New trends in bulk storage solutions using thin-shell concrete domes
By integrating innovative design expertise and comprehensive construction capabilities, Dome Technology LLC is meeting new worldwide demands for improved bulk storage solutions.
Dome Technology LLC has coined a new term, DomeSiloTM, to describe its latest bulk storage solution for virtually every kind of product, including woodpellets,coal,clinker,cementand ores.
Rather than the more familiar half-sphere storage dome with a diameter-to-height ratio of 2:1, the DomeSiloTM typically provides a diameter- to-height ratio of 1:1 using a single-ply waterproof membrane as an inflated air form to form the vertical sides of the reinforced concrete structure. The advantages of such a structure compared to traditional cylindrical concrete silos are described in the following paragraphs.
 
INCREASED STORAGE CAPACITY
The storage capacity of a DomeSiloTM for a given product when compared with the storage capacity of a traditional cylindrical silo with the same diameter and height can result in 30% increased storage capacity. For example, if a product having a specific gravity equal to 1.0 and 30° angle of repose is stored in a 30m (98.4’) diameter by 30m (98.4’) tall DomeSiloTM compared with a traditional cylindrical silo of the same diameter and height, the DomeSiloTM would provide an impressive 3,740 additional metric tonnes of storage as shown in the illustration below:
 
ELIMINATION OF DEEP FOUNDATIONS
Dome Technology’s expertise in geotechnical engineering and advanced finite element analysis, coupled with decades of dome construction experience, ensure structural stability of the DomeSilosTM and their integrated ring foundations without any need for deep foundations in most situations. The exceptional rigidity of the dome shell and its ring foundation distributes loading more uniformly over irregular surface conditions, thus providing a high tolerance for differential settlement, which consistently saves facility owners millions of dollars by drastically reducing or eliminating the need for deep foundations.
 
STRONGER
The reinforced double curvature DomeSiloTM is much stronger than a traditional cylindrical silo or other non-dome storage structure. An apex loading of over 500 metric tonnes over a span of 73 metres (240 ft), including a five-storey head house transfer tower as constructed for Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua (GCC) to store 125,500 metric tonnes of clinker at its Pueblo, Colorado, cement plant is not uncommon. A comparative traditional structure would have required significantly greater materials and resources at a much higher cost in order to handle such a tremendous unsupported span and load. The DomeSiloTM can easily accommodate point loading such as the GCC head house or distributed loads such as those imposed by stored materials loaded against the interior surface of the dome. Point loads may be placed at any location on the dome shell, and large or small openings may be located anywhere on its surface allowing ultimate flexibility when considering material handling, truss or equipment support. This technology also allows construction of megastructures such asthe world’s largest 248’ diameter x 156’ high clinker storage dome (200,000 metric tonnes) for Lafarge in Medgidia, Romania, and the 330’ diameter x 105’ high molybdenum stockpile dome for Freeport-McMoRan (Climax) near Leadville, Colorado.
 
DIVERSITY OF SHAPES WITH MULTIPLE RECLAIM OPTIONS
DomeSilosTM are a critical component of overall integrated materials storage and handling configurations that utilize various mechanical systems such as simple pay loader, mass flow gravity reclaim, mechanical screw, rotary ploughs, and vibratory and pneumatic floors. The entire handling and storage configuration, including above or below-ground reclaim tunnels, can be design- built by Dome Technology using a diversity of shapes including low profiles and hemispheres with or without stem walls, or even long elliptical configurations. The company can design and build to optimize varying site arrangements, storage capacities, through put requirements, loading and reclaim needs, and even multiple material-type handling configurations. Its extensive experience in reclaim solutions helps them integrate their domes and other above and below-ground structures and loading and reclaim mechanical systems to seamlessly work together in order to meet a customer’s specific needs on any project.
The figures above illustrate typical reclaim systems in DomeSilosTM and dome hemispheres.
 
SAFER, FASTER BUILDING    PROCESS
For virtually every project, owners need their projects completed within tight time constraints. A DomeSiloTM can be built in most areas of the world nearly any time of the year, allowing ultimate flexibility in construction scheduling. Dome Technology’s structures eliminate typical and potentially more dangerous crane lifting and swinging operations. Because construction activities take place inside the moderated environment of the dome structure, Dome Technology’s efficient construction supervision, and sequencing ensure projects are timely completed while providing a moderated, safer environment that encourages efficient construction sequencing, improved quality control and virtually eliminates adverse weather construction delays. All these advantages contribute to earlier completion dates.
 
