Grain handling equipment – Cirio Agricola
MIAL and CIRIO AGRICOLA
The correct handling of grains is a critical element in the agro-industry.
In fact, despite the constant increase in global food demand, inefficient handling in the grain sector results in losses of up to 20% of the entire production, according to mckinsey.
Investing in state-of-the-art handling and management systems is therefore a necessity for all companies that want to compete in an extremely competitive market.
In fact, the use of technologically advanced systems leads to a general mitigation of losses, the preservation of a greater part of the harvest and an increase in overall profitability.
These are indeed decisive elements for all those companies that handle large volumes of products.
Choosing the ideal conveyor system is not a straightforward matter because it involves evaluating numerous elements and weighing various factors.
In this article we will analyse:
- Factors to consider when choosing a conveyor system
- Installation at Cirio Agricola
Factors to consider when choosing a conveyor system
Not all grain handling systems are suitable for each type of seed.
It is essential to know the characteristics and prerogatives of each conveyor system in order to assess which model best suits your needs.
Among the various assessments to be made are:
Product specifications
Not all conveyor systems are suitable for handling fragile, abrasive, corrosive products or products for which cross contamination must be avoided.
When transporting certain products, it is essential to choose solutions that both preserve the product and its properties and prevent deterioration or breakage.
Available space
An element that is often decisive when choosing a model is the amount of space available.
While some conveyor systems, such as the bucket elevator, are exclusively vertical, others can be customised according to specific production requirements.
The tubular chain conveyor is, of the various models, the most customisable. Often, with just one tubular conveyor, several conveying systems can be replaced, simplifying the process and reducing energy consumption.
Cleaning and maintenance
Maintenance costs are another element, often underestimated, that significantly influences the choice of a particular conveyor type.
Tubular chain conveyors, for example, are characterised by their high robustness and, being easily inspected, contribute to a significant reduction in maintenance costs.
Energy demand
The energy demand of a transport system is an important cost in the economy of companies.
It is a key element especially in systems that operate on a large scale or continuously. Each type of conveyor has different energy characteristics.
Scalability
When choosing a conveyor system, the possible extendibility of production must also be considered. A system built with flexible and scalable machinery will allow easy adaptation to new production requirements.
Installation at Cirio Agricola
The collaboration with Cirio Agricola, Italy’s leading milk producer, arose from the company’s need for a customised system for storing and handling barley grains to a hydroponic system.
A project that took into account the limited space available and the need to combine productivity and product protection in both the storage and transport phases.
After a careful analysis of the customer’s needs, we opted for the realisation of a project consisting of:
- 5 fibreglass silos
- 2 different models of tubular chain conveyor systems
MIAL fibreglass silos are made of high-quality resins and monolithic construction to ensure thermal insulation and freedom from contamination.
The smooth inner surface facilitates cleaning, while the outer Gel Coat ensures weather and chemical resistance.
We chose, from the various transport systems available, the tubular chain system because no other system can simultaneously guarantee:
- greater flexibility
- reduced space requirements
- product protection
- reduced maintenance
- energy saving
The 2 models chosen (chainMove 100 and 160) have maximum capacities ranging from 12 m3/h to 30 m3/h. They can be adjusted according to production requirements.
The presence of a single motor and the design capable of moving the product at height both horizontally and vertically was a decisive factor.
This also provides significant energy savings as the chain tube can replace several conveying systems. For example the bucket elevator, vane elevator and screw conveyor.
Why choose MIAL
Mial has been operating for 50 years in the grain handling and conveying systems manufacturing sector.
Choosing MIAL means entrusting yourself to a solid company that designs, manufactures and installs complete turnkey systems.
Each machine is designed, manufactured and assembled in-house. We support the customer from the realisation of a tailor-made project to after-sales service.
A company that operates internationally and makes turnkey plant construction its core business.
