Guidelines   A brief history of grain bagging   What does it mean? 20 powerful reasons why it can help you A word about bag quality   Guiding principles for storing grain in plastic bags   R-9 bagger R-10 bagger EA-350 unloader EA-250 unloader   Richiger S.A.   U.S.A. Canada Australia New Zealand Italy Ukraine   Ask us what you need to know   Guiding principles for storing grain in plastic bags This is not specific for the Flexi-Grain Storage system, but a general set of rules lay down by INTA (Argentine National Institute of Agricultural Technology) for grain storage in bags. As grain bagging developed and expanded, INTA spearheaded research and development in the field. The Institute has published and continues to publish numerous technical papers on the subject.       Grain bagging is a relatively low-cost technique that can be optimized by following a series of points.             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 better maintain their original quality during storage.               The bags should be located on high ground with good drainage, far from trees and from any possible source of damage. 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 is helped by keeping a steady rhythm during the filling procedure. 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 stand for prolonged periods 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 and shape of the particular grain being bagged. Heavier grain will stretch the bag more, as will grain that runs freely and doesn’t cling together. As grain is pressed into the bag by the compression auger, it gradually pushes against the bag’s walls. The appropriate balance between pressure applied and resistance to stretch is attained by regulating the bagger’s brakes.                 These factors must come together to obtain a bag with the right proportions, uniformly stretched and having a regular 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.               next         www.richiger.com   duxdesign.com.ar