| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
 |
The working principle of grain
bagging is that it keeps the grains dry in a modified
atmosphere, with low oxygen content and a high concentration
of carbon dioxide. This modified atmosphere reduces the
biological activity inside the grain mass (insects, fungi,
seeds, grain), which is a major cause of temperature increase
within it. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
It should be noted that grains are living organisms and should be whole, clean and without mechanical damage in order to have greater possibilities of maintaining their quality during storage.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
The bags should be located on
high ground with good drainage, far from trees and from
any possible source of breakage. The surface should be
level and smooth with no stones or sharp objects so that
the bag can lie firmly on the ground with little risk
of suffering a puncture or rip. If necessary, the ground
should be graded. Once a suitable tract of land has been
prepared in this way, landowners usually find it convenient
to continue using that same area year after year. A firm
ground also helps when emptying the bag. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
It is convenient to
lay the bag in a North–South direction. This minimizes
exposure to sun radiation. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
Obtaining a well-done bag depends
on many factors, one of which is the quality of the bagging
machine. With a properly designed and well-built machine,
it is easier to attain this objective. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
One important principle in making
a good bag is to get the plastic properly stretched, and
this has much to do with keeping up a dynamic and steady
rhythm while filling it. Regulating the braking action
is essential. This in turn depends both on an efficient
brake assembly and good terrain preparation. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
Bag quality is fundamental for
good conservation. The bag must be able to remain stretched
over a prolonged period of time without losing its watertight,
grain-conserving capability. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
It should be noted that the pressure
exerted on the bag while it is being filled is mainly
produced by the specific weight of each particular grain,
and to a lesser extent by the bagging machine’s
auger. As the grain is moved forward into the bag by the
compression auger, it gradually pushes against the bag’s
walls. The bag in turn opposes resistance and the appropriate
balance of pressure and tension is attained by properly
regulating brake action. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
All these factors must come together
to obtain a bag with the right proportions, uniformly
stretched and thus displaying a uniform diameter along
its length. The requirement is for the bag to be filled
in such a way that the greatest possible amount of air
is expelled, neither leaving the bag "loose"
nor exceeding the stretching limit recommended by the
manufacturer. The degree of stretch is gauged by monitoring
the length of the bars printed at regular intervals along
the bag’s side. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
