Receiving Systems 101
When it comes to bulk grain handling – choosing the right receiving system is critical to ensuring efficient operations. The right system can improve throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance the overall productivity of your facility. However, with so many options available, selecting the best receiving system for your needs can be overwhelming.
Let’s compare two of the most used receiving systems: dump pits and high-speed drag conveyors. We’ll dive into what each system does, its pros and cons, and help you evaluate which system would be the most cost-effective and efficient for your operation.
What is a dump pit?
A dump pit is a designated area where grain is deposited before being moved into processing equipment. With a dump pit, you are getting your speed of unloading a truck by having a large pit area that the grain is dumped into. This large capacity allows for slower equipment that takes it away, saving money. This provides flexibility, as the system can handle variable amounts of grain and process it at a more controlled pace.
Most dump pits we install are buried pits with no concrete basement. These systems always have one or two augers that empty the pits out. However, you can do a combination system that has a large holding pit that is set in a full concrete basement, then has a high capacity drag conveyor system that empties the pit. This is the absolute best pit system available but comes with a big investment.
How It Works:
Grain is unloaded into a hopper or pit, where it is temporarily held. Once the receiving system is filled with grain, the grain is fed in an orderly manner into the next phase of your operation, often through grain pumps or augers. The holding capacity allows for a regulated flow, preventing overloads or stoppages in the system.
Benefits
-
- High-Speed Unloading: Can typically fill the pits as fast as you can unload from your semi, truck or grain cart. From here it typically goes to a wet holding grain bin and/or to the dryer via an overflow process.
-
- Automation: Reduces labor and equipment needs by automatically moving grain from the pit to storage.
-
- Large Capacity:
-
- Dump pits vary in size from a few hundred bushels up to 1,500-bushel pits. Our most common is an 1,100- or 1,300-Bushel Pit which a typical full semi can unload into in minutes, allowing faster returns to the field.
-
- Large Capacity:
-
- Customizable Options: Various sizes and configurations are available to meet the needs of any farming operation.
-
- Dump Both Hoppers of a Semi without moving– most 1,000 bushel + pits will have a 25’ + grated dump area so you do not have to move the truck at all!
DISADVANTAGES-
-
- Dump pits are big. Most dump pits will be anywhere from 8’- 12’ deep in the ground. There are obviously water issues with this. Often these can be mitigated with tiling, daylighting or sump pumps…but some sites may not be conducive for deep structures like this.
-
- Most dump pits are buried in the ground with no access or concrete (other than for anchoring it in place). With this the most common pits use augers, which are known for maintenance and some grain damage.
What is a High-Speed Drag Conveyor?
A high-speed drag conveyor system utilizes a chain-and-flight mechanism to move grain at high speeds through an enclosed system of troughs. This system is known for its efficiency and speed in moving large volumes quickly over long distances. Unlike dump pits, drag conveyors are typically designed for continuous material movement, with minimal interruption. Drag Conveyors are one of the gentlest ways to move grain and are extremely low maintenance.
How It Works:
In a drag conveyor, grain is pulled along a track or trough by a series of flights attached to a chain. The speed of the conveyor allows for fast, continuous movement, often with high capacity in mind.
Best Use Cases:
High-speed drag conveyors are perfect for operations requiring high throughput and continuous operation, where there is a focus on low maintenance and grain quaility. They work best in facilities where grain needs to be moved at speed without delay and with minimal storage between processes.
-
- Minimal Below Grade Equipment: Unlike large dump pits, which may require digging up to 15 feet into the ground, drag conveyor systems keep the equipment shallower into the ground. Most drag conveyor receiving systems need to be 4’-8’ in the ground but may be able to be raised above grade somewhat with ramps.
-
- Customizable Design: These systems can be tailored to include a cost-effective small bypass inlet with a single dump area (would have to move the truck for dumping both hoppers) or a more complex dual conveyor design for large-scale grain reception where you pull up and park in one spot and open all the gates on a semi.
-
- Large Dump Areas: Drag conveyor systems can be designed with dump areas as large as 8′ x 30′ or more, allowing for easy unloading of grain trailers with dual hoppers.
Key Considerations When Choosing the Right System
When deciding between a dump pit with holding capacity or a high-speed drag conveyor, there are several factors to consider. Each system excels in different areas, so understanding your operation’s specific needs will guide your choice.
Speed and Throughput
-
- Dump Pit with Holding Capacity: Offers controlled flow, making it suitable for slower equipment down the line. Will have savings for future equipment that can be lower capacity as well (fill conveyors, etc.).
-
- High-Speed Drag Conveyor: Moves grain continuously and quickly, making it perfect for high-volume, fast-paced environments where continuous operation is key. In some situations, up to 50,000 BPH is attainable.
Space and Footprint
-
- Dump Pit with Holding Capacity: Requires significant vertical space and so attention to ground water and ability to dig around existing structures. It can take up more floor space, especially if large holding capacities are needed.
-
- High-Speed Drag Conveyor: More compact and can be installed in more confined spaces. The enclosed nature of the system makes it suitable for facilities with limited space.
Maintenance and Durability
-
- Dump Pit with Holding Capacity: Most buried pit systems have augers that conveyor the grain out. These are incased in tubes but buried in the ground so the only access is through the center of the pit. The pit area may also need regular cleaning to prevent grain buildup or blockages.
-
- High-Speed Drag Conveyor: Very low maintenance. Drag conveyors designed and installed correctly should provide years of minimal to no maintenance! And if you do need maintenance, a quality contractor will have designed and installed large enough concrete tunnels to allow good access.
Which System is Right for Your Operation?
Choosing between a dump pit with holding capacity or a high-speed drag conveyor comes down to the specific needs of your operation.
-
- Choose a Dump Pit with Holding Capacity if you want a cost effective but efficient way to dump grain fast. If grain quality issues due to augers, a little higher maintenance, and dealing with water aren’t major deal breakers for you. This receiving system would be common on smaller to medium sized farm operations, hardly ever at commercial facilities.
-
- Choose a High-Speed Drag Conveyor if you are willing to invest in the best, longest lasting and low maintenance facility. Also, knowing that any future additions or expansions may have significantly more of an investment with higher capacity equipment to maintain speed. We typically see this system in commercial facilities or large farm operations.
-
- Want the absolute best receiving system available? Do a combination of both and have a large receiving pit that is set in a concrete basement, that feeds into a high capacity drag conveyor. Although this is expensive and deep, this is often used at elevators or ethanol plants…and becoming more common on very large farm operations.
At Agri Systems we can work with you to design the best system for your operation and make your site more efficient. Give us a call today!
