Advantages and disadvantages of using grain sleeves

The technology of storing grain in polyethylene sleeves is being used today by an increasing number of farms and other agricultural enterprises. Those who are just planning to put this technology into practice are looking for information on how it works and the cost of grain storage sleeves in Ukraine.

The polyethylene product manufacturer “Planet Plastic” offers high-quality grain storage sleeves at a favorable price, with delivery to any region of Ukraine.

What is a Grain Sleeve

A grain sleeve, also referred to as a silage bag or silobag, is a polymer sleeve manufactured from three-layer heavy-duty polyethylene with a total thickness of 200-250 µm. Products of our manufacture feature the following characteristics:

• Two white outer layers with UV protection—protect the contents of the sleeve and reflect solar energy.
• A black inner layer that contacts the grain—blocks sunlight and maintains a low temperature.
• Typically, a grain sleeve has a length of about 60 meters, a diameter of up to 3 meters, and can store up to 200 tons of wheat, corn, or soybeans.
• When fully loaded with grain or silage, the grain sleeve takes on a long tubular shape, similar to a sausage.
• With proper compaction, the grain sleeve is waterproof and features a high degree of gas impermeability to CO2 and O2.
• Filling and unloading a grain sleeve requires specialized grain bagging and unbagging machinery that can be attached to a tractor with a PTO. Grain sleeves and loading/unloading equipment are relatively inexpensive compared to stationary grain storage structures and matching grain transport equipment.

Our website features machinery for storing grain in sleeves from the Ukrainian agricultural machinery manufacturer Kobzarenko Plant. In addition, jointly with Kobzarenko Plant, we provide services for loading and unloading grain from polymer sleeves.

Unlike classic oxygen-based storage, grain sleeves preserve grain and silage in a hermetic environment where, during the respiration process of the grain or silage, oxygen is rapidly replaced by carbon dioxide, which acts as a natural preservative. A carbon dioxide-rich environment forms inside the sleeve, thereby preserving the contents of the sleeve and keeping it safe from insects and pests.

The site where the grain sleeves are placed must be prepared beforehand. It must be level, and water must not accumulate on it during rains. The site must also be cleared of any objects that could damage the grain sleeve (such as stubble, sharp stones, or branches), as even very small punctures breach the hermetic seal, letting air, moisture, and insects into the grain mass. It is precisely due to the high level of CO2 and low level of O2 that we create favorable conditions for grain preservation inside the bag (grain sleeve). Punctures will allow moisture and air inside the bag, destroying the desired internal grain preservation.

How the Technology of Storing Grain or Silage in Harwell™ Sleeves Works:

• When dry grain or silage enters the grain sleeve, most of the oxygen is expelled during the loading process due to mass compaction achieved by activating the disc brakes.
• Hermetic storage: after loading, the sleeve is hermetically sealed; oxygen does not penetrate inside the tightly loaded grain sleeve, and the internal temperature does not rise.
• During the respiration process of the grain, microorganisms, and insects, the remaining oxygen (O2) is consumed and replaced by carbon dioxide (CO2).
• This creates a modified atmosphere that halts the metabolic process of the grain and inhibits the growth and development of mold and insects, creating a natural, safe storage environment.
• In silage: the anaerobic environment enhances lactic acid fermentation and provides an overall oxygen barrier that preserves the integrity of the nutrients in the ensiled material.
• Monitoring the integrity of laid sleeves: performing timely repairs. Any holes must be immediately sealed with the repair tape that comes with Harwell TM grain sleeves. This is vitally important for maintaining anaerobic storage (without air) without losses.

Loading grain into polymer sleeves and subsequent unloading are carried out using specialized machines.

You can buy grain bags from us at the manufacturer’s price. Your order can be a one-time purchase, and we also provide services on an ongoing basis, developing customized terms for each client.

Advantages of Using Grain Sleeves

Various crops can be stored in polyethylene bags, for example, silage, food and feed-grade grain, corn, and others. The products are convenient to use. What is the volume of a grain storage sleeve? Bags with a length of 60 meters, a diameter of 2.7 meters, and a wall thickness of 230 µm hold an average of 200 tons of grain, while the weight of the empty grain sleeve itself is about 110 kilograms.

The list of main advantages of grain sleeves includes:

• Reduction of necessary capital investments compared to constructing stationary grain elevators. To calculate the economic benefit and compare different grain storage scenarios, we have created a calculator for computing the cost of storing grain in sleeves versus an elevator.
• The opportunity to sell the harvest later when the price is maximum and most favorable for sale.
• Simplification of harvest logistics by providing flexible storage right along the edge of the field, especially when permanent warehouse capacities for continuous storage are lacking.
• Preservation of grain on one’s own field in the open air and under one’s own supervision.
• Precision in grain sorting and clear identification of quality characteristics of grain varieties throughout the storage period allows products to be sold on the market at the maximum price.
• High quality of grain preservation due to the specific feature of the technology—anaerobic storage. Thanks to natural preservation, the grain does not require fumigation or other treatments aimed at maintaining quality during storage.

Disadvantages of Using Grain Sleeves

The sleeve method of storage also has certain downsides:

• Specialized bagging and unbagging equipment is required, which must be purchased or rented through third-party service providers.
• Loading, unloading, and monitoring grain storage in silage bags require additional labor and time.
• Regular monitoring of the integrity of the grain sleeves and the condition of the loaded grain is necessary.
• Regardless of the thickness of the grain storage sleeve, it can only be used once, as it is slit along the top part during grain extraction.

Today, grain sleeves are an inexpensive and profitable way to store grain for producers and grain traders. The grain sleeve is an excellent economic buffer to mitigate temporary shortages of storage capacity. According to calculations, storing grain in sleeves is almost 4 times cheaper than traditional storage in elevators, proving once again the high efficiency of bag-sleeves for grain storage. By the way, for your convenience, we have developed a calculator for computing the cost of storing grain in sleeves versus an elevator.

On the whole, grain sleeves are an effective and proven hermetic technology for storing grains, silage, and haylage, which substantially helps reduce post-harvest losses and serves as an excellent alternative to elevators or when one’s own storage capacities are insufficient. Furthermore, the technology of storing grain in sleeves is an economically advantageous solution for farmers.

 

Wishing everyone a rich harvest!