AVERTING DAMAGE FROM NATURAL DISASTERS
The reinforced double curvature DomeSiloTM is much stronger than a traditional cylindrical silo or other storage structures. Not only does the DomeSiloTM handle tremendous point loading for apex loading and bent supports for mechanical components, the structure is hurricane (up to 300+ mph) and earthquake (8+ Richter) resistant.
 
DESIGN BUILD
Dome Technology provides totally integrated design-build storage solutions, including project design, sourcing and construction of domes, tunnel, stair towers, mechanical and electrical systems, and more. Because of its extensive knowledge of the dome structure and how it interacts with foundations, soils, and mechanical systems, the company can provide solutions to particular product loading, storage, and reclaim needs. This value-engineered, one-stop design-build solution provides better-integrated project design, sourcing, and construction at an overall savings to the customer. Illustrated top is Dome Technology’s 2010/11 Georgia Biomass project in Savannah GA, which includes settlement analysis of domes and integrated design of the dome, tunnels, conveyors, structural steel, structural steel detailing, structural concrete, electrical and control systems and construction of the dome and tunnels. 
 
HEAT, FIRE AND EXPLOSION PROTECTION
While an internal fire is unlikely in the storage of potentially combustible materials, the always-in-compression double curvature geometry of the reinforced concrete DomeSiloTM is structurally stable under extreme fire and heat conditions and provides excellent explosion containment as evidenced by a dome structure that was minimally damaged by the explosion of a US Air Force laser-guided 5,000lb bunker buster bomb in Iraq. The smooth interior surface of a DomeSiloTM discourages build-up or caking of dust and stored materials which may potentially self-
combust, or when dislodged, can cause fire or explosion. These reduced risks offer potential insurance premium savings.
 
WATERPROOF AND LOW MAINTENANCE
The entire exterior of Dome Technology’s domes and DomeSilosTM is covered by a mould-resistant UV-protective resin coating on both sides of a single-ply PVC
waterproofing membrane that provides a continuous 100% waterproof barrier. The membrane is made of the strongest, most durable, and longest-lasting high tension fabrics available on the market. Membrane sections are radio frequency welded to provide continuous strength and water-tightness over the entire exterior surface. Rivets, fasteners or other mechanical connections found in other structures are not used, thus eliminating potential sources for leaks. This comprehensive approach to waterproofing ensures long-lasting protection of the stored product and the structure itself.
 
INSULATED SUPERSTRUCTURE
Temperature fluctuations within a storage structure may cause damaging cyclical thermal stresses that can fatigue and destroy conventional storage silos. The continuous outer polyurethane foam insulation in a dome structure in combination with the inner reinforced concrete layer provides an insulated thermal mass that minimizes temperature fluctuations in the structure. The insulation also minimizes internal condensation and vapour drive from moisture found in many biomass products and contributes to preservation of product quality (see interior temperature variation comparison below).
 
COST EFFICIENT AND GREEN
Locally available concrete and steel are utilized to minimize the need for long-distance transportation to each site of specialized building materials or components, thus eliminating unnecessary energy consumption and resulting pollution. The double- curvature
DomeSiloTM uses overall less construction materials to enclose comparatively more storage volume, thus minimizing unnecessary consumption of natural resources. The unique construction method eliminates significant amounts of construction waste, and the
dome-contained construction reduces dissipation of construction-related dust emissions.The completed structure more efficiently prevents pollution or contamination of air or water from the stored product. Local materials, less waste, and reduced environmental impact result in overall savings and increased public acceptance of a greener project.
 
SUMMARY
Dome Technology has assembled in one place a comprehensive experienced team of dome design, engineering, detailing, fabrication, and construction resources. It continues to pioneer new advances, applications, and solutions for bulk storage applications. With its innovative state-of-art design methodologies, including the DomeSiloTM concept, Dome Technology provides its customers excellent integrated design and construction of quality-controlled, cost-effective bulk storage solutions.
 
