Novel semi-underground granary

Abstract

The novel semi-underground granary comprises a granary body, the top of the granary body is provided with a grain feeding assembly, the bottom of the granary body is rotationally connected with a plurality of spiral discs with hollow rotating shafts, and the bottom of the granary body is further provided with a transmission layer and a ventilation layer. The device has the advantages that when ventilation is needed, the draught fan and the driving assembly are started, the driving assembly drives the spiral disc to rotate, the spiral disc drives grains on the spiral disc to move from bottom to top, after grains on the lower portion of the spiral disc are moved away, surrounding grains are moved to the lower portion of the spiral disc, and movement of nearby grains is achieved through circulation. Meanwhile, air flow pumped by a fan enters the spiral disc through the ventilation main pipe and the ventilation branch pipes and is blown out from the air outlets to blow the grains driven by the spiral disc, the grains are ventilated in the moving process, and the grains in the range near the spiral disc can be driven by the grains to pass through the air outlets and are blown, so that dynamic ventilation is realized, the ventilation is more uniform, and the quality of the grains is improved. And the storage quality is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of grain storage technology, and in particular to a novel semi-underground grain storage facility. Background Technology

[0002] A semi-underground grain silo is a grain storage building where part of the silo is underground and part is above ground, combining the thermal insulation advantages of underground grain silos with the ventilation advantages of above-ground grain silos. The core feature of a semi-underground grain silo is that 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the silo's height is buried underground, while the above-ground part is usually a low wall or roof structure.

[0003] In semi-underground grain silos, the underground section's walls are in contact with the soil. The soil's high thermal inertia effectively insulates against external temperature fluctuations, maintaining a relatively stable internal temperature (generally between 10 and 18°C) year-round. This low-temperature environment inhibits grain respiration, reduces moisture loss, lowers the probability of mold and pest growth, extends the grain storage period, and reduces storage losses. The underground section is laterally constrained by the soil, resulting in better wind and earthquake resistance than above-ground grain silos. Furthermore, the soil's support reduces the amount of material used in the silo structure, lowering construction costs. The underground location of the silo also minimizes the occupation of arable land, making it suitable for areas with limited arable land resources. Its superior concealment also offers advantages in special scenarios (such as strategic grain storage).

[0004] However, semi-underground grain silos also have certain disadvantages: the underground part of the silo has poor ventilation, making it difficult for carbon dioxide and water vapor generated during grain storage to escape quickly, which can easily accumulate inside the silo. If the ventilation system is not designed properly, it may cause condensation and heat generation in the grain.

[0005] In existing technologies, ventilation systems for semi-underground grain silos face problems such as static ventilation, uneven ventilation, and impacts on storage quality. Current ventilation systems typically use fans in conjunction with a duct network for forced ventilation. Perforated ventilation ducts are laid at the bottom of the silo, with the duct diameter smaller than the grain particle size to prevent grain leakage; the duct spacing is controlled at 1.5–2.5 meters to ensure that cold air covers the entire grain pile. However, because the ventilation ducts and outlets are fixed, and the grain is stationary, the airflow from the ducts often only affects the grain near the outlets. Grain farther from the outlets requires a longer ventilation time to dissipate heat, resulting in uneven ventilation and inconsistent grain temperatures. This can cause frost, overheating, or even rotting of grain further from the outlets, affecting storage quality. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a novel semi-underground grain silo that can solve the problems of static ventilation, uneven ventilation, and poor storage quality that exist in the ventilation systems of existing semi-underground grain silos.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a novel semi-underground grain silo, comprising a silo body, a grain feeding assembly being provided at the top of the silo body, and a plurality of spiral discs with hollow rotating shafts being rotatably connected to the bottom of the silo body; the bottom of the silo body is also provided with: The transmission layer has a hollow shaft of the spiral disk extending into it, and a drive assembly capable of rotating the hollow shaft of the spiral disk is provided within the transmission layer. A ventilation layer is located below the transmission layer. The ventilation layer contains several main ventilation pipes. Each spiral disc has a ventilation branch pipe inside, which is connected to the main ventilation pipe. Several mesh covers are provided on the side of the spiral disc. The ventilation branch pipes have air outlets at the mesh covers. A fan is provided in the ventilation layer to pump airflow into the main ventilation pipes.

[0008] Preferably, the bottom of the hopper is provided with a guide slope around the spiral disc.

[0009] Preferably, temperature and humidity sensors are installed on the guide slope and on the top of the spiral disc.

