Outside Bin Liner Traps Moisture, Saves Energy

Outside bin liner traps moisture, saves energy CROP STORAGE Grain Storage 9-5-26 "There's tremendous interest from farmers everywhere," says Peter Christianson of Christianson's Inc., manufacturer of a new outside bin liner for drying bins that removes moisture from the walls and roof, and insulates the bin for energy savings of 20% or more. "Temperatures inside bins often reach 130? when drying, while the outside temperature is usually cold. The difference causes condensation inside the walls," says Christianson. Minnesota farmer Richard Keller came up with the moisture trapping system when he became concerned about moisture damage to grain inside his bins. He had noticed that most moisture damage was caused by moisture dripping off the roof. To solve the problem, he raised the roof on his drying bin about 2 in.. and installed a gutter on the outside wall that channeled the dripping water out of the bin. Through trial and error, Keller discovered that, if he extended the bin liner further down the sidewalls, moisture no longer condensed on the inside of the bin walls. The conversion kit from Christianson's, Inc. includes brackets that raise the roof 2 in. The bin liner ù 1¢-in. thick and made from 29 ga. metal ù is installed over the opening between the roof and sidewalls, and down around the entire bin except for the bottom 3 ft. Once installed, the roof vents are sealed off, directing air flow down the liner on the outside of the bin, along with all the moisture dripping off the sloping bin roof. The insulating effect of the bin liner equalizes temperature between the hot drying air inside the bin and the bin wall, eliminating condensation below the roof line. "We don't have to cover the bottom three feet of the bin because there's enough aeration when the dryer fans are running to eliminate moisture build-up down there," explains Christianson. He adds that the galvanized metal bin liner is designed to last the life of the bin. High volume air flow in the liner prevents corrosion from moisture. "Farmers like it because it's simple. There are no moving parts. It'll last virtually forever, and it works," says Christianson, noting that tests are now being conducted on the new system to determine energy savings due to the insulation effect of the bin walls. The liner sells for $1,000 to $2,400,depending on bin size and whether or not you install it yourself. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Christianson's Inc., Box 2005, 17-2nd St. N.W., Elbow Lake, Minn. 56531 (ph 218 685-4467)

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