Grain Storage Fact Sheet: Performance testing aeration systems

Aerating grain in storage creates cool, uniform moisture conditions throughout the grain bulk. Cool grain temperatures slow or stop insect pest development and maintain grain quality.

A simple device called an ‘A-Flow’ has been developed to measure the air-flow rate of an aeration system to check its performance.

KEY POINTS

• Aeration cooling creates cool, uniform conditions to maintain grain quality.
• An ‘A-Flow’ device can measure air-flow rate of an aeration system, determining its capability for cooling or drying.
• Measuring air-flow is best done when the storage is full, which creates the normal back-pressure on the fan insuring actual operating conditions for testing.

For more information, visit www.storedgrain.com.au

• Performance testing aeration systemsGrain storage fact sheet: Performance testing aeration systems - August 2012. Aerating grain in storage creates cool, uniform moisture conditions throughout the grain bulk. Cool grain temperatures slow or stop, insect pest development and maintain grain quality. A simple device called an ‘A-Flow’ has been developed to measure the air-flow rate of an aeration system to check its performance.