Compaction Pressure and Density Profile in Pile-Type Silos

Abstract

The main aim of this study is to investigate the compaction pressure and density profile, and to determine the effectiveness of the compaction process applied to the pile-type silos. Chopped material was compacted into a pile-type silo. Pressure-sensing rubber globes were placed at the measuring points to determine the compaction pressure, during the silo filling. The compaction pressure and compaction time were acquired by the pressure measurement system. Data were stored by a recorder. The density measurements were made at pre-determined measurement points in each layer after the compaction process. The results showed that there was a significant relationship (R-2 = 0.919, P < 0.01) between the compaction pressure applied to silage and the density of silage under field condition. Pressure and density profile were found to be highly variable in the silo. The highest density (535.0 Kg m(-3)) and pressure (0.46 bar) were at the bottom layer of the silo while the lowest density (206.6 Kg m(-3)) and pressure (0.21 bar) were at the top layer of the silo.