Containing pollution with storage facilities from the Aumund group
With present sensitivity to nuclear power in general, coal-fired power plants seem on the brink of a renaissance demanding careful analysis of the overall pollution issues surrounding this subject, writes Barry Woodbine from the Aumund Group.
The fundamental issues with greenhouse gas generation from coal fired power plant remain. But with the new generation of hyper efficient boiler designs and with the efficiency benefits available with district heating schemes the total CO2 footprint may be mitigated until clean coal technologies become a practical reality.
However, greenhouse gases are not the only pollutants from coal fired power plant, the control of sulphur emissions using wet process flue gas desulphurization (FGD) remains critical to
SCHADE circular storage linked to the power plant and to continuous ship unloaders for the import of coal from Panamax-size vessels.
environmental impact is not simply a factor of gaseous pollutants but also fugitive dust, noise and visual intrusion plus the effect the movement of high volumes of bulk materials may have on the local population. For very large plants located way from centres of population some of these issues may be less relevant but to maximize the efficiency benefits of district heating schemes CHP plants must, by definition, be located as close as possible to the towns they serve both for power and heating.
Since the 1960s SCHADE Lagertechnik, Herne (Germany), has produced an extensive range of circular storage and reclaim systems, including circular blending beds, which offer both the lowest footprint per ton stored and simplified enclosure using light weight fabricated or Geodesic domes. More than 50 units
Circular storage with cantilevered boom stacker and reclaimer boom all mounted to a central column with Geodesic dome.
minimize the effects of acid rain and ocean pollution, this is long established technology but far from universally applied. For the operation of the FGD systems large volumes of limestone are required, for example a large, say 4 gigawatt, coal fired power plant will require some 10,000 tonnes of high purity limestone weekly and will produce around 15,000 tonnes of synthetic gypsum in the same period. These are substantial volumes of material which must be imported to the power plant and exported typically to local board plant and cement manufacturers as a substitute for natural gypsum.
Alternative fuels from sustainable resources such as biomass, supplementing the main coal intake, offer the possibility of
Circular storage with semi-portal reclaimer enclosed with a fabricated dome shown partially clad.
have been installed in China, many along the Yangtze River where coal is imported in Panamax sized ships, discharged by continuous ship unloaders to a troughed belt conveyor system and moved inland. The import conveyor extends into the storage dome and is supported on the central column of the SCHADE storage system. In this manner no machinery loads are transferred to the enclosure and therefore the structure can be designed independent of the machinery. Typically the dome structure will be supported on the concrete perimeter walls that are also load bearing to contain the coal thereby increasing the effective holding capacity. These storage facilities in China are all based on the same general dimensions of 120 metres diameter with a live holding capacity of around 180,000 tonnes.
Dome enclosures are very efficient in terms of the construction cost and at the same time they cause minimum visual intrusion. Of course by enclosing the stockpile there is no risk of fugitive, wind-blown, dust pollution nor is there any risk of run-off water polluting the local waterways or aquifers, particularly important in ports or river berths. Additionally the enclosure contains the machinery noise to control the sound pressure levels within the permitted limits.
Two different designs of reclaimer boom are available for this style of circular storage, a cantilevered arrangement supported wholly from the central column or a semi-portal rotary design where the outside of the portal is supported on the concrete perimeter wall. The cantilevered design is relatively less complex but generates a higher point loading to the foundation under the central column. For both designs the column is extended upwards to support the slew ring of the radial stacker and, via an additional slew bearing, the head of the incoming conveyor.
Stacking and reclaiming may happen simultaneously, using separate operating zones, allowing the output to the boiler bunkers to be maintained continuously. For the rapid discharge of the large deep sea vessels the stacking conveyor may be designed for 4,000tph (tonnes per hour) handling rate and generally the reclaim boom will be arranged for 2,000tph recovery rate.
Where coal is sourced from many different locations, of varying qualities, blending may be required. This function is generally carried out at a lower rate using a circular storage system with a bridge reclaimer including reciprocating harrows. Using the radial and luffing boom stacker a layered stockpile is generated automatically such that at any point along the stockpile a cross section would yield samples of coal from every source. The bridge reclaimer boom is supported both from the central column and to a rail running around the periphery of the stockpile. A SCHADE design chain scraper conveyor transfers the coal from the reciprocating harrow to the central outlet and discharge belt conveyor below. Using full face width
reciprocating harrows with close pitch tines coal is displaced from the full inclined face of the stockpile taking elements of every layer to ensure the material recovered is a homogeneous blend of all samples. Using the circular concept the output may be maintained without interruption as the blending bed is continuously generated and recovered as the stacker and reclaimer work together around the central column, similar in concept to the cantilevered boom arrangement for the strategic stockpile.
 
