Traditional storage solutions like warehouses and steel silos may have been the best bulk-storage options in the past, but domes outperform both today. Here are a few things to consider when selecting your new storage solution:
Warehouses vs. domes
The traditional storage model is the warehouse, which requires a massive footprint compared to domes—a costly element when deep foundations are required.
The mechanical method for filling a warehouse is a long tripper conveyor. The dome, on the other hand, has single-point loading. Warehouse reclaim requires long drives with front-end loaders. Distances are shorter with a dome.
The dome is the most durable structure against natural disaster. A warehouse will likely be severely damaged in extreme conditions.
Steel silos vs. domes
One large wood-pellet producer favored steel silos for years. But after a visit to two domes at a southeast USA port, a company executive was converted to the dome model. These domes had just been emptied into a ship, and he was surprised how cool the interior was on such a hot, humid day. The domes’ insulation and massive amounts of concrete keep interior conditions more consistent. Also, with more companies selecting a dome, he was convinced they were the model of the future.
Considering a dome? Answer these questions:
- How many tons do you want to store?
- Are there any site restrictions limiting the diameter or height of the dome?
- Where are the pellets coming from, and how many tons per hour will you be filling?
- Where are the pellets going when the leave the dome?
- What is your reclaim rate?
- How are you going to reclaim pellets from the dome?
For more information or to discuss the specifics of your project, contact our sales team.