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Title: Field measurements for food grain packing factors in US

Author
item BHADRA, RUMELA - Kansas State University
item BOAC, JOSEPHINE - Kansas State University
item Casada, Mark
item THOMPSON, SIDNEY - University Of Georgia
item MCNEIL, SAM - University Of Kentucky
item MONTROSS, MICHAEL - University Of Kentucky
item MAGHIRANG, RONALDO - Kansas State University

Submitted to: ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/11/2013
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Grain is commonly stored in tall bins, often exceeding 30 m deep, in commercial storage facilities. Grain can support the large overbearing pressure without crushing; however, it yields somewhat to compaction due to the overbearing pressure leading to an increase in bulk density and change in volume. Reliable grain packing factors are needed to estimate storage capacity and for accurate monitoring of grain inventory. A science-based model of the compaction is available that takes into account the effect of grain type, moisture, test weight, bin geometry, and wall material. However, the model needs to be calibrated over a wide range of conditions to insure robust prediction accuracy. The specific objective of this research was to determine packing factors for corn, oats, and soybeans stored in commercial bins for use in calibrating the model. Other crops being measured in a related study are wheat, barley, and sorghum. Upright grain storage bins, made of steel and concrete, were measured in Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Texas, and Minnesota. The net weight and grain properties of each truck load were obtained from grain scale tickets. The complete measurement procedure and results will be presented and discussed. These geographically diverse field data are expected to improve the robustness of the science-based model for corn, oats, and soybeans.