Qualidade de grãos de soja em função do reumedecimento via aeração automatizada : testes em silos protótipos

Abstract

The excessive drying of stored grains is a recurring issue in central regions of Brazil, stemming from extended periods of drought. Consequently, the demand for new technologies to enhance grain conservation efficiency has surged, driven by the imperative to minimize losses. This study aimed to monitor the moisture content and quality of soybeans in prototypes of metallic silos equipped with controlled and automated aeration systems, alongside an atmospheric air humidification system utilizing water-saturated expanded clay chambers. The experiment encompassed two prototype silos, designated as the "conventional silo" and the "umiaerated silo". To validate the systems, a soybean storage test was conducted from 09/05 to 11/04/2022, aligning with the transition from the dry season to the onset of the rainy season. Data collected through the digital thermometry and hygrometry system were stored in a database, subsequently processed and analyzed in comparison with the monitored grain moisture levels throughout the experiment. Grain quality was assessed through commercial classification concerning observed defects, fungal incidence via the Blottertest method, and physical properties (bulk density and 1,000 grain weight). Principal outcomes indicated that the monitoring and automation system for silo aeration in the prototype units effectively gathered data on temperature and relative humidity, enabling analysis and activation of the fan motor assembly. The utilization of the air umiaeration system before the rainy season augmented the relative humidity of the air, presenting a promising concept. Storage time, aeration conditions, and grain position in the silo exhibited significant influences on the occurrence of grain defects, fungal development, and certain physical properties of soybean grains.