[0010] Preferably, the ventilation branch pipe is equipped with a solenoid valve, and the ventilation layer is equipped with a controller that can accept temperature and humidity sensor signals and control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve.

[0011] Preferably, several spiral disks are evenly arranged inside the chamber.

[0012] Preferably, the diameter of several ventilation branch pipes connected to the same ventilation main pipe gradually increases as their distance from the fan increases.

[0013] Preferably, the diameter of several air outlets opened on the same ventilation branch pipe gradually increases as their distance from the bottom of the ventilation branch pipe increases.

[0014] Preferably, the drive assembly includes a drive sprocket disposed at the bottom of the hollow shaft of the spiral disc, a drive chain meshing with the drive sprocket, and a motor capable of driving the drive chain to rotate.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, this invention, through the inclusion of a transmission layer, a ventilation layer, a spiral disc, a drive assembly, a main ventilation duct, branch ventilation ducts, a mesh cover, and a fan, allows for efficient ventilation. When ventilation is required, the fan and drive assembly activate, rotating the spiral disc and moving the grain on it from bottom to top. Once the lower grain is removed, surrounding grain moves to its lower position, and this cycle repeats, ensuring the movement of nearby grain. Simultaneously, the fan pumps airflow through the main and branch ventilation ducts into the spiral disc and out through the outlet, agitating the grain moved by the disc and carrying away carbon dioxide and moisture generated during storage, preventing condensation and heat generation. This dynamic ventilation, achieved during grain movement, ensures that all grain near the spiral disc is moved through the outlet and agitated, resulting in more uniform ventilation and improved storage quality. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the spiral discs at the bottom of the silo body according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ventilation layer according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral disk of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the mesh cover of the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Silo body; 2. Grain inlet assembly; 3. Ventilation layer; 4. Transmission layer; 5. Spiral disc; 6. Drive assembly; 601. Transmission sprocket; 602. Transmission chain; 603. Motor; 7. Main ventilation duct; 8. Branch ventilation duct; 9. Mesh cover; 901. Cover body; 902. Connecting seat; 10. Fan; 11. Guide slope; 12. Temperature and humidity sensor; 13. Solenoid valve; 14. Grain outlet assembly; 15. Inspection well; 16. Exhaust window. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a novel semi-underground grain silo, including a silo body 1, a grain feeding component 2 is provided on the top of the silo body 1, a plurality of spiral discs 5 with hollow rotating shafts are rotatably connected to the bottom of the silo body 1, and a transmission layer 4 and a ventilation layer 3 are also provided at the bottom of the silo body 1.

[0020] The transmission layer 4 is provided with a drive assembly 6 that can drive the hollow shaft of the spiral disk 5 to rotate, and the hollow shaft of the spiral disk 5 extends into the transmission layer 4.

[0021] The ventilation layer 3 is located below the transmission layer 4. Several ventilation mains 7 are provided in the ventilation layer 3. Each hollow shaft of the spiral disc 5 is provided with a ventilation branch pipe 8. The ventilation branch pipe 8 is connected to the ventilation main 7. Several mesh covers 9 are provided on the side of the spiral disc 5. The ventilation branch pipe 8 has an air outlet at the mesh cover 9. A fan 10 is provided in the ventilation layer 3 to pump airflow into the ventilation main 7.

[0022] Specifically, the transmission layer 4 and ventilation layer 3 are preferably grooved structures, with a steel structure plate on the top surface of the grooved structure. The spiral disc 5 is rotatably connected to the steel structure plate via bearings. It should be noted that the steel structure plate should have sufficient strength to prevent deformation under the load of grain. Reinforcing ribs can be added below the steel structure plate to increase its strength. The steel structure plate also needs a necessary protective layer to prevent corrosion due to the humid and hot environment when carrying grain, which would affect its strength. The spiral disc 5 can be made of aluminum alloy, which has sufficient strength, is lightweight, and easy to process. The diameter of the main ventilation pipe 7 should be larger than the diameter of the branch ventilation pipes 8, and the main ventilation pipe 7 should be fixed inside the ventilation layer 3 using pipe clamps or other tools. The branch ventilation pipes 8 are preferably made of rigid pipe to ensure they remain vertical for airflow transport. When using flexible hoses, a rotating structure can be added to the top to rotatably connect them to the spiral disc 5; for example, a metal head can be added to the top, and the metal head can be rotatably connected to the spiral disc 5 using bearings. The ventilation main duct 7 and ventilation branch ducts 8 are preferably made of corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant HDPE pipes or stainless steel pipes to extend their service life in damp underground environments. The fan 10 is preferably a low-pressure, high-flow axial fan; specific models include SF(SFG)6-4, T35-11-8#, etc. A mesh cover 9 is installed on the spiral disc 5 to isolate grain from the spiral disc 5, preventing it from entering the ventilation branch ducts 8. For ease of installation, the mesh cover 9 can consist of two parts: a cover body 901 and a connecting seat 902. The mesh cover 9 isolates the grain, while the connecting seat 902 can be connected to the spiral disc 5 using screws or other tools.

