Irish Cement - Technical Support - Cement Silos

Bulk storage of cement in silos is the preferred method of storing cement for concrete production.

The following recommendations can ensure the safe, clean and trouble-free operation of cement silos.

	The sizing of a cement silo depends upon the demand placed on it. Ideally one should aim for a storage capacity of at least 2 days.
	Extra capacity should be included in the silo to allow for variations in the supply timetable.
	The silo should be erected securely and inspected regularly. It is important that all connections are kept free of hardened cement.
	Silos and supply lines should be clearly marked to display the type of cement which they contain. Split silos should indicate the contents of each sector of the silo.

	Proper vehicle access to the silo is essential. With vehicles up to 15 metres long and 40 tonnes in weight, adequate ground strength and manouvering room are required.
	Lighting is required if deliveries are to be made outside daylight hours.
	Advance planning will facilitate delivery at specified times.
	The level of cement in the silo should always be checked before filling begins.
	Ensure that the time between filling of the silo and shutting off the cement supply is kept to a minimum to avoid overfilling.
	The bulk density of fresh cement varies from 1000 to 1350 kg/m³. The capacity of a silo may therefore be reduced by over 25% with freshly areated cement. It is therefore advisable to be conservative when estimating the weight of cement required to fill a silo.

Irish Cement Ltd., Platin, Drogheda, Co. Louth, Ireland.
Tel: ++ 353 41 987 6000 Fax: ++ 353 41 987 6400 email: info@irishcement.ie