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One important aspect has to do
with the auger screws, both of the bagging and the unloading
machines. The augers should be well centered, of the greatest
diameter possible, and possess a good finish with no sharp
edges. They should operate with low revolutions per minute
and should be set in a horizontal position, or at the
lowest possible angle. They should not be operated when
not completely full with grain. When the augers are worn
down, it is better to replace them, as they can cause
significant mechanical damage to grain. |
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One general rule
recommended as a safeguard is that the moisture level
with which grain is stored in bags not be greater than
base moisture standard used for commercialization purposes.
The lower the grain’s moisture, the better it will
keep and the longer the period of time it can remain in
storage. In the case of seeds, the conditions are stricter.
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As the moisture levels of the
grain to be bagged increase, so too does the risk of damage.
Testing carried out by INTA (acronym for the Argentine
National Agro-Technology Institute, or National Institute
of Agriculture) has shown that the quality of grain with
a high moisture content tends to decrease when it is stored
in plastic silo bags for long periods of time. Grain that
is damp runs of course far more risks. Damp grain should
only be stored in plastic bags in an emergency, when there
is no available alternative. In such cases, trials have
shown that installing an 80% sun-blocking mesh as a protective
sunroof about 40 centimeters (some 12 inches) above the
bag in the spring and summer months, in order to block
direct sunlight, will result in lower temperatures inside
the bag and sharply reduce the risk of damage. |
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It should always
be remembered that although this is a simple technology,
extreme care must be exercised in protecting and maintaining
the bags’ integrity. Monitoring should be permanent
so that any ruptures in the bag can be repaired immediately,
thus preventing air or water from entering. |
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Particular care should be taken
to pick up all remains of plastic after emptying the bag.
Plastic remains can contaminate the environment in many
ways and are also an eyesore. The polyethylene the bags
are made of is a highly recyclable material, so generally
arrangements can be made to sell it or at least to have
it picked up free of charge. |
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