[0023] In practical use, grain is fed into the silo 1 through the grain inlet assembly 2 at the top of the silo 1. When ventilation is required, the fan 10 and drive assembly 6 are started. The drive assembly 6 drives the spiral disc 5 to rotate, and the spiral disc 5 moves the grain on it from bottom to top. After the grain at the bottom is removed, the surrounding grain moves to the bottom of it, and so on, realizing the movement of nearby grain. At the same time, the fan 10 pumps airflow through the ventilation main duct 7 and ventilation branch duct 8 into the spiral disc 5, and blows it out from the air outlet, blowing away the grain moved by the spiral disc 5, carrying away the carbon dioxide and water vapor generated during grain storage, and preventing condensation and heat generation in the grain.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 2 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in order to achieve the purpose of smooth movement of grain around the spiral disk towards the spiral disk and smooth displacement of the surrounding grain by the spiral disk, preferably, the bottom of the silo body 1 is provided with a guide slope 11 around the spiral disk 5.

[0025] Specifically, the guide slope 11 allows the grain around the spiral disk 5 to automatically move towards the bottom of the spiral disk 5 under the influence of gravity. After the spiral disk 5 moves the grain that was originally located below it upwards, the space below it becomes empty, and the surrounding grain flows into the space below it, while the grain above falls down. This cycle repeats, achieving the cyclical movement of grain near the spiral disk 5. With the assistance of the guide slope 11, a larger area of ​​grain will flow towards the bottom of the spiral disk 5, which helps to expand the influence range of the spiral disk 5.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to facilitate the acquisition of temperature and humidity information of grain in the granary, preferably, temperature and humidity sensors 12 are installed on the guide slope 11 and the top of the spiral disk 5.

[0027] Specifically, by installing temperature and humidity sensors 12 on the guide slope 11 and the spiral disc 5, the temperature and humidity at the corresponding locations can be sensed in real time, allowing staff to determine whether ventilation is needed based on the real-time temperature and humidity. The temperature and humidity sensors 12 are preferably sensors capable of wireless communication; specific models include Xingzong IoT EM300-TH, Xingzong IoT EM320-TH, and SNT-TH106G.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to achieve the purpose of automatically starting the ventilation structure for ventilation according to the temperature and humidity of the grain, preferably, the ventilation branch pipe 8 is equipped with a solenoid valve 13, and the ventilation layer 3 is equipped with a controller that can accept the signal of the temperature and humidity sensor 12 and control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 13.

[0029] Specifically, through the cooperation of the controller, solenoid valve 13, and temperature and humidity sensor 12, when the temperature and humidity sensor 12 detects that the temperature and humidity at the corresponding location exceed the threshold (such as grain temperature exceeding 20℃ or grain pile humidity exceeding 13%), the controller controls the corresponding solenoid valve 13 to open. After the fan 10 starts, the ventilation main duct 7 directly delivers airflow to the corresponding ventilation branch duct 8, quickly ventilating the grain at the corresponding location. The ventilation operation has higher spatial resolution, enabling timely and precise ventilation, and saving more energy.

[0030] Alternatively, the controller can be used to control the operation of the fan 10 and the drive assembly 6. When the temperature and humidity sensor 12 detects that the temperature and humidity at the corresponding location exceed the threshold, the controller controls the solenoid valve 13 to open and simultaneously controls the fan 10 and the drive assembly 6 to start, thereby achieving automated and intelligent ventilation, preventing the grain from getting damp and moldy, and forming a smart grain warehouse.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to ensure that the grain in all parts of the grain warehouse can be ventilated, preferably, several spiral disks 5 are evenly arranged in the warehouse body 1.

[0032] Specifically, the even arrangement of several spiral discs 5 ensures that the grain in each part of the storage chamber 1 is ventilated by a corresponding spiral disc 5, avoiding ventilation dead zones. The spiral discs 5 can be arranged in a rectangular or quincunx pattern, etc.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to balance the air volume of each ventilation branch pipe and solve the problem of "large air volume at the near end and small air volume at the far end", preferably, the diameter of several ventilation branch pipes 8 connected to the same ventilation main pipe 7 gradually increases as their distance from the fan 10 increases.