LIMESTONE AND FGD GYPSUM
Of course a similar solution may be adopted for the limestone intake to the FGD process — not only to contain air pollution.
The typical circular storage facility would include a blending bed and could also be applied to the intake of limestone or additives to a cement plant.
Limestone is in many cases delivered to the power plant by hopper bottom rail wagons and discharged by gravity to an under rail hopper with apron feeder from which the material may be conveyed to the FGD plant to be ground and turned into a slurry before injecting the flue gas where a reaction takes place generating gypsum. The resulting gypsum slurry is then de- watered down to a moisture content of around 10% and generally stored at the power plant before transfer/sale in economical quantities. FGD gypsum is notoriously difficult to handle being highly cohesive and liable to block and bridge in any chutes or hoppers and in particular for silo storage special measures must be taken to ensure effective extraction and feeding. AUMUND CentrexTM or Rotating Rotary Discharge Machines (RRDM) type BWE are commonly used for this purpose.
The production of FGD gypsum as a co-product of coal-fired power plant is an important environmental benefit in the board industry and in the cement industry where the FDG gypsum is used in the final cement grinding stage to improve the cement properties.
Generally, for FGD gypsum storage, the longitudinal portal or semi portal design is preferred depending upon the volume and site geography, as illustrated by a small storage facility at an E.ON power plant near Dortmund (Germany). Here FGD Gypsum is stored before being loaded to trucks for further distribution. The semi-portal reclaimer used in this operation comprises a SCHADE chain scraper boom supported from the semi-portal frame and discharging over a concrete wharf at low level to a belt conveyor running parallel to the stored material. This solution eliminates any hoppers or chutes and the material is deposited directly into the feed boot of the collecting conveyor.
Keeping the supply chain short is yet another way to minimize pollution and local intrusion. The board plant of St. Gobain at Sherburn (United Kingdom) gives a good example: FGD gypsum is transferred by trucks a short distance from the Drax power on a merry-go-round basis. The gypsum is received into a pair of AUMUND SAMSONTM feeders and conveyed to the storage hall where it is distributed by overhead tripper conveyor. A full portal frame reclaimer from SCHADE is installed within the storage hall. To minimize the machinery height a twin boom reclaimer design was specified ensuring the scraper booms remain within the portal envelope to save on the required building height. As for the semi-portal design the gypsum is scraped over a concrete wharf and onto a collecting belt conveyor. In this case the material is transferred direct from the storage hall to the mill bunkers by conventional belt conveyor. To allow simultaneous loading and discharge from the storage hall the operation of the reclaimer and tripper are electronically interlocked using a wireless data communication system thus eliminating the need for expensive data cable reels on both the reclaimer and the tripper car. SCHADE was able to ensure quiet operation by using ball bearing outboard roller chains which run smoothly and offer not only considerably reduced noise level, to satisfy permitting demands, but also much extended chain life.
The incremental development of enclosed longitudinal and circular storage systems offers flexibility to choose the design best fitted to the application in the sure and certain knowledge the equipment will function reliably and continuously under the most arduous operating conditions. SCHADE enclosed storages are proven in many reference installations worldwide operating in continuous process plant such as power utilities, steel and cement plant plus myriad of other equally challenging applications.
 
ABOUT THE AUMUND GROUP
The AUMUND Group is long-established and well-respected in the cement industry delivering world class materials handling and storage solutions from the quarry through to the finished cement silos and at every stage between. In particular for the reliable handling of hot clinker Aumund is pre-eminent, incorporating a unique blend of engineering excellence and technical innovation to deliver the absolute reliability demanded in the modern mega cement plant. The manufacturing companies, AUMUND Fo¨rdertechnik GmbH, SCHADE Lagertechnik GmbH and B&W Mechanical Handling Ltd. are consolidated under the umbrella of the AUMUND Group along with AUMUND Logistik GmbH. In conjunction with the headquarters of the manufacturing companies, the global business is supported in eight locations in Asia, Europe, North and South America by own subsidiaries plus worldwide by an extensive network of agents covering four continents with equipment operating in over 100 countries.

