Handling raw materials, such as grain, requires lots of planning. Of course, ensuring products leave your facility in good condition and retain that quality by the time they reach consumers is challenging. But it’s still possible. One of the most important factors that can make or break product quality is proper storage.
When it comes to raw material storage, businesses must make a common choice between bins vs. silos. The best solution for raw material storage in your facility will become more apparent after going through the guide below. Keep reading to learn the similarities, differences, and benefits present in each of these popular storage structures.
What Are Bins and Silos?
Although mixing up storage bins and silos isn’t rare, they have vastly different appearances. Silos are tall, slim, and have round domes on their tops. They’re more akin to towers than bins are. Silos are commonly made of metal or concrete—whichever best suits the individual consumer’s needs. On the other hand, metal grain bins are shorter and wider than silos, featuring pointed rooftops instead of round domes. Now that you know what these storage structures look like, you can dive deeper into how they differ here.
Key Differences
Grain bins and silos differ beyond their appearance. One similarity is that both structures appear on farms. However, silos are popular structures for storing animal feed, such as silage. A well-installed and well-maintained airtight silo ensures farmers can contain their feed without spoiling it in the process. However, while silos primarily hold animal feed, bins store dry goods like soybeans and corn. More specifically, grain bins contain goods that must remain dry. As a result, a good silo showcases impressive moisture and pest resistance, as well as optimal temperature control. With the right bin and enough care, facilities can keep goods contaminant-free successfully.
Choosing the Best Solution
When choosing between bins vs. silos, the best solution for raw material storage depends on the application. Both storage structures are effective, but they don’t fulfill the same purposes. For instance, wide metal grain bins are best for storing dry grain. On the other hand, silos are more suitable for silage. Some silos can accommodate grain, but this storage method is more common for silage handling. By working closely with manufacturers who can complete custom storage tank fabrication to meet your specific needs, you can successfully find the right solution for your raw product storage.