FR2895381A1 - Storage unit for granular or powdery materials, especially agricultural products, comprises cylindrical chamber with ventilation and unloading systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The storage unit (1) consists of a cylindrical chamber (2) that can be positioned horizontally, especially for filling and storage, with a filling opening (3) in the top, a base 4) with two sloping surfaces (12), and a ventilation system (22) to allow air to circulate inside the chamber, at least close to the base. The product stored in the chamber is unloaded by at least one endless screw (16) in the base that discharges it through an outlet into an auger conveyor (20). Alternatively, unloading can be performed by a suction unit and blower. The unit can also be mounted on wheels and equipped for towing.

Description

The present invention relates to product storage assemblies

  granular material, especially an agricultural product such as grains of cereals, oleaginous or protein crops. There are currently grain storage silos arranged vertically.

  This type of silo requires a mechanical or pneumatic conveying device to bring the grains from a low point to a high point at the time of filling the silo. In addition, the grain must be transported, sometimes over a relatively large distance, from the fields where it is harvested to the silo. The invention aims in particular to facilitate the storage of granular or powdery products. A powdery product is for example a flour. The subject of the invention is thus a storage assembly for a granular or powdery product, in particular an agricultural product such as grains of cereal, oleaginous or proteinaceous grains, comprising: a storage enclosure comprising: at least an upper filling opening arranged to allow filling of the enclosure, • a bottom, the enclosure having substantially a cylinder shape having a longitudinal axis 20 and, on the filling opening side, in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a portion widening towards the bottom of the enclosure, this portion being in particular substantially a circular arc extending over an angular sector, for example greater than 90 or 120, in particular equal to about 180, enclosure being arranged to be arranged, at least for filling and storage of the product, in a horizontal position in which said longitudinal axis extends to the horizon optionally, ventilation means arranged to allow air circulation in the enclosure, at least near the bottom.

  Thanks to the invention, the storage chamber being disposed horizontally, the height at which the filling opening is located can be relatively small. This opening may for example be accessible for the discharge of a granular product directly from an agricultural machine, for example a combine harvester, or a transhipment vehicle. The invention makes it possible, for example, not to have to use an additional conveying device between, for example, on the one hand, the agricultural machine or the transhipment vehicle and, on the other hand, the storage enclosure. The storage assembly according to the invention may advantageously be disposed near, for example at the edge, of a culture field where the grains are harvested. The invention makes it possible, if desired, to arrange different storage assemblies in a remote manner from one another in order to avoid the risk of spreading fire. The ventilation means make it possible to produce a sanitary storage blast. These means may comprise, for example, one or more orifices making it possible to connect the interior of the enclosure to a ventilation device arranged to bring air into the chamber, and / or one or more perforated tubes extending into the chamber. enclosure and through which air can be brought into the enclosure. The ventilation means may comprise one or more perforated walls disposed in particular near the bottom of the enclosure. The ventilation means may be arranged to allow warm air to be brought into the enclosure on one side thereof and cold air on the other side, simultaneously or alternately, so that to ensure the drying of the product. The storage enclosure may have, if desired, a cross section formed by a polygon, regular or not, truncated or not, the polygon having five or more sides. For example, the enclosure may have a substantially pentagonal or hexagonal cross section. The shape of the enclosure according to the invention, in the vicinity of the upper filling opening, allows in particular to have a relatively large available storage volume without increasing the overall size of the enclosure.

  Preferably, the enclosure has two facing inner faces, in the vicinity of the bottom of the enclosure and converging towards each other towards the bottom of the enclosure. Advantageously, the assembly comprises at least one device for discharging the product stored in the enclosure, the evacuation device being able to be secured to the enclosure, the evacuation device or devices being chosen from: a device comprising at least one worm disposed at the bottom of the enclosure and being rotatable to evacuate the stored product to an evacuation orifice of the enclosure, a device comprising at least one evacuation duct, flexible or rigid example, connected to a suction unit, for drawing through said duct the product stored in the chamber, - a device comprising a blowing unit arranged to bring air into the chamber and a duct discharge device for evacuating the stored product 15 when an overpressure is generated inside the enclosure by means of the blowing unit. The ventilation means may, where appropriate, comprise at least one central tube perforated with a worm of the evacuation device. Preferably, the maximum length of the chamber measured along the longitudinal axis is greater than the maximum transverse dimension of the chamber, for example at least 1.5 or 2 times greater. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the assembly comprises at least one conveying device arranged for transporting the product, in particular from a low point to a high point, the conveying device preferably being connected to the conveyor. enclosure pivotally. The pivoting mounting of the conveying device on the enclosure may allow to move the high point of the conveying device to the right or left of the enclosure at different heights. The conveying device may comprise a single arm. Alternatively, the conveying device may comprise two arms articulated together. Preferably, the storage assembly comprises at least one closure element arranged to close the filling opening, for example in a sealed manner, the closure element being for example arranged to slide relative to the enclosure. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the enclosure is arranged to allow its road transport.