New sonic horn improves operating efficiency and consistency
One of the world’s major suppliers of bulk material flow technology has introduced a new addition to its family of flow aid products. The MARTIN® sonic horn is an acoustic cleaner that reduces system downtime, maintenance, and operating costs, while improving performance and prolonging equipment life. In addition to the low cost of ownership, acoustic cleaning helps avoid structural fatigue or damage, prevents dry particulate build-up, and increases system efficiency. Especially effective around pipes and behind obstacles, sonic energy de-bonds particulates with a 360° sweep, cleaning inaccessible parts.
Sonic horns work by producing a low-frequency, high- pressure sound wave, which is created when compressed air flexes a titanium diaphragm in the sound generator. This sound wave is then magnified as it is emitted through the cleaner’s bell. The sound pressure causes dry particulate deposits to resonate and become fluidized, allowing them to be removed by constant gas flow or gravity.
“Acoustic cleaning technology has been providing cost-saving solutions for decades,” commented Jeff Shelton, Multiport Specialist, from Martin Engineering. “It’s a proven technology that can improve throughput and reduce blockages.”
There are two models of the sonic horn available. MARTIN® Model D-75 Sonic Horn has a fundamental frequency of 75Hz and measures 2,339mm in length and weighs 86.2kg. This model
has a wavelength of 4.5m. The MARTIN® Model D-230 Sonic Horn
(230Hz fundamental frequency) features a wavelength of 1.5m and is 698.5mm. It weighs 24.6kg.
Sonic horns can be used in enclosed storage facilities, such as silos, but also within vessels. They comply with OSHA dB regulations for vessel interiors, helping manufacturing facilities to comply with emissions regulations. MARTIN® sonic horns are well suited for use in boilers, heat exchangers, economizers, bag houses, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) processes, ID fans, electrostatic precipitators (ESP), silos, hoppers, cyclones, and air pre- heaters.
Used in combination with Martin Engineering’s BIG BLASTER® air cannon technology, MARTIN® sonic horns provide a total cleaning and flow solution. Specific launch dates of this new product may vary slightly, depending on the country and region.
Founded in 1944, Martin Engineering is a provider of systems to make bulk materials handling cleaner, safer and more productive. The firm is headquartered in Neponset, IL, with global reach from operations in Brazil, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa,Turkey, India and the UK.


