Storing Grain in Containers – 4 Year Moisture Control Field Test – Grain Loss Eliminated
Storing Grain & Keeping it Dry
Storing grain to minimize loss due to moisture is a real-world problem for farmers and wholesalers. 360 products has created a patented passive ventilation system for storage containers that virtually eliminates condensation with only the power of the wind.
Below are the results of a real world field test conducted by John, a customer living near the Dallas, Texas area. He stores one-ton sacks of grain in containers. Though the containers are directly on the ground, the grain sits on pallets and does not touch the floor. The purpose of the venting is to stop, or at least curtail the grain loss due to damage from moisture created by the container.
The figures below were recorded by John and sent to us as reference points. The numbers are consistent with others we have received from various parts of the country. All have reported a substantial decrease in both heat buildup and humidity levels after installing our system. The remarks received from customes range from “very good” to “remarkable” and the overwhelming majority have reported that “container rain” is now a thing of the past!
John will continue to measure results as the season changes and we are grateful for his time investment. We will publish those results here as they become available.
Moisture Control Field Test Results
2 YEAR UPDATE
2 full years of testing showed grain loss was effectively cut from 20-30% to 0% at any given time. Timeline of data is covered below to show performance in seasonal temperature and humidity variance. Moisture readings have been consistent at 14% per bag.
Early Spring 2019
Prior to installing the 360 Passive vent system:
Outside container temp was 46° F, 41% humidity
Inside container – 52° F, 82% humidity
Note: The humidity had reached as high as 93% inside the container
After installation of 360 passive vent system:
Measurement 1:
Outside Container: 62° F, 78% humidity
Inside Container: 74° F, 46% humidity
Measurement 2:
Outside Container: 73° F, 77% humidity
Inside Container: 89° F, 39% humidity
Measurement 3:
Outside Container: 73° F, 86% humidity
Inside Container: 76° F, 63% humidity
**Measurement 4:
Will be covered at the end of this testing report
Measurement 5:
Outside Container: 55° F, 99% humidity
Inside Container: 57° F, 69% humidity
Measurement 6:
Outside Container: 68° F, 72% humidity
Inside Container: 82° F, 39% humidity
Measurement 7:
Outside: 53° F, 46% humidity
Inside Container: 65° F, 43% humidity
April 22, 2019
Measurement 8:
Outside: 75° F, 70% humidity
Inside Container: 94° F, 36% humidity
May 17, 2019
Measurement 9:
Outside: 80° F, 76% humidity
Inside Container: 98° F, 40% humidity
Comments: “Another good reading and the feed looks good. I really think this is helping.” ~John
May 20, 2019
Measurement 10:
Outside: 85° F, 74% humidity
Inside Container: 99° F, 45% humidity
Comments: “Here is another good reading from today. I have also attached a picture of the inside of my container so you can see the sacks of feed.” ~John
June 20, 2019
Measurement 11:
Outside: 90° F, 67% humidity
Inside Container: 110° F, 35% humidity
July 5, 2019
Measurement 12:
More good readings.
Outside: 92° F, 64% humidity
Inside Container: 111° F, 36% humidity
August 1, 2019
Measurement 13:
Outside: 93° F, 63% humidity
Inside Container: 116° F, 34% humidity
Comments: “Every time I walk into my container now, I just smile that I’m not being overwhelmed with toxic fumes!” ~John
August 13, 2019
Measurement 14:
Outside: 99° F, 47% humidity
Inside Container: 118° F, 33% humidity
August 27, 2019
Measurement 15:
Outside: 95° F, 56% humidity
Inside Container: 114° F, 36% humidity
Comments: “I can’t explain what a difference your product has made for my container. On a day like yesterday with high heat and humidity the inside of that container would normally be unbearable. Thousands of pounds of feed, a sealed container, high heat and humidity created toxic fumes that were overwhelming. Your venting system has corrected these issues and now my container is comfortable to enter even on these extreme days. Thank you for a great product!” ~John
Measurement 16:
Outside: 76° F, 97% humidity
Inside Container: 75° F, 77% humidity
Updated March, 2020: “There is still no noticeable moisture forming inside the container as seasonal readings continue.” ~John
Updated April 2, 2020: John will provide more details related to heat dissipation in the coming months. Refer back to this post for up-to-date information.
July 24, 2020
Measurement 17:
Outside: 86° F, 43% humidity
Inside Container: 97° F, 52% humidity
August 31, 2020
**Notes: Measurement 4 was taken on a day/night temperature swing of over 50° F (80°+ day and a drop to 30° at night) with very little noticeable wind present. Some moisture formed on the top inside edges of the ceiling. This is the worst case scenario for all passive vents. None will perform well in this condition although the 360 system will continue to create a minor air exchange situation, regardless of outside wind velocity.
We hope this information is of use to you in looking at your own container situation. This is an idea of what to expect given the variances of climate conditions that mother nature throws at us. We also appreciate the feedback of our customers like John, and encourage you to contact us with your questions and concerns. Email: [email protected] or Call +1 778-910-4147.
Read more on our Condensation & Moisture Control page.
~Bob Cravens and The Team at 360 Products