  The delivery of the enclosure to a customer can be facilitated, as well as its transport within a farm or between two farms. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the enclosure is arranged to allow the establishment of a cradle or at least one wheel. In a variant, the enclosure comprises at least one wheel.

  The enclosure can for example be towed using a vehicle such as a truck or a tractor. The subject of the invention is also a storage assembly for a granular or powdery product, comprising a storage enclosure comprising at least one upper filling opening arranged to allow the enclosure to be filled, the enclosure being arranged to be able to be disposed, at least for filling and storage of the product, in a horizontal position in which said longitudinal axis extends horizontally, the enclosure being preferably arranged to allow its road transport. The chamber may advantageously be closed at least during its transport and / or during storage of the product, to prevent water infiltration or access to rodents or birds. For example, the enclosure contains an agricultural product. Where appropriate, the storage assembly comprises a conveying device connected to the enclosure. The invention also relates to a method for storing a granular or powdery product, comprising the following steps: pouring the product into a storage chamber comprising: at least one upper filling opening arranged to allow the filling of the enclosure, 30 • a bottom substantially opposite to the filling opening, the enclosure having substantially a cylinder shape having a longitudinal axis and, on the filling opening side, in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a portion widening towards the bottom of the enclosure, this portion being for example substantially a circular arc extending over an angular sector for example greater than 90 or 120, the enclosure being arranged to be arranged, at least for filling and storing the product, in a horizontal position in which said longitudinal axis extends horizontally, - closing the opening filling.

  The discharge of the product into the enclosure can be carried out directly from the agricultural machine, in particular a combine harvester or a transhipment vehicle, preferably without the intermediary of an additional conveying device. The enclosure may be disposed near a field in which grains are harvested for storage in the enclosure. The chamber may be arranged to float in water, empty or containing a product with a particular density lower than that of water, to allow, if desired, a transport by waterway of the enclosure . The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, of examples of non-limiting implementation of the invention, and on examining the appended drawing, in which: FIGS. 6 show, schematically and partially, in cross section, different storage assemblies according to the invention, - Figure 7 shows, schematically and partially, in side view, a storage assembly according to another example of implementation FIG. 8 is a schematic and partial cross-section of the assembly of FIG. 7; FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate, schematically and in part, two variants of the assembly of FIG. 8; FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic and partial cross-sectional view of an assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, FIG. 12 schematically and partially showing a storage unit conforming to FIG. In another embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate, schematically and partially, two closure elements, FIG. 15 is a schematic and partial representation of a storage assembly according to an example of FIG. the invention, with a conveying device comprising two articulated arms, - Figure 16 shows, schematically and partially, the conveying device of the assembly of Figure 15, and - Figure 17 shows, schematically and partially, a set storage arranged to be transported on the road or serve as a transhipment vehicle. There is shown in Figure 1 a storage assembly 1 for storing a granular product, including an agricultural product such as grains of cereal, for example wheat or corn. The assembly 1 comprises a storage enclosure 2 comprising at least one upper filling opening 3 and a bottom 4 opposite to the filling opening 3. The storage enclosure 2 has substantially a cylinder shape having a longitudinal axis X and , on the side of the filling opening 3, in cross section perpendicular to the X axis, a portion 5 widening towards the bottom 4 of the enclosure 2. In the example in question, the cylinder is of revolution and portion 5 is a circular arc extending over an angular sector of about 180. In a variant not illustrated, the chamber 2 may have a cylinder shape different from a cylinder of revolution, for example with a cross section formed by a polygon, regular or not, truncated or not, the polygon having five or more sides . The chamber 2 is arranged to be arranged, for the storage of the granular product, in a horizontal position in which the X axis extends horizontally. The diameter of the chamber 2 may be for example between 1 and 10 m, for example between 4 and 5 m.