Laidig’s Fluidized ScrewTM reclaims with confidence
Automated storage and reclaim of fluidizable materials such as cement, fly ash, talc, and other powders becomes increasingly difficult as the storage volume increases. Various methods have been employed with varying degrees of success, but all have had problems in one or more of three areas: safety, reliability, and consistency.
Because of engulfment and other safety hazards associated with fluidized materials, manual reclamation, such as the use of front-end loaders, should never be a consideration. Likewise, any automated system that requires entry into the dome or other storage vessel should be avoided at all costs. Screw-type systems that are lowered from the top can provide uneven, inconsistent reclamation, and also require full-time personnel for operation. Air-gravity conveyors work very well — unless a dead zone develops, either from hard-pack or from a failure in one of the conveyors. Once a dead zone develops, there is no way to reclaim the material without risking the lives of personnel. Furthermore, with larger diameter vessels, using a fully-fluidized floor with air-gravity conveyors can become cost- prohibitive. With no good alternatives for large volume storage of fluidized materials, companies have continued to struggle with the inherent problems and risks associated with conventional material handling systems. At last, there is
solution: Laidig’s new Fluidized ScrewTM reclaim system. Laidig Systems, Inc. a US-based corporation located in
Mishawaka, Indiana, has developed a state-of-the-art reclaim system to provide safe, reliable, and consistent delivery of cement and other fluidizable materials. The reclaim system integrates the best of two technologies, combining a rugged mechanical screw reclaimer located on the floor of the storage dome, together with an efficient air-gravity system embedded in that same floor. The air-gravity conveyors, consisting of an aerated centre hub and a number of aerated radial spokes, are embedded into the dome’s sloped floor. A powerful mechanical screw reclaimer is located at a ‘home position’ over any one of the radial spokes (Photo 1). At start-up, initial reclamation automatically turns on the various air-gravity-conveyor spokes, leaving pie-shaped piles of unreclaimed material (Photo 2). Secondary reclamation then automatically begins, as the mechanical screw breaks down remaining piles and hard pack. (Photo 3). Control systems sequentially activate air-gravity conveyor zones to coincide with the location of the mechanical screw. At shut down, the screw reclaimer automatically returns to the nearest home position over one of the radial spokes (Photo 4).
Laidig provides the Fluidized ScrewTM in domes up to 50m in diameter, with controlled discharge rates of up to 250tph (metric tonnes per hour). The Laidig system offers the added confidence of knowing that materials can be successfully reclaimed even in situations of prolonged storage, where hard pack can pose huge problems for other reclamation systems. Laidig’s fully-automated controls mean no personnel entry, and
‘push-button’ reclamation with only minimal personnel supervision. The PLC-controlled sequencing, linked to auger advancement and the rotary control discharge valve, provides on-demand, consistent delivery as specified by downstream processes.
Laidig has pioneered the development of automated storage and reclaim since 1961, and is now a noted provider of dry-bulk silo reclaimers around the world. It designs, markets, manufactures and services a wide range of storage and reclaim systems, and excels in providing customized solutions for materials with special handling requirements, especially those that require exceptionally-rugged, extreme-duty reclaimers. Its research and testing has resulted in the development of systems that are well-suited for the storage and reclaim of hard-to- handle bulk solids, especially products with poor flow characteristics, including cement, fly ash, coal, gypsum, cellulosic feedstocks, biomass, meals, pellets, chemicals, recycled products, and a multitude of other bulk materials for process plants or port facilities.
The Fluidized ScrewTM is just one of the new state-of-the-art reclaim systems recently developed at Laidig. Its new
X-TraktorTM system provides cantilever reclamation in diameters up to 24m, and as large as 48m with a perimeter-supported screw. And Laidig’s new PlanetaireTM is ideal for storage of high-density materials. Laidig is known best for its track-driven reclaim systems, the largest of which is the DominatorTM in diameters up to 36m. These systems are all designed for demanding, high- capacity applications, including those which require 24/7 operation. For applications where FIFO (first-in-first-out) inventory management is of value, Laidig’s systems have a lot to offer, since their bottom screw reclaimers come as close as possible to making FIFO a reality. Unlike most other companies that provide reclaimers as just another component in a system, at Laidig the reclaimer has always been the primary focus. Laidig designs, custom-engineers, fabricates, tests, installs, and services its storage and reclaim systems worldwide.
 
 
Safety control in grain and feed silos and storage facilities
These days, it is increasingly important to monitor the product that is being stored in enclosed storage facilities. Quantities of product are increasing; harvesting time is becoming shorter; and the overall time pressure on the harvesting operation is increasing.
Often, the issue of quality control is adversely affected by the above-mentioned pressures. It is therefore essential to have improved monitoring of the stored product.
Agromatic has developed a completely new system for the temperature-cooling control of the filled product in silos and storage facilities. In 2011, the company has started the full-scale installation of this system at customer plants.
In developing this system,Agromatic has placed great emphasis on ensuring the best possible cost:benefit ratio is achieved. It has been possible to achieve a high-quality system at a reasonable price. This system is flexible and can be used in existing plants, new
plants or in plants with periphery expansion. In existing plants, infrastructure such as installation wires must be used. The new Agromatic temperature monitoring systems work digitally in two-wire mode, with serial wiring. However, to equip old silos, it is possible to use conventional wiring. The digital systems can be extended wirelessly in any direction. For example, existing silo blocks, with fixed installations, can — if an expansion should take place — be combined with the wireless part to function as a complete system with one control unit. The same applies in warehouses. In warehouses, a wire-based installation is mostly impossible due to loading and unloading of product. Here, wireless spear probes offer a convenient alternative.
Picture 1 shows how it is possible to combine the old relay- controlled temperature monitoring systems with the electronically monitored ones. It shows a combination of wireless control of storage facilities or silos right up the new- generation serial installation of digital systems. The complete system can be monitored by just one superior control unit. Picture 2 shows a purely digital solution. The monitoring
cables can be installed either serial (as in the picture) or with star wiring. Up to 512 sensors can be connected to the ADT-Dconnectionbox! In addition a wireless module can be connected for reliable detection in peripherical silos.
Picture 3 shows temperature spear probes for grain storage facilities with integrated wireless module. Depending on the bulk height, the spear probes are manufactured in length of 2–15m according to the needs of the customer, with between one and five sensors. If a wireless probe is placed in the storage facility, it automatically registers in the system. The central control module is capable
of scanning the temperatures at any time, or the probes transmit the data automatically if changes occur. From one radio point, up to 99 spear probes can be scanned; while 28 net points can be combined to one system.
Picture 4 shows a temperature monitoring cable with wireless module. The monitoring cable is fixed by means of a watertight 1 1/2” thread. All monitoring cables in a silo can be connected to a wireless module. For data processing, several control systems are available which can be combined in modular construction according to the needs of the customer. Whether using independent control or web-based connection via the web, the modern systems offer all kinds of solutions.



