Grain handling facilities are an integral part of producing important commodities such as corn, wheat, or soy. These facilities feature large silos, conveyer belts and augers, motors and fans, chutes and doors, and other heavy equipment. Critical measurements required to properly run a facility include temperature, humidity, bin level, equipment condition monitoring, and a variety of on/off or open/closed states.
Traditionally, grain handling facilities were run manually, with perhaps a few level sensors to monitor inventory. An employee would need to be at the facility at all times to ensure it runs smoothly without any overfills, equipment failure, or safety violations. However, with new technology becoming evermore accessible, farmers are shifting to automation for better grain handling.
ControlByWeb is perfect for small and medium-sized automation projects such as these. We make control logic a breeze with affordable control modules that consistently perform for many years.
Comprehensive Monitoring & Control
- Bin level
- Motor and Gate Control
- Temperature & Humidity Monitoring
- Emergency Shut Off
- Security Camera Integration
- Condition Monitoring
Common Grain Handling Problems
Complexity
The farmer needed to implement a control system he could understand and operate without the need of a systems integrator.
Safety
The farmer needed a solution that improved safety for his family, employees, and the truck drivers that collect the grain.
Affordability
The farmer needed a solution he could afford with the small margins that come with commodity production.
ControlByWeb™ Solutions
Simple Systems
Our programmable I/O modules use simple menu systems to build out custom and powerful control logic without code.
Reliable Remote Control
Our modules are carefully engineered for consistent, reliable, and independent performance that reduces failures and improves safety.
Low Cost Industrial I/O
A big part of our mission is to make very capable industrial I/O that anyone can afford, making good automation more accessible.
FREE GRAIN HANDLING CONTROL SYSTEM CONSULTATION
Case Study: Jennen Farm Grain Handling Systems
Farmers throughout the world are learning how modern automation, control, and monitoring systems can increase yields, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Tom Jennen of Fergus Falls, MN is one of them. His near 500,000 bushel grain handling facility features state-of-the-art remote monitoring and controls that improve safety, save valuable time, and decrease labor costs.
For grain handling systems, time is critical. Getting the crop unloaded into the storage bins and loaded onto transport trucks quickly and safely is the name of the game. Tom Jennen, along with his sons Matt and Brent, have turned their grain facility into a speed-optimized pit stop reminiscent of the professional auto racing industry.
Tom has relied on ControlByWeb to make his dreams of an automated, safe, and efficient grain handling facility a reality.
The automated facility is built around the X-600M platform, complete with a dashboard that shows critical measurements and a live camera view. With the CBW Mobile app on their phones, they can load and unload trucks with the push of a button from anywhere on the farm. The detailed measurements, grain bin level sensors, and the two IP cameras give them a digital presence at all times, and saves them from hiring an employee to man the station.
Safety is a big concern as well. Keeping everyone away from the heavy machinery means everyone operates at a safe distance. Drivers never have to leave their trucks. The Jennens can even shut everything down from their smartphone should anything go wrong.
Tom’s list of automated equipment is impressive. With only a few exceptions, he has remote monitoring and control on nearly everything in his facility:
- IP cameras
- Conveyor belts
- Belt alignment
- Motor amps
- Emergency stop
- Bin level
- Motion sensors
- Temperature & humidity
- Door state
- Bin open/close state
Paired with good technical acumen and great operating principles, the Jennens have used ControlByWeb I/O modules to create a control system that gives them a competitive edge on the market. The investment has saved them money in the long run and allowed them to further maximize their farm’s potential.
Contact us learn more about how you can create a control system that works for you.