  The enclosure 2 may have a length measured along the X axis, for example greater than 10 m, in particular greater than or equal to 20 m. The assembly 1 comprises a closure element 7 comprising a panel 8 with a slightly curved shape in order to allow it to be moved by sliding to close the filling opening 3. The panel 8 is for example mounted on rollers 9. The assembly 1 further comprises bases 10 for laying the enclosure horizontally on the ground. The enclosure 2 may comprise a tubular wall 11, for example metal, stainless steel, glass fiber, plastic such as PVC, this list is not limiting. The wall 11 may be made for example of corrugated sheet, for example corrugated corrugated sheet. The wall 11 may for example be obtained by bending in the longitudinal direction X, for example with five fold lines to form a pentagonal cross-section or more to form a regular 36-sided polygon in section. In a non-illustrated example, the enclosure 2 may comprise one or more partitions at at least one of its longitudinal ends, this or these partitions being removable or displaced in order to allow the enclosure to be emptied. In the example of FIG. 1, the assembly 1 comprises a device 15 for evacuating the product stored in the enclosure 2, the device 15 comprising at least one worm 16 disposed at the bottom of the enclosure 2 and which can be driven in rotation to evacuate the stored product to a discharge port 17 of the enclosure 2. The device 15 may comprise a single endless screw 16 disposed horizontally. Alternatively, the device 15 may comprise at least two worm screws 16 for example connected to one another. The chamber 2 has two inner faces 12 opposite, in the vicinity of the bottom 4 and converging towards each other towards the bottom. These faces 12 are inclined in particular with the horizontal angle between 40 and 45 approximately.

  These inner faces 12 allow to direct the stored product to the worm 16, ensuring the evacuation of substantially all the stored product. The outlet 17 of the enclosure communicates with a conveying device 20 arranged to transport the product from a low point to a high point.

  In the illustrated example, the conveying device 20 is pivotally mounted on the enclosure 2, as indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 1. Preferably, the conveying device 20 is arranged to be able to be engaged before the starting the evacuation device 15. The conveying device 20 may be provided with an electronic sensor, not shown, for weighing. The conveying device 15 may be of the pallet or bucket type. The stored product can be evacuated from the enclosure 2 by the evacuation device 15, then be conveyed by the conveying device 20 to a high point and then be discharged for example into a truck body.

  In the example of Figure 1, the assembly 1 comprises a ventilation device 21 arranged to generate in the chamber 2, at least near the bottom, a flow of air to allow a storage blast. This ventilation device 21 comprises a passage for air formed by a perforated central tube 22 of the worm 16.

  This central tube 22 is supplied with the aid of a ventilation unit, not shown, by a longitudinal end opposite the end through which the evacuation device 15 is connected to the conveying device 20. The inner faces 12 can if necessary, be perforated to promote air circulation.

  Advantageously, the interior of the enclosure 2 may be sealed from the outside. Thus, when emptied of the product, the chamber 2 can be used for the storage of liquid, for example water, for various applications such as watering or firefighting.

  The assembly 1 may, where appropriate, include a device for spreading liquids such as sewage sludge or slurry.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the faces 12 are formed by elements that are distinct from the tubular wall 11, for example sheets. It is not beyond the scope of the present invention when the faces 12 are formed directly on the tubular wall 11, as illustrated in FIG.

  The evacuation device 15 may comprise, where appropriate, at least two endless screws 16 arranged in parallel, on the bottom 4 of the enclosure 2, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The two screws 16 are separated by walls 30 substantially flat and inclined substantially at an angle between 40 and 45 relative to the horizontal to direct the product to the worm 16. The walls 30 may be perforated to allow the injection of air through these walls 30 to ventilate the interior of the enclosure 2. The discharge device 15 may comprise a horizontal vane chain 31 for driving the two worm screws 16 and the conveying device 20.

  These screws 16 may be arranged to rotate in the same direction when the conveying device 20 is disposed at one of the screws 16 as illustrated in FIG. 3, or, alternatively, to turn in the opposite direction when the device 20 is placed between the two screws 16. In the example of Figure 3, the bottom 4 is substantially flat.

  Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, the bottom 4 may have a shape in W with the two walls 30 disposed on a substantially flat central portion 32 of the bottom 4. The screws 16 are disposed in recesses 33 of the W. The bottom 4 can be made of thick sheet to slide the enclosure 2 on the ground, for example to move from one agricultural plot to another, a relatively small distance. A ventilation opening 34 which can be connected to a ventilation unit communicates with the space defined by the walls 30 and the central portion 32 of the bottom 4 and serves to inject air for the ventilation of the enclosure 2.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the ventilation device is distinct from the evacuation device 15.

