The world tolerated grain impurities for several centuries. But then something interesting happened: World War II, which compelled manufacturers to develop an inexpensive alternative to rubber. German industrial chemist Otto Bayer figured out the trick when he invented polyurethane in 1937.
With the advent of polyurea, mankind finally had an inexpensive material that could easily be applied to the interior surface of silos. Thus began the practice of silo coating – an innovation that has revolutionized the way we store and preserve grain.
What Is Silo Coating?
Silo coating is the practice of installing one or more layers of protective material to the interior walls of grain silos. Although polyurea is commonly used for silo coating, it is no longer the only practical choice.
Silo coating creates a durable seal against the interior wall of the silo. In addition to preventing moisture infiltration and resultant mold growth, it protects grain against marauding insect species such as rice weevil, wheat weevil, stored grain borer, sawtoothed grain beetle, confused flour beetle, red flour beetle and Indianmeal moth.
Silo coating protects against temperature variation, which damages grain by causing moisture to migrate from one part of the grain mass to another, ultimately resulting in spoilage. It also protects the grain from becoming adulterated by contaminants, including fine particles that would have been abraded off the silo’s interior wall.
Benefits of Modern Silo Coating
- Superior temperature resistance – Condensation and resultant spoilage are the banes of grain storage facilities. In addition to reducing heating and cooling costs, modern silo coating products’ excellent temperature resistance protects grain against issues stemming from moisture migration and infiltration.
- Superior abrasion resistance – Though the very first silo coatings were known to gradually wear off, contemporary ones are significantly more resistant. In addition to promoting greater longevity, tough coatings prevent the producer from supplying contaminated grain to the market.
- Superior corrosion resistance – Moisture and chemicals are both frequently present in grain, which has the gradual effect of eroding the interior wall of the silo. Today’s silo coating products are highly resistant to corrosion, which makes any surface they are applied to highly resistant to erosion.
- Fast application – Modern silo coating products can be applied quickly, and typically take only 24 hours to fully cure. Even if the producer schedules silo coating during peak grain storage season, they can anticipate only minimal interruption to their operation.
- Seamless application – Modern coating products create a seamless layer against whichever surfaces they’re applied to. That creates a true water-resistant and airtight barrier which prevents leakage and wards off contamination.
Improvements in Silo Coating
NIJAC Roofing & Insulation stays at the forefront of silo coating technology. In addition to assessing and adopting the very best products on the market, we continually hone our application process, so it is less obtrusive and able to yield more durable and longer-lasting results. We offer our solution to grain silo coating throughout the contiguous United States, and we welcome you to contact us today to learn how we can create a solution for your grain storage facility.