It is a universal truth that a little bit of maintenance goes a long way toward saving yourself future costs and headaches. And while winter is already here, it’s not too late to perform a little grain dryer bin vent maintenance. Do this work now, and your future self will owe you a huge debt of gratitude come spring.
What follows are a series of maintenance tips, particularly dryer bin vent safety tips, that will prevent trouble down the road.
- Make sure roof vents are clear of dust and debris, so that when they open, they are able to release the moisture necessary to effectively dry grain. Clogged vents can cause pressure to build from the fans working harder to pump air through the system. While grain bins are designed to withstand significant exterior pressure, interior pressure can cause buckling, holes, and puckering of the roof. The repair process is labor and time intensive, and can involve emptying the entire bin.
- Perform regular visual inspections to make sure the structure appears clean and clear.
- Keep the entire roof, not just the grain bin vents, free of debris and dirt.
- Make sure you have enough grain bin roof vents in place. The general rule of thumb to follow is one square foot of roof vent for every horsepower of motor/fan (i.e. a 7 HP fan will require 7 sq. ft. of venting).
The regular upkeep and maintenance of your grain storage system will ensure it provides well-stored, dried, and quality grain year after year. If you are in need of grain drying, grain storage, or grain handling equipment, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.