharge rate

• Preferred Discharge Feeder (e.g. belt, screw, chain, rotary valve etc.)

• Site location and structural design criteria (e.g. wind and earthquake loads)

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"The key to designing reliable and efficient bulk materials storage solutions is the correct assessment of material properties".

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Aside from typical bulk material properties (bulk density, particle size, temperature and moisture content), flow property testing provides additional data for storage system design, including minimum openings to avoid bridging, minimum wall angles and wall materials to avoid hang-ups and friction coefficients to allow prediction of outlet loads during first fill and flow conditions.