[0034] Specifically, due to the pressure loss along the flow direction of the airflow in the main ventilation pipe 7 (pressure drop caused by friction between air and the inner wall of the pipe and airflow disturbance), the pressure is high at the near end of the main ventilation pipe 7 (close to the fan 10). If the diameter of the ventilation branch pipes 8 is the same, the air volume will be too large, resulting in excessive ventilation at the near end of the grain pile, wasting energy and easily causing uneven moisture content in the grain. The pressure is low at the far end of the main ventilation pipe 7 (far from the fan 10), and the air volume is significantly reduced under the same pipe diameter. The ventilation at the far end of the grain pile is insufficient, which easily forms a dead zone of moisture and heat accumulation, causing condensation and mold growth in the grain. By adopting a variable pipe diameter design, the pressure loss along the flow of the main ventilation pipe 7 can be balanced, ensuring uniform air volume in each ventilation branch pipe 8. This solves the problem of "large air volume at the near end and small air volume at the far end" in traditional equal pipe diameter designs, ultimately achieving uniform ventilation throughout the grain pile.

[0035] like Figure 4As shown, in order to balance the air volume of each air outlet on the ventilation branch pipe and solve the problem of "large air volume at the near end and small air volume at the far end", preferably, the diameter of several air outlets opened on the same ventilation branch pipe 8 gradually increases as their distance from the bottom end of the ventilation branch pipe 8 increases.

[0036] Specifically, similar to the variable diameter design principle of ventilation branch pipe 8, the airflow in ventilation branch pipe 8 experiences pressure loss along the flow direction (pressure drop due to friction between air and the inner wall of the pipe, and airflow disturbance). The pressure is high at the near end of ventilation branch pipe 8 (close to the main ventilation pipe 7). If the pipe diameter of the air outlet is uniform, the air volume will be too large, resulting in excessive ventilation at the bottom of the grain pile, wasting energy and easily causing uneven moisture content in the grain. The pressure is low at the far end of ventilation branch pipe 8 (far from the main ventilation pipe 7), and the air volume is significantly reduced under the same orifice diameter. The ventilation at the top of the grain pile is insufficient, easily forming a dead zone of moisture and heat accumulation, causing condensation and mold growth in the grain. The variable orifice diameter design can balance the pressure loss along the ventilation branch pipe 8, ensure uniform air volume at each air outlet, solve the problem of "large air volume at the near end and small air volume at the far end" in traditional equal diameter designs, and ultimately achieve uniform ventilation throughout the grain pile.

[0037] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in order to achieve the purpose of synchronous rotation of multiple spiral disks, preferably, the drive assembly 6 includes a transmission sprocket 601 disposed at the bottom of the hollow shaft of the spiral disk 5, a transmission chain 602 meshing with the transmission sprocket 601, and a motor 603 capable of driving the transmission chain 602 to rotate.

[0038] Specifically, when ventilation is required, motor 603 is started. Motor 603 drives transmission chain 602 to rotate, and transmission chain 602 drives spiral disc 5 to rotate via transmission sprocket 601, thereby moving the grain. Transmission chain 602 can simultaneously mesh with transmission sprockets 601 on multiple spiral discs 5, thus driving multiple spiral discs 5 to rotate simultaneously. Motor 603 is preferably a servo reducer, with specific models such as VRT-140C-28-F3 and AB115-010-S2-P2.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, in order to facilitate the convenient outflow of hot and humid gas from the chamber, preferably, the top of the chamber 1 is provided with an exhaust window 16.

[0040] Specifically, an exhaust window 16 is opened at the top of the silo body 1, which, together with the fan 10 at the bottom and other structures, allows the hot and humid air inside the silo body 1 to flow from bottom to top, forming a positive pressure ventilation mode of "air supply from the bottom and exhaust from the top". Cool air is sent into the grain pile from the bottom of the silo, and after penetrating the grain layer, the hot and humid air is discharged from the exhaust window 16 at the top of the silo, resulting in better ventilation uniformity.

[0041] For ease of maintenance, a maintenance well 15 should be provided on the side of the silo 1 to allow maintenance personnel to move to the transmission layer 4 and the ventilation layer 3.

[0042] Specifically, a rainproof cover should be installed on the top of the inspection well 15 to prevent rainwater from entering. Inspection doors should be provided for the inspection well 15, the transmission layer 4, and the ventilation layer 3. The motor 603 and fan 10 of the drive assembly 6 should preferably be located at the end closest to the inspection well 15 to facilitate maintenance work by personnel.

