Chapter 1
Why grain temperature control is important
When storing grains, it is necessary to properly manage conditions such as temperature and moisture. If the temperature remains elevated for an extended period, it can lead to a decline in quality and the risk of mold growth.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has published management guidelines to prevent mold growth during the drying, processing, and storage stages of rice. These guidelines indicate that after drying, the grain temperature of unhulled rice should be kept below 20°C, and if the ambient temperature is above 20°C, it should be cooled to below ambient temperature + 5°C.
However, this is a guideline regarding the management conditions of specific types of rice. It does not mean that a uniform temperature standard should be applied to all grains or facilities.
Grain storage conditions vary depending on the type of grain, moisture content, dryness, storage period, silo structure, and ambient air conditions. Actual management conditions should be confirmed by the operational standards and relevant guidelines of each facility.
Chapter 2
Grain storage as seen from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' management guidelines
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has published management guidelines for preventing mold contamination of rice. These guidelines indicate that not only temperature but also moisture and hygiene management are important for the proper storage of grains.
Grain temperature after drying
After drying, it is recommended that the unhulled rice be cooled to an appropriate temperature before storage.
Check moisture level
Before storage, moisture meter is used to check moisture and ensure that it is in an appropriate moisture.
Instrument management
It has been indicated that moisture meters should also be kept in a state where they can measure accurately through regular inspection and calibration.
Facility hygiene management
It is also important to clean buildings and facilities to prevent contamination from dust and mold.
*The above guidelines apply to rice. For actual grain storage, please check the applicable standards and management methods according to the items and facility conditions.
Chapter 3
How to measure the temperature inside a silo
In large storage facilities like silos, measuring the temperature at just one point on the outside doesn't necessarily give you a complete picture of the internal conditions.
Therefore, one method is to place temperature sensors at multiple points inside the silo to check the temperature distribution in the vertical direction and other directions.
| method | Features | Suitable uses |
|---|---|---|
| Single-point measurement | Simple configuration | Temperature check in a limited area |
| Multiple point measurement | It is easy to check the temperature distribution inside the silo. | If you want to know the temperature status of the entire silo |
| Continuous monitoring | You can check the temperature changes over time. | If you want to monitor long-term storage or any abnormal changes |
The number and placement of measurement points are determined based on factors such as the silo's height, shape, capacity, the type of grain being stored, and the management purpose.
Chapter 4
Silo temperature measurement cable as an option
Chino's silo temperature measurement cables R101, R102, and R103 are temperature sensors for measuring the grain temperature inside silos. Multiple measurement points can be set up vertically in the silo to understand the temperature distribution inside.
| Models | Main Applications | Number of measurement points | Cable length |
|---|---|---|---|
| R101 | General form | Maximum 11 points | Maximum 50m |
| R102 | Small | Maximum 5 points | Maximum 10m |
| R103 | For rice centers | 1 or 2 points | Depending on the application and specifications |
R101, R102, and R103 all use platinum resistance thermometer such as Pt100 and are suitable for measuring the temperature inside silos. Detailed specifications vary depending on models.
View product information for silo temperature measurement cables R101, R102, and R103.
Chapter 5
Example configuration of a grain temperature control system
By importing temperature data collected from silo temperature measurement cables into a data acquisition and monitoring system, multiple silos and multiple measurement points can be managed together.
Temperature Sensors (Japan Only)
We measure multiple points inside the silo and collect grain temperature data.
data logging
We will collect temperature data and check the status at each measurement point.
Monitoring screen
You can centrally check the temperature, temperature distribution, and trends for each silo.
Alarms and History
You can consider configuration that include alarms based on set conditions and the ability to check past temperature history.
Chino proposes a grain temperature management configuration that combines temperature sensors, such as silo temperature measurement cables, with a recording and monitoring system.
Chapter 6
Benefits of recording and monitoring temperature data
Understand temperature changes
You can check not only the current temperature, but also how it has changed over time.
View temperature distribution
By comparing data from multiple measurement points, you can check the temperature distribution inside the silo.
Check in case of an abnormality.
If the temperature deviates from the set conditions, you can obtain information to check the situation and take appropriate action.
Utilizing records
Storing past data allows you to review storage conditions and improve management methods.
Temperature monitoring alone does not automatically guarantee the quality or safety of grains. Comprehensive storage management is necessary, including moisture, hygiene conditions, and equipment conditions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Grain Temperature Management
Q. Why is grain temperature control necessary?
This is to check the storage conditions of the grain and to understand changes such as temperature increases. It is important to manage not only temperature but also moisture and hygiene conditions.
Q. Is it sufficient to take a measurement in only one location inside the silo?
This varies depending on the size and shape of the silo and the storage conditions. Measuring at multiple locations makes it easier to check the temperature distribution inside.
Q. How many points can a silo temperature measurement cable measure?
R101 supports up to 11 points, R102 supports up to 5 points, and R103 supports 1 or 2 points. Cable length also varies depending on models.
Q. Can the quality of grain be determined solely by monitoring temperature?
Quality cannot be judged by temperature alone. moisture, storage period, hygiene conditions, and type of grain must also be checked.
Q. What types of equipment can the grain temperature management system be installed in?
We can focus our analysis on facilities that store grain, such as port silos, agricultural silos, and rice centers. The appropriate sensors and system configuration will vary depending on the silo's structure, capacity, and the number of measurement points.
Summary
Grain temperature management is not just about "measuring the temperature," but also about understanding the changes.
When storing grain, it is important to properly manage conditions such as temperature and moisture. In particular, in silos, measuring the internal temperature at multiple points makes it easier to understand the temperature distribution and changes.
- Measure: Check the temperature inside the silo at appropriate measurement points.
- Compare: Check the temperature distribution at multiple locations.
- Record: Keep a record of temperature changes over time.
- Notify: Notify of temperature anomalies as needed.
- Comprehensive management: Managing temperature, moisture, hygiene, and equipment conditions together.
At Chino, we propose a grain temperature management configuration that combines temperature sensors, including silo temperature measurement cables, with recording and monitoring systems.
Reference
Regarding grain storage and mycotoxin management
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, "Information on Mycotoxins in Food"
- Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, "Management Guidelines for Preventing Mold Contamination of Rice"
*This link will take you to an external website. Please refer to the latest official information regarding grain storage conditions and food safety standards and guidelines.
I would like to consult about grain temperature management and silo temperature monitoring.
Depending on factors such as silo size, number of measurement points, type of grain to be stored, and existing equipment, configuration of temperature sensors and recording/monitoring systems can be considered.
I would like to consult about grain temperature management.
