How to prevent silo failure with routine inspections and proper repairs
Silos that store bulk solids fail due to structural problems caused by bad design, poor construction, or improper use. A damaged or collapsed silo can disrupt the smooth and efficient operation of a plant by reducing storage capacity, spilling the stored solids, damaging nearby equipment, endangering workers, and generating dust. This article describes the causes of silo failure, provides three examples of silo failure, and then describes how to prevent silo failure by initiating routine inspections and making proper repairs.
The silo, bin, or hopper you use for storing bulk solids can develop structural problems if it's badly designed, poorly constructed, or improperly used. Such structural problems can cause your silo to fail. Because a silo is essential to a bulk solids handling system, the cost of silo failure is never small.