SILO MANUFACTURING

Makfen carries out silo manufacturing for the storage, intermediate buffering and process feeding of powders and granules. Depending on the product and the operating conditions, silos are designed and built in stainless steel, carbon steel or aluminium for bulk solids such as plastic granules, flour, sugar, starch, powder detergent and powdered chemicals.

Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel and Aluminium Silo Manufacturing

The material is chosen according to the stored product. In applications that demand hygiene, such as food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, product-contact surfaces are made from AISI 304 or 316L stainless steel. For non-corrosive products such as plastic granules, aluminium silos may be preferred for their low weight, while painted carbon steel silos suit large volumes of non-corrosive products.

Silos can be manufactured in diameters from 1500 to 6500 mm, with welded or bolted shells. The cylindrical shell ends in a conical discharge hopper whose angle is set according to the flow properties of the product, keeping bridging and dead zones to a minimum. Where required, silos are insulated with rock wool or designed with a double wall.

Silo Equipment

Depending on the process, Makfen silo designs can include the following equipment:

• Pneumatic filling line and a silo-top jet-pulse filter that prevents dust emissions
• Pressure/vacuum relief valve and an explosion vent for explosive dust atmospheres
• Controlled discharge via slide gate, rotary valve or screw conveyor
• Vibrators, aeration pads or mechanical dischargers to aid flow
• Point and continuous level sensors, with load cells for inventory monitoring
• Top and bottom manholes, caged access ladder, platform and handrails
• ATEX-compliant (Ex-proof) equipment options for hazardous areas
• Automatic PLC control of filling, discharge and dosing

Design and Manufacturing Standards

Silo shells are sized to EN 1991-4 and EN 1993-4-1, taking into account the density and flow behaviour of the stored product as well as wind and seismic loads. Fabrication is carried out under a certified welding quality system to EN 1090-1 EXC3 and EN ISO 3834-2, using certified materials, and each silo is delivered with material certificates and complete operating and maintenance documentation.

Contact us for information and prices on silo manufacturing.