A hopper bottom silo, or cone-bottom silo, is a steel storage structure featuring a funnel-shaped base designed for efficient, gravity-based, and self-emptying discharge of materials. Ideal for frequent unloading, it eliminates the need for manual cleanup, preventing residue and contamination. It is commonly used for grains, feed, and powder.
Key Features and Design
Conical Bottom: Sloped base (often 45 or 60 angles) allows material to flow toward the center discharge point.
Structure: Comprised of a cylindrical upper section and a hopper, supported by steel legs/beams on a concrete foundation.
Material: Constructed from high-strength galvanized steel for corrosion resistance and structural integrity.
Capacity: Ranges widely from small capacities (10MT) to large industrial storage
Advantages and Applications
Efficient Unloading: Gravity flow allows for rapid unloading, reducing labor and time.
Storage Integrity: Protects products from moisture, pests, and mold.
Applications: Widely used in poultry farms, flour mills, soybean-oil mills, and breweries for storing pellets, seeds, and grains.
Components: Often includes aeration systems, roof vents, temperature sensors, and discharge valves.
Comparison
Unlike flat-bottom silos (best for long-term storage), hopper bottom silos are better suited for, or in addition to, daily-use, high-turnover processing plants.