Bolted steel cement silo

Types of bolted steel cement silos

Aside from having warehouses with various capacities, bolted steel cement silo design can be differentiated according to functionality.

• Storage silo: The most widely used type of silo is a storage silo constructed of bolted steel. It is created to hold bulk quantities of cement or other kinds of goods. Storage silos may have varying capacities to satisfy diverse needs, and they are typically located in the vicinity of factories, building sites, or supply centers.
• Production silo: Production silos are frequently located in factories. The stored cement serves as the raw material for the manufacturing process. Because manufacturing silos ensure the raw material supply for production lines, they are often linked to other processing equipment or conveyor systems.
• Distribution silo: A distribution silo's primary purpose is to supply cement or other commodities to various locations. Such silos are usually found near transit hubs like ports, railroads, or highways, so they quickly move to the cement or other products, reducing the distribution time and expense.
• Integration silo: Integration silos are multifunctional storage devices; in addition to storage, they may also be equipped with other facilities, such as processing, packing, and more. Integration silos are usually placed in locations where multiple operations are required, such as large construction sites, industrial parks, etc.
• Environmental protection silo: Environmental protection silos are designed and built to meet environmental protection requirements by avoiding the leakage, dispersion, and other pollution problems of stored materials, providing better protection for the stored materials, and reducing environmental pollution.
• Mobile silo: Because of the need for frequent movement and deployment, mobile silos provide the ideal solution for temporary storage needs in construction projects, outdoor events, and more.

Specification & maintenance

Specification

• Storage Capacity:

  Bolted silos come in different sizes, usually measured in cubic feet or liters. The size shows how much cement it can hold, from small (10,000 liters) to big (100,000+ liters).

• Silo Height and Width:

  The height and width of the silo are important because they affect how it stores cement and fits with other equipment. Typical height is about (4-20)m and usual width is (3-12)m.

• Silo Material:

  Most silos are made of bolted steel, which is strong and lasts a long time. Steel is good for holding materials consistently and has a lengthy lifespan, making it an economical option.

• Thickness of Steel:

  Silo performance is affected by the thickness of the steel plates used to construct it. Cement storage requires particular thicknesses, such as for walls, roofs, and bases.

• Silo Roof:

  A silo roof shields the internal contents from outside elements. It also includes features for material collection, like hoppers and dust collectors.

• Airtight capacity:

  For optimal shelf life, the silo must be airtight, preventing any kind of moisture from weathering the cement. Thus, reducing unwanted chemical reactions and material wastage.

• Discharge System

  The silo's ability to release materials and go through processing phases, such as gravity discharge, screw conveyor, or pneumatic conveying, affects the kind of silo selection, workflow integration, and capacity.

Maintenance

Regular upkeep is essential for ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and longevity in cement silos. The key is to carry out maintenance and inspections regularly.

• Daily Visual Inspections:

  Silos should be checked for obvious issues, like loose bolts, broken supports, damaged roof panels, seal leaks, blocked eaves, etc. Early issue detection relies on daily inspections.

• Weekly Cleaning:

  The exterior and accessible interior parts of the silos should be cleaned using pressure water to remove visible dirt, stains, and pollution. This stops corrosion and maintains the lovely appearance.

• Monthly Bolt Tightening:

  SILO BOLTS MUST BE TIGHTENED REGULARLY, AT LEAST ONCE EVERY MONTH, TO STOP LEAKAGES OF CEMENT WITHIN OR OUTSIDE. BOLTTIGHTENING PREVENTION AVOIDS ACCIDENTAL INJURIES DUE TO CEMENT SILLOSPILO SLIPS OR FAULTY BOLTS.

• Quarterly Surface Treatment:

  If any localized corrosion or exposed areas are found during inspections, apply anti-corrosive surface treatment to those patches urgently. Prevent future localized corrosion by coating exposed areas.

• Biannual Dust Collecting System Servicing:

  Check and clean filters of dust collector systems at least twice a year. Examine ventilation pipes to clear any possible blockages too. Proper functioning of the dust collector will be maintained by this routine.

Industry scenarios of bolted steel cement silos

Many industries use bolted steel cement silos, especially in the construction sector. Below is a list of various industries that frequently use them:

• Construction industry: Most construction industries use the bolted steel cement silo to store a large quantity of cement. They have the option of constant cement production at the building site because they are simple to transport and assemble, which reduces the need for outside supply.
• Infrastructure development: Large-capacity bolted steel cement silos are frequently used for infrastructure projects like highways, dams, and airports. These projects demand a large amount of cement and other dry bulk materials for construction.
• Mortar production: In addition to cement, sand, lime, and other additives, bolted silos are essential for storing these raw materials. At construction sites or in specialized factories, they facilitate the efficient production of mortar and other cement-based products.
• Public events and festivals: Public events or festivals also need bolted steel cement silos. In this case, they are usually used for temporary cement storage. They can set up the storage system quickly and easily, which ensures that the materials are available for construction or technical support during the event.
• Oil and gas fields: In the offshore and onshore oil and gas fields, the bolted steel cement silo is often used for cementing services. They are used to store and supply the cement or other solid chemicals that are used to stabilize the wellbore, seal the formation, or create a protective layer during drilling.
• Agriculture: Some bolted steel silos are better suited for storing cement. Agricultural industries can also use them to store solid agricultural products like grain and feed.

How to Choose a Bolted Steel Cement Silo

Some factors need to be considered when using a cement silo in a plant setup. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bolted steel cement silo:

• Quality of Material: Select the bolted cement silo made up of high-strength steel and corrosion-resistant alloy. More often, choose the grain or food-grade steel silo because it is manufactured to comply with the most stringent safety standards.
• Capacity: Determine the maximum storing requirement of the plant before buying. Selecting different capacities is available, ranging from a few tons to thousands of tons.
• Ease of Transportation: While selecting the silo, consider the transport cost and logistics. The quantity, volume, and weight of the silo should be considered. Select a silo that is compatible and easy to transport.
• Installation: There are different types of installation methods available for a silo. Choosing an easy and quick installation method can save time and effort. The installation height of the silo should also be considered to ensure a proper fit at the construction site.
• Guarantees and Service: Always choose a manufacturer who offers post-purchase support, services, and guarantees. Bolted silos require skilled professionals for installation, so make sure the supplier can provide technical assistance if required.
• Flow Aides: Check if the silo has any other accessories, like flow-aid additives that help, such as air slides, massage floors, or vibrating feeders, which can be added to the silo's bottoms to assist in material flow.

FAQ

Q1: What are the benefits of using bolted silos over other types of silos?

A1: Bolted silos offer adaptability, quick assembly, and easy transportation. They accommodate changing production needs, assemble swiftly without complicated equipment, and are suitable for temporary sites or relocation. Moreover, bolted steel silos provide tight sealing, avoiding material leakage, while ensuring safety through robust construction.

Q2: What materials are bolted silos made of?

A2: Typically, bolted silos are constructed using carbon steel or galvanizd steel. Carbon steel is known for its robustness and ability to withstand high pressures. Galvanized steel offers additional protection against rust and corrosion, ensuring longevity and minimizing maintenance needs.

Q3: How are bolted silos assembled and disassembled?

A3: The assembly of bolted silos involves the systematic bolting together of pre-fabricated panels, flanges, and other components. In contrast, the disassembly process requires unbolting these same parts, rendering the silo as a set of discrete panels.

Q4: Are bolted silos suitable for all types of materials?

A4: Yes, bolted silo are suitable for various types of dry bulk materials, such as cement, flour, grain, powder, etc.