Grain self-heating
Grain self-heating is the process of temperature rise within a grain bulk caused by increased respiration of grain, microorganisms, and pests due to high moisture or poor ventilation.
Также говорят: grain heating, bin heating, heating of grain mass
This phenomenon occurs during the storage of moist grain when biological processes accelerate and generate heat. If this heat is not dissipated, the temperature within the bulk reaches critical levels, leading to grain spoilage, discoloration, and mold growth.
To prevent self-heating, agronomists perform regular temperature monitoring in silos and warehouses, combined with active aeration or grain drying. It is essential to periodically inspect the bulk for hot spots using temperature probes.
Typical mistakes include storing grain above the safe moisture limit, neglecting pre-cleaning of fine impurities that tend to accumulate moisture, and failing to manage proper airflow within the storage facility.