Chief Industries’ port storage systems find application worldwide
Chief Industries UK Ltd, is based in Maldon, Essex, UK and is a subsidiary of the global silo manufacturing company Chief Industries Inc. Group based in Nebraska, USA. The Chief companies manufacture and supply a comprehensive range of top quality grain storage silos, conveyors, ventilation systems, and grain dryers for worldwide distribution.
Chief Industries has over 50 years’ experience in grain storage and handling systems, incorporating state-of-the-art design and manufacturing, supplying flat floor silos with capacities ranging from 30 to 30,000 tonnes per silo, and hopper bins with capacities ranging from 2.5 to 1,400 tonnes per hopper bin. With this sort of range there is no limit to the storage capacity or layout that can be provided.
Manufactured from high-quality galvanized steel, Chief’s storage installations last for many years, which is an important factor for the harsh environmental conditions of port installations. Chief supplies the complete storage system with ventilation, temperature monitoring, discharge sweeps, and all ancillary equipment.
Chief’s own bucket elevators and chain conveyors currently have capacities of just over 1,000tph (tonnes per hour), but the company can handle projects of larger capacities using outsourced conveyors and equipment to make a suitable turnkey installation. Shiploaders and ship- unloaders are not part of the Chief range, but Chief will work with a variety of companies specialized in this equipment to complete the port side facility.
Some of the port storage installations supplied by Chief include: y Berdiansk,Ukraine; y Mariupol,Ukraine;
y Colon,Panama; y Veracruz,Mexico; y Bukayu,Congo;and y Port of Aden,Yemen.
The products handled include all types of grain, as well as rice, oilseeds and some beans, etc, but powders, fertilizers, and minerals are not in the range of suitable materials stored and handled by Chief. As a major supplier of silos around the world Chief has the experience and capabilities to provide a quality installation wherever
the customer is based. Chief Industries UK Ltd handles all enquiries from Scandinavia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, while Chief Industries Agri Division deals with enquiries from the rest of the world.
 
 
New orders for Temcor aluminium domes
HYUNDAI STEEL ORDERS TWO MORE TEMCOR ALUMINIUM DOMES BRINGING PLANT TOTAL TO SEVEN
Adding to one of the largest orders in Temcor’s history, Hyundai Steel has ordered two Temcor aluminium domes for its Dangin, South Korea plant — its third order for this plant, bringing the total number of domes to seven. Repeat business from loyal customers points to Temcor’s high standing and reputation of quality in the bulk storage market. Temcor is the world’s largest aluminium dome builder.
To fill this latest order,Temcor will design, manufacture and erect a 120m-diameter iron ore storage dome and a 130m dome for iron ore blending.
The first three domes (two 120m and one 130m) of the first five ordered for Hyundai were completed in June 2009. A second part of the order of two more domes consisting of one 120m and one 130m was completed in June 2010. The new plant is fully operational and the two additional domes are being built to support the next expansion phase.
“Hyundai’s previous order had specific engineering challenges and tight timeframe requirements that we were able to fulfill. When they decided they needed more domes for the plant, they knew they could depend on us to provide not just a quality product, but a quality experience.” Said Clark Margolf, executive vice president,Temcor.
Temcor domes for the bulk storage industry are built entirely of corrosion-resistant aluminium. They will never rust, rot, spall or solar degrade and remain virtually maintenance-free for the life of the domes.
As with the previous five domes, these will be custom- designed to accommodate stacker-reclaimer systems and other equipment. Manufacturing will be done at Temcor’s Rincon, Georgia facility. The first dome will begin shipping in December of this year, with erection scheduled to begin in February. The second will be shipped in May 2012.
The domes are duplicates of the first five and will be built on 20m and 7m-high concrete retaining walls respectively.
 