  In the example illustrated in Figure 5, the bottom 4 is devoid of central portion 32, replaced by two parts 35 defining a substantially inverted V shape. The walls 35 may be perforated to improve ventilation. In this example of Figure 5, the ventilation device uses tubes in the worm 16, like the device 21 shown in Figure 1. The shape in W allows in particular to reduce the height of the chamber 2 In the examples which have just been described, the evacuation device comprises at least one worm. In a variant, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the assembly 1 may comprise an evacuation device 40 comprising at least one evacuation duct 41, in particular flexible duct, connected to a suction unit 42 comprising a delivery duct 43. The suction unit 42 may be of the pneumatic type for example. The enclosure 2 comprises at the bottom a perforated sheet 45 slightly convex, defining a concavity directed downwards.

  Alternatively, the perforated plate 45 may be substantially flat or triangular for example. A ventilation opening 34 is made below the perforated plate 45. The exhaust duct 41 serving for the suction is introduced into the chamber 2 through the filling opening 3.

  Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples described above. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the assembly 1 comprises an evacuation device 50 comprising a blowing unit 51 for delivering air into the chamber 2. The device 50 further comprises a duct discharge 52 for discharging the stored product when an overpressure is generated inside the chamber by means of the blowing unit 51. The blowing unit 51 can be arranged to deliver the forced air, for example. The blowing unit 51 is connected to the chamber 2 by a nozzle 56, in particular welded in a sealed manner to the chamber 2, this nozzle being associated with a shutter 59. The exhaust pipe 52, flexible or rigid, is connected to the enclosure 2 by a tubular nozzle 57, in particular welded tightly on the enclosure 2.

  The end piece 57 can be associated with a shutter 58 of the evacuation conduit 52. The enclosure 2 is equipped with caps 53 making it possible to prevent clogging, on the one hand, of the end piece 56 associated with the unit blowing 51 and, secondly, the tip 57 associated with the exhaust duct 52.

  The closure element 7 is arranged to allow a sealed closure of the enclosure 2. The enclosure 2 comprises safety valves 55 in order to limit the increase of the pressure inside the enclosure 2. as can be seen in FIG. 8, an inverted V-shaped structure 60 is disposed above the end pieces 56 and 57, this structure 60 having, for example, two sheets forming the inverted V. The structure 60 can be moved upwards in order to control the flow of the product passing between the faces 12 and the structure 60. In a configuration in which the shutter 58 associated with the evacuation conduit 52 is open and the blowing unit 51 in operation, the product in the chamber 2 can be discharged into the exhaust pipe 52. In another configuration in which the shutter 58 is closed and the blowing unit 51 in operation, it is possible to proceed to The overturned V-shaped structure 60 maintains a vacuum to circulate the air. The blowing unit 51 and the evacuation duct 52 can be used successively on several enclosures 2, being removably mounted on the enclosure 2. It is possible to provide a device for generating a grain cleaning cyclone, connected to the exhaust duct 52. FIG. 9 illustrates a variant of the enclosure of FIG. 8, having a flat bottom 4. The portions 64 of the tubular wall 11 form substantially an angle between 40 and 45 with the horizontal and replace the oblique sheets 12.

  In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the bottom 4 may have a W shape with, associated with each concavity 65 of the W, a structure 60 as described above. In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, a blowing evacuation device 50 replaces the conveying device 20 in the example illustrated in FIG. 1. The worm 16 makes it possible to route the stored product to the device of FIG. 50. FIG. 12 shows a storage assembly 70 comprising an enclosure 71 having longitudinal walls 72 substantially flat and parallel to each other. An evacuation device 15 comprising a plurality of worm 16 is disposed in the bottom 73 of the enclosure 72. A ventilation device can be produced through the worm 16, as in the example of Figure 1 The enclosure 72 comprises an upper portion 75 having a substantially concave arcuate cross-section directed towards the bottom 73. The evacuation device 15 is connected to a conveying device 20 described above. In a non-illustrated example, the enclosure 2 comprises inside a layer of cement deposited for example through the upper filling opening, this layer of cement forming the bottom of the enclosure. This layer of cement may form a flat bottom or a bottom having a substantially prismatic shape. FIG. 13 shows an example of closure elements 77 for closing filling openings of the enclosure 2. Each closure element 77 comprises, for example, a door 78 hinged to the enclosure 2. In the closed position , the door 78 may be capped with a locking harness 79 to make the closure tight. FIG. 14 shows another example of closure element 80 comprising a sliding door arranged to slide along the longitudinal axis X of enclosure 2.

  The door 80 can be put in place on a slide system 81 arranged to allow the door 80 to press against the slide system 81 and to make a tight closure when the pressure inside the enclosure 2 is greater than the atmospheric pressure.

