Voidage of grain bulk
It is the ratio of the volume of intergranular air spaces to the total volume occupied by the grain mass, expressed as a percentage.
Также говорят: porosity of grain bulk, intergranular space
Voidage is a critical factor in grain storage engineering, primarily influencing the resistance to airflow. It determines how efficiently oxygen reaches the grain mass during aeration and how effectively moisture is removed during drying processes.
The value depends on grain shape, size, surface texture, and the presence of foreign material. High levels of fines (impurities) significantly decrease voidage, causing air to channel unevenly, which often leads to local hot spots and grain spoilage.
A common error is failing to adjust ventilation systems for variations in voidage caused by different harvest conditions or cleaning levels. Accurate estimation is essential to optimize energy consumption and maintain grain quality throughout the storage period.