China takes another step forward in developing next-generation granary

The first five 9,000-tonne pneumatic grain storage facilities in China were successfully inflated into shape on Monday in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province, marking another step forward in the country's efforts to develop its fourth-generation grain storage technology.

Each of the five silos, with a diameter of 24 meters and a height of 33 meters, can store up to 9,000 tonnes of grain, enough to supply food for 23 million people for one day.

"What's unique about these pneumatic silos is that they can withstand rain and cold air compared to traditional grain storage facilities. For the sake of storing grains, their airtightness is six times higher than national standards, and their thermal insulation performance is three times better than conventional squat silos," said Wang Yue, head of the engineering design center at the Chengdu Grain Storage Research Institute under Sinograin.

Beyond the outer air membrane, the silos feature a reinforced concrete layer for structural support and a polyurethane thermal insulation layer. Once operational, a network of sensors inside will allow for real-time, comprehensive monitoring of the grain's temperature. The nearly oxygen-free environment also helps control pests, ensuring optimal grain quality.

In addition to their waterproofing, insulation and airtightness, the silos offer a significant reduction in operational and maintenance costs, which are expected to be 30 percent lower than those of traditional silos.

"The silos' insulation and concrete structure are built inside the air membrane, unaffected by adverse weather conditions like rain, snow or wind. What once required a team of over 100 workers can now be completed by just 18 people, with the construction period reduced by a quarter compared to the previous generation of squat silos," said Jin Feng, head of the pneumatic silos project at the China Coal No. 68 Engineering Co., Ltd.

The five 9,000-tonne silos are expected to be completed by the end of this year and enter operation in February next year.