"No Fan" Aeration Tubes Keep Stored Grain Dry

No Fan Aeration Tubes Keep Stored Grain Dry GRAIN DRYERS Grain Dryers 29E When Gary Schreiner lost four bins of canola to spoilage he just about lost the farm He managed to hold onto the farm and also invented a better way to protect grain from moisture and mold An older farmer asked why we didn t use a pipe to let the moist air escape the bin recalls Schreiner I thought it made sense but I couldn t find any perforated pipe so I made one It took me about two hours in the shop Schreiner quickly found that perforated tubes eliminated hot spots and moisture buildup at the center of the bin The natural flow of air down the cooler walls and back up through the center of the bin also removed about two percent grain moisture without the help of a fan His Grain Air Tubes worked better than fans that had to be turned on and off The natural flow occurred any time there was a temperature variation between the sides and the center I ve been using the pipes for five years now and I have had no more spoiled grain or bugs says Schreiner As he tested the concept Schreiner adapted it to fit flat and hopper bottom bins sheds Quonsets and grain piles He began selling them to other farmers and gathering feedback Based on their experience he now uses a higher quality stronger pipe He also recommends specific positioning for different bin designs The perforations and the resulting airflow are only part of the reason for the Grain Air Tube s success says Schreiner The 8-in cap at the top of the tube was intended to keep the grain out of the tube as the bin fills but it plays a key role he says The Grain Air Tube comes with chains to tie the tube in place below the center door when filling the bin When the grain hits the cap it sprays out toward the bin sides The spreading affect distributes the grain and any particles away from the center notes Schreiner Instead of a compacted center the grain flows back into the center from the outside walls The cap and its spreading affect is the other reason why the Grain Air Tubes work so well he says Schreiner recommends placing the tubes every 25 ft in sheds or Quonsets The largest round bin where tubes have been used to date are 25 000 bu ; however testing in larger bins is underway He is now selling the Grain Tubes in the U S and Canada Telescoping grain tubes are available for hopper bottom grain bins with magnets to hold the tube in place when filling Grain tubes are available in 15 22 and 29-ft lengths Prices range from $770 to $1 520 depending on length and type of bin design Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Gatco Mfg Inc 2524 South Service Road West Swift Current Saskatchewan Canada S9H 5J9 ph 306 778-3338; sales@gatcomfg com; www gatcomfg com

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