EXCELLENCE WORLDWIDE
Temcor’s domes are hard at work at a variety of facilities worldwide, including the following: limestone storage domes; Madras Cements, Ltd.; and Tamil Nadu, India.
In June of this year,Temcor announced that it was constructing three limestone storage domes under its Temcor Rollwell joint venture with Rollwell India. Two of the domes are 112m diameter and the third is a 90m diameter dome, all attached to 6m-high concrete retaining walls.
Madras Cements required Temcor to build the domes around the already-installed stacker-reclaimer systems.
Knowing that each plant/location is unique, every dome is custom-designed and built. Temcor specializes in accommodating special needs that may be dictated by geography, plant operation and so forth.
 
LIMESTONE STORAGE DOME, CRH GROUP, PODILSKY CEMENT PLANT, KAMYANETS-PODILSKY, UKRAINE
In another example of a repeat customer, the CRH Group came back to Temcor when it was time to build a dome at its Podilsky Cement plant in Kamyanets-Podilsky, Ukraine. Temcor had already fulfilled an order for the CRH Group, Irish Cement (details below).
The project at Podilsky is a 105m diameter Temcor aluminium dome for limestone storage. Custom features include a conveyor opening, truck access and man doors with dormers, and a gravity vent at the top of the
dome. The dome was engineered for its location — designed to withstand snow loads of .79kPa and dust loads from .17kPa to 2.0kPa. All-aluminium construction will keep the dome maintenance- and corrosion-free for years to come.
 
LIMESTONE STORAGE DOME, CRH GROUP, PLATIN WORKS, DROGHEDA, IRELAND
When Irish Cement decided to expand its Platin Works cement plant in Drogheda, Ireland near Dublin, it chose Temcor to build a 105m diameter limestone storage dome. The all-aluminium construction will resist corrosion in Ireland’s wet climate.
Temcor has been building aluminium domes and other structures for more than 45 years and has more than 8,000 installations throughout the world in industries as varied as water and wastewater treatment, petroleum, and scientific research. Temcor domes and roof systems for architectural applications are in place as sports arenas, cruise terminals, planetariums, churches, and more.
 
 
CST Industries announces launch of CST Covers
CST Industries, Inc., a global player in the manufacture and construction of factory coated metal storage tanks, aluminium domes, specialty covers and reclaimer systems, has announced the renaming of its aluminium cover and structure division, TemcorConservatek, to CST Covers.
“The integration of the strong organizations behind the Temcor and Conservatek brands has resulted in a new company with a focused direction to provide our customers with the best aluminium structures in the industry,” commented Joe Kerner, president of CST Covers.
“The launch of CST Covers alongside the previous renaming of our tank storage division to CST Storage, creates a clean and clear organizational structure for CST Industries that our customers worldwide can understand,” said Declan McLaughlin, CEO of CST Industries, Inc.
CST Covers was created by combining two globally renowned aluminium cover companies,Temcor and Conservatek Industries. CST Covers designs, manufactures and builds custom aluminium covers and structures for architectural, environmental and industrial applications. CST Covers has supplied over 15,000 covers in more than 90 different countries and offers multiple structural, high strength aluminium design solutions including domes, vaults, extruded flat covers, formed plank covers, truss supported covers, space frames as well as custom products specifically designed for customers unique vertical and overhead applications. The company maintains operations in Gardena, Calif., Conroe,Tex., and Rincon, Ga.The company is headquartered out of the Conroe,Tex. location.
CST Industries, Inc. is a complete storage system provider for engineering and manufacturing professionals in thousands of different industries and applications throughout the world. The company manufactures and erects factory coated metal storage tanks, aluminium domes and specialty covers. CST’s existing company portfolio consists of CST Storage, CST Covers,Weaver Reclaimer Systems and Vulcan Tanks. Manufacturing facilities and technical design centres are located in Parsons, Kan.;Winchester, Tenn.; DeKalb, Ill.; Conroe,Tex.; Gardena, Calif.; Rincon, Ga. and the United Kingdom. Regional sales offices are located throughout North America and in Mexico, Argentina, United Kingdom, India, Singapore,Vietnam and Dubai. Currently more than 275,000 CST tanks and covers have been installed in 125 countries throughout the world.