  In the examples illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the conveying device 20 comprises a single arm. FIG. 15 illustrates a conveying device 82 comprising a first arm 83 connected to a discharge orifice 17 of the enclosure 2 and a second arm 84 articulated on the first arm 83.

  The arm 83 can be connected to the enclosure 2 pivotally, if desired. The connection between the arms 83 and 84 is formed by a tube 86 of the arm 83 and a tube 87 of the arm 84. Each arm 83, 84 comprises at least one drive gear 88 of vane chains 89.

  The arm 83 comprises an intermediate shaft 90 equipped with a feed screw and pinions 91 arranged to cooperate with an intermediate chain to drive them in rotation. The conveying device 82 makes it possible to have the second arm 84 placed in a horizontal position folded towards the enclosure 2 so as to reduce the bulk of the assembly. FIG. 17 shows a set 100 according to the invention comprising an enclosure 2 mounted on wheels 101 and comprising a conveying device 82 capable of cooperating with a worm evacuation device, not shown, with a view to to empty the enclosure 2.

  The enclosure 2 may comprise for example a coupling element 102 for towing the enclosure 2 with a vehicle such as a tractor or a truck. The storage unit 100 can be transported by road. The assembly 100 may have relatively small dimensions, for example with a diameter of about 2.5 m, and serve, if necessary, trans-loader.

  The conveying device 82 and a possible evacuation and / or ventilation device can be put into operation by a supply of energy, particularly electric or hydraulic, a vehicle such as a truck or a tractor.

  Of course, the features described above with reference to different figures can be combined within one embodiment. The expression containing one must be understood as being synonymous with at least one, unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (10)

  1. Storage assembly (1; 70) of a granular or powdery product, in particular an agricultural product such as grains of cereals, oleaginous or protein crops, comprising: a storage enclosure (2) comprising: at least one upper filling opening (3) arranged to allow the filling of the enclosure, • a bottom (4), the enclosure having substantially a cylinder shape having a longitudinal axis (X) and, on the side of the filling opening, in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), a portion (5) widening towards the bottom of the enclosure, this portion being in particular substantially a circular arc, the enclosure being arranged to it can be arranged, at least for filling and storage of the product, in a horizontal position in which said longitudinal axis extends horizontally, - ventilation means (22; 34) arranged to allow air circulation in the enclosure, at least near the bottom.   2. The assembly of claim 1, the enclosure having two inner faces (12) facing, in the vicinity of the bottom (4) of the enclosure and converging towards each other towards the bottom of the enclosure.   3. An assembly according to one of claims 1 and 2, comprising at least one device (15) for evacuating the product stored in the enclosure, the evacuation device may in particular be integral with the enclosure, the or evacuation devices being chosen from: - a device comprising at least one worm (16) disposed at the bottom of the enclosure and being rotatable to evacuate the stored product to an evacuation port (17) of the enclosure, 15- a device comprising at least one evacuation duct (41), in particular flexible, connected to a suction unit (42), making it possible to suck through said duct the product stored in the enclosure, - A device comprising a blowing unit (51) arranged to supply air into the chamber and a discharge duct (52) for discharging the stored product when an overpressure is generated inside the chamber. enclosure using the blowing unit.   4. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one conveying device (20) arranged to transport the stored product, the conveying device preferably being connected to the enclosure in a pivoting manner.   5. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one closure element (17) arranged to close the filling opening, in particular in a sealed manner, the closure element being in particular arranged to be able to slide relative to the enclosure.   6. An assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the enclosure being arranged to allow its road transport.   7. The assembly of claim 6, the enclosure being arranged to allow the establishment of a cradle or at least one wheel or the enclosure comprising at least one wheel (101), the enclosure can be towed to using a vehicle such as a truck or a tractor.   8. A method of storing a granular or powdery product, comprising the steps of: - pouring the product into a storage chamber comprising: • at least one upper filling opening arranged to allow the filling of the enclosure, • a bottom, the enclosure having substantially a cylinder shape having a longitudinal axis and, on the side of the filling opening, in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a widening portion towards the bottom of the enclosure, this portion being in particular substantially an arc of circle, the enclosure being arranged to be able to be arranged, at least for the purpose of filling and storing the product, in a horizontal position in which said longitudinal axis extends horizontally, - closing the filling opening.   9. The method of claim 8, the spill of the product stored in the chamber being made directly from an agricultural machine, including a harvester.   10. Method according to one of the two claims 8 and 9, the enclosure being disposed near a field in which grains are harvested for storage in said enclosure.