Information to be provided by the designer to the user or client Design for Flow The Designer should state the

type of flow the silo bin was designed for and the material, operating and maintenance conditions to be observed in order to avoid flow difficulties. These should include at least the following: 1. The material or materials to be stored. If the design is based on shear tests, the limits on effective angles of internal friction and angles of wall friction. It is realized that these are not complete determinants of material properties, but together with the other limits given they should be adequate. 2. Limits on particle size distribution. 3. Limits on moisture content (including ingress of water) and air humidity. 4. Limits on bulk density. 5. Limits on storage time. 6. Limits on temperature. 7. Limits on filling method and rate. 8. Limits on discharge rate. 9. Connection to the feeder. 10. Type and mode of operation of flow aids, if any. 11. Limits on any flow restriction, such as gates and rotary valves. 12. Limits on changes to silo bin internal wall surfaces, intended or unintended (e.g. corrosion). 13. Limits on eccentric draw-offs.

14. Any requirements for leaving a 'boot' (residue of material) in the silo bin, e.g. to limit load on feeders, dynamic filling load on hopper walls and on the connection, or breakage of the particulate solid. 15. Safety requirements. 16. Special requirements for human foods. Design for Structural Integrity In addition to the limits given above the Designer should state at least the following:1. The method or methods he has used to determine silo bin pressures. 2. Any additional pressures taken into consideration, such as for eccentric loading, dynamic loads, discharge aid etc. 3. Any allowance for explosion pressure. 4. Any limits on structural modifications or additions as well as on filling and discharge materials. 5. Safety factors used, including corrosion and wear allowances if applicable.

Maintenance and Inspection The Designer should indicate the maintenance required for the structure, the methods and frequency of inspection and the criteria to be applied. Safety The Designer should indicate the safety precautions to be observed. In particular, it should be stressed that any operating methods or structural alterations falling outside the DOM specifications should first be checked and that not to do so may create a safety hazard. Changes of working method or changes of use may in particular, give rise to increased explosion hazards.
Extract taken form the British Materials Handling Board Guideline.