Simulation of airflow in grain storage bins

Abstract

A mathematical model and software were developed for the three-dimensional simulation of airflow through high capacity grain storage bins by considering the non-uniformity and anisotropy of the seed mass. To validate the proposed model, empirical relationships between air velocity and static pressure drop were obtained for compacted layers of several depths for various grains. A local criterion to estimate the efficiency of complex aeration system in storage bins was proposed. The simulations showed that software could be applied to optimise the performance of existing grain stores and lower the engineering costs of new grain stores.