We are in the final stages of a new maize storage plant in Bulgaria, featuring two ANSI 19.86/10 flat-bottom silos and a handling layout engineered to improve intake, distribution, aeration and discharge. The goal is clear: more efficient day-to-day operation, safer material flow and better conditions for preserving maize quality.
Flat-bottom silos and a discharge layout built for performance
The project is based on two flat-bottom silos (ANSI 19.86/10) designed for large-scale grain storage. For flexible dispatch, the plant includes central and side discharge hoppers, allowing different outlets depending on the customer’s logistics.
To support high-throughput unloading, the system combines manual and motorized discharge gates/scrapers, designed for demanding discharge duties (up to 300 t/h depending on configuration). For safe filling control, both silos are equipped with ATEX pendulum-type maximum level detectors.
Aeration with a large ventilation area
Maize preservation depends heavily on controlling moisture and temperature. That’s why the plant integrates an aeration package sized for efficient airflow:
- A large set of ventilation floor grids covering the aeration base.
- Four VT-1650 centrifugal fans (11 kW) with turbine couplings.
- Ventilation ducts and dedicated floor covering elements in defined zones to improve airflow uniformity.
This enables both preventive and corrective aeration, helping reduce hotspots and condensation while improving grain stability during storage.
Catwalks, supports and safer access for maintenance
For inspections and maintenance work, the installation includes:
- A 2×2 exposed tower, 19 m high.
- Modular catwalks connecting equipment along an elevated route.
- Roof and lateral/oblique supports engineered to integrate the handling system.
- External wall ladders and internal ladders on both silos for safer access to control points.
Handling equipment: chain conveyors and silo clean-out
Material flow is managed with TCI 100 chain conveyors in multiple lengths, connecting intake, distribution and dispatch points. On the discharge side, additional equipment helps ensure clean-out and minimize residual grain:
- Internal sweepers for large-diameter silos.
- Flow control devices including a two-way “Y” valve and an electro-mechanical slide gate.
- ATEX extraction units with fans to support extraction/evacuation under defined operating conditions.
ProMag for durability and corrosion resistance
To ensure long service life with low maintenance, the plant is built using high-quality steel sheeting with ProMag coating, providing enhanced corrosion resistance and supporting a more sustainable approach by reducing zinc usage compared to traditional solutions.
Delivered value
Once completed, this storage plant will strengthen the customer’s maize capacity in Bulgaria with a complete setup: flat-bottom silos, properly sized aeration, safe access and a full intake/discharge handling system, designed to streamline operations and protect grain quality.
