Precision Monitoring, Granary Safety | Gas Sensors Empower Grain Storage Projects
The safe production and storage of grain are the cornerstones of national prosperity and stability, directly affecting the livelihoods and well-being of billions of people. With the rapid advancement of technology, smart granaries are gradually becoming a reality, ushering grain storage into a new era of mechanization, technological advancement, and intelligence.
As vital facilities for safeguarding national food security, the design and operation of granaries must strictly adhere to the basic principles of safe grain storage. During the storage process, environmental control is crucial to ensuring the quality and safety of the grain. Therefore, precise control of the environmental conditions within granaries is essential during their construction and renovation.
In granaries, as oxygen gradually becomes scarce and carbon dioxide levels rise, the respiration of the grain and biological oxidation reactions are restricted. This environment effectively inhibits the growth of aerobic microorganisms and the activity of pests, creating favorable conditions for the long-term preservation of grain. However, phosphine, a commonly used grain fumigant, can pose potential hazards to personnel and the environment if its concentration becomes too high. By monitoring phosphine levels in real-time, any leaks or excessive concentrations can be quickly detected, allowing for timely corrective measures to ensure the safety of the granary.
Real-time monitoring allows for precise control of the respiration of the grain and microbial activity, ensuring the grain remains in optimal storage conditions. This not only extends the shelf life of the grain but also helps reduce the use of chemical pesticides, thereby lowering the risks of environmental pollution and poisoning of personnel.
Oxygen Sensor
In granary projects, oxygen sensors are primarily used to monitor and control the oxygen content within the granary. During storage, grains undergo aerobic respiration, producing carbon dioxide and water while consuming oxygen. If the oxygen levels inside the granary become too low, the respiration of the grain may be hindered. Therefore, oxygen sensors can provide real-time monitoring of the oxygen concentration in the granary, supplying valuable data to help create a low-temperature, low-oxygen storage environment. This effectively inhibits the occurrence of pests and diseases, ensuring the quality and safety of the grain.
Phosphine Sensor
The application of phosphine sensors in granaries primarily involves the detection and monitoring of phosphine gas. Phosphine is a widely used chemical agent for pest control and fumigation in grain storage, but due to its highly toxic nature, it is crucial to have real-time monitoring of its concentration and distribution within the granary. Phosphine sensors ensure that the gas concentration remains within safe limits, preventing safety issues that arise from concentrations being too high or too low. When the phosphine concentration exceeds the preset safety threshold, the sensor triggers an alarm, alerting management to take timely actions, such as replenishing the fumigant or addressing leaks, thereby ensuring the safety of the granary.
Carbon Dioxide Sensor
Carbon dioxide sensors in granaries can monitor changes in gas concentrations in real-time. As grains undergo aerobic respiration, they produce carbon dioxide. If the concentration of carbon dioxide becomes too high, it may affect the quality and safety of the grain. Additionally, when carbon dioxide levels reach a certain range, they can inhibit mold growth and cause pests to die due to the altered indoor environment. Therefore, by monitoring carbon dioxide concentrations with sensors, a safe and suitable storage environment can be maintained for the grain. This helps to extend the shelf life of the grain and reduce losses caused by pest infestations and microbial contamination.
It is evident that the application of sensors in granaries contributes significantly to ensuring the safe storage of grain. These sensors can promptly detect and address potential safety hazards, thereby safeguarding both the granary staff and the stored grain. This technological integration provides robust support for the sustainable development of the grain industry.