A grain bin size calculator is a handy tool used to determine the size of a grain storage bin. Whether you are a farmer, grain dealer, or involved in agricultural management, knowing the right size of a grain bin is essential for efficient storage. This article will explain how the grain bin size calculator works, the formula used, and provide clear examples to help you understand its purpose.
Purpose and Functionality
The main purpose of a grain bin size calculator is to ensure you have a bin that is large enough to store a specific amount of grain. It helps you determine the required volume of the bin based on three key inputs:
- Volume of Grain (V): The amount of grain you plan to store, usually measured in bushels.
- Density of Grain (D): The weight of the grain per bushel, typically measured in pounds per bushel.
- Safety Factor (S): An extra capacity percentage to accommodate any unexpected increases in grain volume, often set at 10-20%.
The formula used for calculating the bin size is:
Bin Volume (BV)=V×DS\text{Bin Volume (BV)} = \frac{V \times D}{S}Bin Volume (BV)=SV×D
Where:
- VVV = Volume of grain in bushels (bu)
- DDD = Density of grain in pounds per bushel (lbs/bu)
- SSS = Safety factor (usually 0.8 for 20% extra capacity)
Step-by-Step Example
Let’s walk through an example to see how the grain bin size calculator works:
Example Calculation:
Suppose you want to store 10,000 bushels of wheat, and the density of the wheat is 60 pounds per bushel. You decide to use a safety factor of 20% (0.8).
- Identify Inputs:
- Volume of Grain (VVV) = 10,000 bushels
- Density of Grain (DDD) = 60 lbs/bu
- Safety Factor (SSS) = 0.8
- Apply the Formula:Bin Volume (BV)=V×DS\text{Bin Volume (BV)} = \frac{V \times D}{S}Bin Volume (BV)=SV×D Bin Volume (BV)=10,000×600.8\text{Bin Volume (BV)} = \frac{10,000 \times 60}{0.8}Bin Volume (BV)=0.810,000×60 Bin Volume (BV)=600,0000.8\text{Bin Volume (BV)} = \frac{600,000}{0.8}Bin Volume (BV)=0.8600,000 Bin Volume (BV)=750,000 cubic feet\text{Bin Volume (BV)} = 750,000 \text{ cubic feet}Bin Volume (BV)=750,000 cubic feet
So, you need a grain bin with a volume of approximately 750,000 cubic feet to store 10,000 bushels of wheat.
Information Table
Here’s a table summarizing the key elements:
| Input | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Volume of Grain (V) | 10,000 | bushels (bu) |
| Density of Grain (D) | 60 | pounds per bushel (lbs/bu) |
| Safety Factor (S) | 0.8 | (20% extra) |
| Bin Volume Required (BV) | 750,000 | cubic feet |
Conclusion
The grain bin size calculator is a valuable tool for anyone involved in storing grain. By inputting the volume of grain, the density of the grain, and applying an appropriate safety factor, you can accurately determine the size of the bin you need. This ensures that you have sufficient space for your grain while accommodating any unexpected increases in volume.