Silo Storage Overview
Bulk storage silos allow intermediate storage of dry bulk materials between process stages — receiving from road tanker or bag unloading, holding buffer stock, and feeding downstream equipment on demand. ENZAC supplies silos as part of complete bulk material handling systems, integrating the silo with discharge equipment, level sensing, and downstream conveying.
Key Design Decisions
Cone Bottom vs Flat Bottom
Cone bottom (60° half-angle): Mass flow discharge — material discharges uniformly from the full cross-section without rat-holing. Required for cohesive materials (high Carr Index) and materials that must discharge on a first-in-first-out basis. Standard for most powder applications.
Flat bottom: Lower cost; requires aeration or vibration for reliable discharge of cohesive materials. Suitable for free-flowing granules. Used when headroom is limited.
Aeration System
For cohesive or aeration-sensitive powders, aeration pads in the cone section fluidise the material to promote reliable discharge. Air supplied from a low-pressure blower on a timed cycle.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Capacity | From 5 tonnes to 10,000+ tonnes (design-specific) |
| Diameter | 1m – 10m+ (application dependent) |
| Shell material | Mild steel (epoxy lined), SS304, SS316, hot-dip galvanised |
| Bottom type | Cone 60° (mass flow) or flat (funnel flow) |
| Level sensing | Ultrasonic, radar, vibrating paddle, capacitance probe |
| Aeration | Sintered HDPE or stainless aeration pads — optional |
| Roof venting | Bag filter vent, pressure relief valve |
| Discharge | Rotary valve, slide gate valve, butterfly valve, screw conveyor |
| Access | Manway, inspection port, sample port |
| Standards | DOSH compliant; structural design to BS/EN or local standards |
Integrated scope
ENZAC designs the full silo system — structure, discharge valve, conveying from silo to process, level sensing, and controls — as a single engineered scope. Site survey and structural assessment included in project phase.
Industries & Applications
System integration
ENZAC supplies this equipment as part of complete systems — not standalone. Tell us your full process requirement and we will specify the right system around it.
