Investigation of the temperature and humidity of grain storage in a sealed metal container
Problem and purpose. The problem of grain storage is especially acute for agricultural producers in the autumn, when it is necessary to decide how much grain and where to send it for storage. Preserving the quality of grain mass is the main goal of grain storage technology. The purpose of this study is to study the temperature and humidity regime of a grain mound, which is stored in a sealed metal container, as well as its relationship with the environment. The object of research: a sealed metal container with an adjustable air environment. Methods. To achieve the research goal and answer the research questions posed, laboratory studies were conducted on the possibility of storing seeds in a sealed metal container with a controlled air environment. The research was carried out on the model of a sealed container with a controlled air environment in two ways: storage in an open space under a canopy, storage in an unheated closed grain warehouse. Two groups of containers were installed for each method, the first group-sealed containers with thermal insulation coating, and the second group - without thermal insulation coating. The research material was prepared reproductive seeds. The seeds were stored, weighed and had a humidity of no more than 15.2%, a temperature of 20-22 ° C. To determine the temperature and humidity readings of the air mixture in the working volume of the sealed container and the environment, humidity and temperature recorders of the DT-171 model, mounted on special supports, were used. All the recorders were connected to personal computers. Results. The results of the conducted research have shown that the use of a sealed container under a canopy will reduce the cost, protect grain from sunlight and precipitation. Conclusion. As a result of the study, it was found that during seasonal grain storage, due to different air temperatures in the outer layers of the grain mass, which are located in a closed container without thermal protection, the process of grain sweating occurs, which negatively affects the safety of the grain product.