Metal Fabrication

Protecting Grain and Feed with Steel Storage

Water is one of the most necessary elements on earth but moisture and grain storage are not a good combination. Moisture intrusion can destroy all the grain in a hopper, silo or other storage system. The moisture levels in the storage system have to be properly maintained, 12% moisture can lead to condensation and caking in your storage container. Moisture also causes metal to rust and can cause severe damage to a steel storage system. Chipped mail is one of the most common spots for rust to begin and then seep into the structure of the storage unit. Rust is a huge issue for steel structures. While these issues may be big they are steel detailing techniques that can help protect the steel from water and fluctuating temperatures. 

A great way to protect your silos, hopper or feed storage system is through hot-dip galvanizing. This method is one of the most cost-effective options for steel detailing. The hot-dip galvanizing method coats the metal in a corrosion-resistant zinc. This method is also called batch or after-fabrication galvanizing. This method taxes a few intricate steps to properly protect the steel. The fabricated surface first needs to be cleaned to remove mill scale, grease and oil from the surface. The metal is then dipped in a vat of molten zinc with additives that are designed to protect the surface, this dipping process ensures every edge and crevice is coated. The zinc bath reacts with the steel to create the corrosive protective layer. 

After the coating process areas of the hopper or silo may need to be welded to allow them to continue to function without grinding on the coating. The working parts can be subjected to friction if not welded after the coating. Welders need to consider the HDG when welding. The welds may not hold up to the dipping process.When steel detailing a spot or metal arc welding system may be needed during the fabrication process. The zinc can penetrate the weld spots if precautions are not taken and this can lead to cracking. Push welding is recommended over pulling welding to ensure spots stay intact. 

If any welding is needed after the HDG it will need to use materials that work with the zinc coating. If the welder needs to use metal fasteners that should have the same corrosion resistance at the zinc coating to ensure they don’t cause premature failure. Welding zinc coatings can cause toxic fumes and ventilation and air filtration is required. 

Proper design is a huge factor in how well a silo performs. When a steel storage system is properly designed structural problems are greatly reduced and the hot-dip galvanizing process further reduces the risk. Metal thickness is another factor to consider. Overlapping areas can cause coatings to wear quicker. Full service metal fabricators will take all the aspects into consideration and create a structurally sound feed storage system that will protect your investment. 

While the steel structures detailing is a huge factor in protecting grain and feed there are other things to consider as well. Proper venting and draining are also vital factors to consider. The foundation is an additional element to consider. 

Jack’s metal works can assist with welding and other aspects of your steel feed storage system. Jack’s welders have experience welding galvanized metals and have the tools and experience to get the project done properly.