Did you know that one of the possible benefits of using temperature sensors

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Temperature sensors can be used to reduce heat damage during storage, which limits the loss of quality and increases the quantity of grain produced at harvest time.   The correct use of grain temperature sensors during storage is the best solution for reducing heat damage and increasing crop yield.

Why should you use a grain temperature sensor when storing harvested grains?

A temperature sensor measures the temperature of stored grains as well as their location within storage or silo. A grain temperature sensor can be used to monitor the local and overall grain temperature for damage control purposes as well as to manage the grain temperature monitoring system.

 During the storage period, there is always an increase in grain temperature; if temperatures can be measured and controlled to hold within a certain range, then damage due to overdrying and mold growth will be reduced.   Thus, heat damage can be limited during the storage period.

What are the various types of grain temperature sensors that monitor the temperature of stored grains? 

A grain temperature sensor is usually connected to a data logger and manually inserted into the silo using a probe suitable for new or used silos. Temperature sensors come in several styles such as wire thermometers, RTD's, Thermocouples, and Infrared (IR) sensors.  The use of several different kinds of sensors allows for proper monitoring over the whole silo system.  

1. Wire thermometer: It consists of two metallic conductors with electrical connections and insulation wrapped around them and can be used above or below ground level; it is exposed directly to the air where it measures dry bulb temperature.  

2. RTD's: Resistance Temperature detectors are small metal sensors that convert temperature into electrical resistance. They can be used above or below grade and do not need an electric power source since they are powered by the temperature of the stored grain itself. 

3. Thermocouples: These are usually installed above or below ground, but must have a wire connecting them to the data logger for measurements. 

4. Infrared sensor: infra-red sensors read surface grain temperatures via reflected short wavelength infrared photons. When measuring silo conditions with a grain temperature sensor, it is important to select the correct probe depending on where you plan to insert it in your storage bin or silo.

When storing grains most producers want to make sure they deliver the grain with high quality in order to get a good price. For achieving this goal producers have to control problems that can affect grain during storage.

One of the most important factors is excess heat because it can cause great damage if not controlled. Another factor involved in controlling grain temperature is the time taken for grain to arrive at the desired moisture level since many organisms are more active above certain temperatures.

How effective are Grain Temp Guard Probes Alarm DT? 

The Grain Temp Guard Probes Alarm DT is a more advanced version of the traditional probe.  It allows for measuring temperatures throughout the length of a grain pile or bin. It must be connected with an alarm that will sound when one of the probes reaches a certain temperature threshold.

This is useful for warning farmworkers of hot spots or dry spots in the pile. It can also warn of hot spots due to fires, etc. There are a few things to watch for with any probe used in grain bins or piles. 

The first is ensuring that you are not measuring ambient conditions outside the pile, but instead the pile itself. Ambient temperatures may vary greatly from top to bottom or side to side within a bin or large pile.

That could give false high results at the top and false low numbers on the floor. So it's good practice to measure carefully where you place each probe throughout the bin.

Another thing to avoid is placing one of the probes against a metal wall. It should be placed in the grain and away from any metal surfaces. The only exception would be if you are measuring temperatures along the wall, at which case make sure your probe placement does not come in direct contact with the steel because it could affect temperature readings significantly. Another possibility is that moisture could condense on the cold surface and drip onto or into your probe. This can give false results as well.

Make sure you always use good quality cables with each as grain temperature sensor.

Benefits of Grain Temp Guard probes Alarm DT? 

It can help identify and track moisture migration, prevent mold growth, reduce heating costs, improve grain quality, increase crop yields and prolong storage times. That's why Farm Shop Mfg offers the best grain temperature alarms and probes available.  For more information on how you can use a grain temperature sensor to reduce heat damage and increase crop yield, contact us at sales@FarmShopMfg.com