The Silo Monitoring System from OPI StorMax

Silo monitoring system, single cable hanger.

Skyway Grain Silo monitoring system, single cable hanger.

Silo monitoring system, multi cable hanger.

Skyway Silo monitoring system, multi cable hanger.

StorMax Digital Grain Temperature Cables

Multi-sensor grain temperature cables are at the heart of all silo monitoring systems. From one centre cable in smaller bins, to multiple cables in bins larger than 24' (8m) diameter, temperature profiles are taken throughout the bin to spot trends over time. With the OPI silo monitoring system, small increases suggest the need for closer observation. For aeration management and a grain moisture check, regular monitoring helps decide when and for how long to run fans to control temperature for safe storage. For NAD (natural air drying), grain moisture can be monitored by tracking the temperature drop (caused by evaporative cooling) as the front moves through the bin.

Silo Monitoring Systems Come in Two Styles

Retractable cable system comes with two suspension styles, ANGL for external mounting and HANG for hanging from internal structure.

The Stormax retractable grain temperature cable is a two-part system, consisting of an outer "tube" and an inner, removable "sensing element". Advantages of this system include:

Grain Temperature Cables

Cables come in three weights, Heavy-Duty(+30m/+100'), Commercial-Duty(15-30m/50-100'), and Medium-Duty (0-15m/0-50').

Uni-cable Binside Readout

Uni-cable Binside Readout.

Silo Monitoring System - Uni-cable Binside Readout

What is Digital Technology?

Multi-cable Binside Readout

Multi-cable Binside Readout.

Silo Monitoring System - Multi-cable Binside Readout

Digital Technology

StorMax/Thermocouple Comparison

StorMax
  • No wire termination necessary, simple installation and service
  • Single readout point
  • Accuracy of +/- 1.0°F
  • Different kinds of sensors and controls interconnected on same line
Thermocouple
  • Rats nest of wires, requires trained technician to terminate/service
  • One plug per cable
  • Accuracy of +/- 5.0°F
  • Dead-end for system integration
Multi-cable Binside Readout

Multi-cable Binside Readout.

Silo Monitoring System - 3-Wire Binside Readout

Retractable Cables

StorMax/Thermocouple Comparison

StorMax
  • Increased reliability with sensor floating inside tube
  • High quality finish
  • Simple service by customer even when bin is full
  • Flexible; can put other sensing, I.e. T/C inside tube
  • Future expansion; can put other technology inside tube
Thermocouple
  • Sensor failure common
  • Low quality; electrical tape, PVC jacket (panty hose)
  • Service required by trained technician, expensive, very involved, potential down time up to one to two years
  • T/C only
  • No future

Temperature Cable Specs

 
Unit
FDS2
MDR2
CDR2
HDR2
SE3
Cross Section
(Actual Size)
 
Size (LxW)
inch
0.41 x 0.15
0.67 x 0.47
0.79 x 0.47
0.87 x 0.47
0.18 Ø
mm
10 x 4
17 x 12
20 x 12
22 x 12
4.5 Ø
Steel Construction
inch
2 x 3/32
2 x 1/8
2 x 3/16
2 x 7/32
-
Tensile Strength
lg
1840
3400
8400
11200
-
kg
834
1542
3800
5080
-
Theoretical Load ***
lb/ft
7.4
16.0
18.5
20.0
-
kg/m
13.2
23.8
27.5
29.7
-
Maximum Tie-down
lg
460
850
2100
2800
-
kg
210
385
950
1270
-
Application Range
feet
0-50
0-50
50-100
> 100
-
m
0-15
0-15
15-30
> 30
All XDR2 Tubes
Digital
 
OPI-ONE
 
-
T/C
 
-
Thermistor
 
-

© 2011 Skyway Grain Systems Inc.

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