[0043] To reduce the number of fans, additional conveying pipes can be laid in the ventilation layer 3 along the direction of the vertical ventilation main duct 7. A small number of fans 10 are used to pump airflow into the conveying pipes, and the airflow enters the ventilation main duct 7 through the conveying pipes. It should be noted that the selection of the number and model of fans should be determined based on the grain pile volume, grain quality, grain specific heat, and ventilation temperature difference. The specific determination method can refer to the existing technology, and this application does not impose any additional limitations.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, in order to improve the moisture-proof performance of the warehouse and the strength of the underground part of the warehouse, preferably, the part of the warehouse 1 below ground level adopts a double-layer wall.

[0045] Specifically, the underground portion of silo 1 employs double-layered walls, forming two layers of moisture protection to isolate groundwater and moisture from the silo, reducing the impact of the underground environment on the lower part of silo 1. Simultaneously, the double-layered walls also enhance the structural strength of the underground portion of silo 1, effectively resisting earth pressure. The outer wall can also utilize a sloping structure arranged from bottom to top and from inside to outside, converting the earth pressure acting upon it into active earth pressure, reducing the load-bearing pressure on the wall. Furthermore, a waterproof layer or waterproof curtain can be installed on the outer side of the outer wall to improve its waterproofing performance. Additionally, a filling layer can be installed between the two wall layers, using materials such as waterproof mortar, expanded perlite waterproof and thermal insulation mortar, rigid polyurethane foam (on-site foaming), and bentonite waterproof blanket (GCL).

[0046] Compared to existing technologies, this invention, through the arrangement of a transmission layer 4, a ventilation layer 3, a spiral disc 5, a drive assembly 6, a main ventilation duct 7, branch ventilation ducts 8, a mesh cover 9, and a fan 10, allows for efficient ventilation. When ventilation is required, the fan 10 and drive assembly 6 are activated. The drive assembly 6 rotates the spiral disc 5, causing the grain on it to move from bottom to top. After the lower grain is removed, surrounding grain moves to its lower position, and this cycle repeats, enabling the movement of nearby grain. Simultaneously, the fan 10 pumps airflow through the main ventilation duct 7 and branch ventilation ducts 8 into the spiral disc 5, which is then blown out from the air outlet. This airflow carries away carbon dioxide and moisture generated during grain storage, preventing condensation and heat generation. Ventilation occurs during the movement of the grain, ensuring that all grain near the spiral disc 5 is moved through the air outlet and blown away, achieving dynamic and uniform ventilation that helps maintain storage quality.

[0047] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel semi-underground grain silo, comprising a silo body, wherein a grain feeding assembly is provided at the top of the silo body, characterized in that, The bottom of the hopper is rotatably connected to several spiral discs with hollow rotating shafts, and the bottom of the hopper is also provided with: The transmission layer has a hollow shaft of the spiral disk extending into it, and a drive assembly capable of rotating the hollow shaft of the spiral disk is provided within the transmission layer. A ventilation layer is located below the transmission layer. The ventilation layer contains several main ventilation pipes. Each spiral disc has a ventilation branch pipe inside its hollow shaft. The ventilation branch pipes are connected to the main ventilation pipes. Several mesh covers are provided on the side of the spiral disc. The ventilation branch pipes have air outlets at the mesh covers. A fan is provided in the ventilation layer to pump airflow into the main ventilation pipes.

2. The novel semi-underground grain silo according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the hopper is provided with a guide slope around the spiral disc.

3. The novel semi-underground grain silo according to claim 2, characterized in that: Temperature and humidity sensors are installed on the guide slope and on the top of the spiral disc.

4. The novel semi-underground grain silo according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ventilation branch pipe is equipped with a solenoid valve, and the ventilation layer is equipped with a controller that can accept temperature and humidity sensor signals and control the opening and closing of the solenoid valve.

5. The novel semi-underground grain silo according to claim 1, characterized in that: Several spiral disks are evenly arranged inside the chamber.

6. The novel semi-underground grain silo according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that: The diameter of several ventilation branch pipes connected to the same ventilation main gradually increases as their distance from the fan increases.

7. The novel semi-underground grain silo according to claim 6, characterized in that: The diameter of several air outlets on the same ventilation branch pipe gradually increases as their distance from the bottom of the ventilation branch pipe increases.

8. The novel semi-underground grain silo according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive assembly includes a drive sprocket located at the bottom of the hollow shaft of the spiral disc, a drive chain meshing with the drive sprocket, and a motor capable of driving the drive chain to rotate.

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