Grain Storage Tanks Key Terms

Grain storage tanks have a variety of components and options
By Christine Pollock Whether you are a novice or expert, we hope you find these key terms useful for researching grain storage tanks.

These terms were chosen to help you communicate effectively with clients and other industry professionals. It reduces confusion on concepts and specifications so you manipulate products and equipment effectively.

Grain storage tank

Also called a grain storage bin, the tank is a structure generally made from metal, which holds and stores grain. Its design helps prevent the grain from rotting.
Try:  M&W Tank Construction offers a detailed summary of a grain storage tank. It points out the advantages of using a flat bottom tank.

Commercial hopper tank

This type of tank has a funnel shape. Using gravity, the grain enters the top and exits out the bottom.
Try:  CTB highlights Brock Grain Systems, which offers consumers hopper tanks. The site also shows images of the tanks so clients know what to expect.

Corrugated steel silo

This term refers to steel shaped into parallel folds and furrows. It adds strength to a structure.
Try:  Designed for strength, Grain Systems offers clients steel corrugated grain storage tanks that hold over 710,000 bushels of grain.

Rubber liners

You can use rubber liners to keep grain from escaping from storage bins and to keep the grain fresh.
Try:  Royal Liner offers flexible rubber liners for storage tanks. It offers custom fittings for big tanks, even offering pre-made sections.

Flat bottom tank

This is a commonly used type of tank for grain storage. They stand at ground level and hold two-week, one-month or one-year supplies of grain.
Try:  Feed Machinery explains in detail the different types of storage bins available for clients wishing to store grain. It offers pros and cons of each type and comments that the flat bottom tank is the most popular for grain.

Conical grain storage tank

This type of tank allows grain to put equal pressure on storage tank walls with minimal surface area used.
Try:  The FAO Corporate Document Repository offers a look at factors one might want to consider when storing grain in bulk. It explains the science behind the conical storage tank and recommends ideal ratios for construction.