Innovative approaches to grain safety: evaluating compressed air effectiveness in preventing entrapment and removing out-of-condition grain

Gaither, Daniel

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127245 Copy

Description

Title

Innovative approaches to grain safety: evaluating compressed air effectiveness in preventing entrapment and removing out-of-condition grain

Author(s)

Gaither, Daniel

Issue Date

2024-12-06

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Issa, Salah

Committee Member(s)

• Rudolphi, Josie
• Miller, Andy

Department of Study

Agricultural & Biological Engr

Discipline

Engr Tech & Mgmt for Ag Sys

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Grain
• Safety

Abstract

Grain entrapment incidents present a serious safety hazard in agriculture and can result in severe injuries and/or fatalities. These incidents often arise when workers enter storage bins or silos to dislodge blockages caused by out-of-condition grain. Each year, approximately 33 grain entrapments occur in the United States, with half proving fatal. Effective removal of degraded grain is crucial for maintaining grain quality and preventing spoilage. However, the methods used to dislodge grain pose significant safety risks, particularly when workers physically enter bins or silos. This thesis discusses findings from three studies to examine various strategies for removing compacted or deteriorating grain, highlighting common methods utilized on farms and in commercial grain facilities. These strategies encompass a range of approaches, from external equipment, such as the BinWhip™ and grain vacuums, to higher-risk and unconventional methods, including the use of explosives and manual rodding from inside the bin. While external methods offer safer alternatives, bin entry remains a frequent choice. This is often due to financial constraints, limited access to specialized equipment, or a lack of training and awareness regarding safer options. In addition to cataloging twenty-one prevalent grain dislodging strategies, experimental studies were conducted to assess the potential of high-powered compressed air as a prevention tool, aimed at breaking apart grain clumps and reducing bin blockages. Tests included five nozzle types—½ inch open, ½ inch crimped, commercial spade, standard capped, and commercial nozzle—evaluated based on grain hardness, moisture content, and clump reduction by weight and volume. Results revealed that the ½ inch open and crimped nozzles were most effective, with the former achieving faster clearing times of approximately 15 minutes per operation in controlled trials. However, compressed air use also introduced new safety concerns, including high noise levels reaching 105 dBA and exposure to dust and fungal spores, underscoring the need for protective equipment and procedural adjustments to mitigate these hazards to farmers and commercial grain elevator operators. Overall, findings indicate that while compressed air, especially with the ½ inch open nozzle, presents a promising alternative to physical entry, additional research is necessary to optimize this method and address its safety risks. The study highlights the importance of developing best practices and educational initiatives to promote safer grain handling, particularly in smaller operations where safer alternatives may be inaccessible. Further investigation into risk perception, method effectiveness, and economic factors that drive bin entry will be crucial in reducing grain entrapment incidents. This combined research offers practical insights into improving both safety and efficiency in grain storage, advocating for continued efforts to minimize reliance on physical entry into hazardous grain bins.

Graduation Semester

2024-12

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127245

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Daniel Gaither

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