Advanced Crossflow Aeration is a patented* design for aeration of grain in upright concrete bins. ACA is useful when the noise of aeration fans is a critical issue. ACA uses 3 or 5-HP axial fans mounted on the elevator roof, so little fan noise is heard at ground level.
To view a larger version of the schematic at the right, click here. |
 |
Crossflow aeration moves air laterally from ducts mounted vertically on the bin walls. It uses small fans to supply the same airflow as would be supplied by much larger fans in a traditional grain aeration system. The smaller fan-power is made possible because of the low resistance to airflow when air is moved across the bin (typically 18 – 22 ft) instead of vertically through the grain (typically 100 – 130 ft).
ACA improved on existing versions of crossflow aeration by using slotted PVC ducts to eliminate damage to the vertical ducts during bin discharge. Early crossflow aeration systems used corrugated halfround ducts. The corrugated surface allowed the weight of the grain to be transferred to the ducts, resulting in frequent repair costs. The slick, strong PVC duct eliminates this problem but is more expensive than metal ducts. The higher construction cost of the ACA system is recouped through the years in lower electricity cost and a more uniform grain moisture gradient.
*patent owned by KSU Research Foundation, licensed to inventor, Carl R. Reed
|
About GSS