Flat-bottom silo cleaning and floor systems
Flat floors, discharge points, aeration equipment and reclaim systems can all retain material after normal unloading.
Silo types, stored materials and deposits
Silo cleaning library
A technical reference covering silo construction, stored products, retained deposits and the factors that affect cleaning and return to use.
Technical informationSources and further reading
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41 reference records · 9 detailed guides
Silo types and cleaning considerations
Silo geometry and construction affect access, discharge arrangements, retained material and the surfaces that need cleaning. Flat-bottom, hopper, tower and bunker silos describe different storage arrangements, while fabric and GRP describe construction materials.
Hopper silo cleaning and flow behaviour
Cone geometry, outlet condition, internal finish and the stored material all influence cleaning and deposit removal in hopper-bottom silos.
Tower silo cleaning and storage arrangements
Tower silos vary widely in contents, wall construction and unloading equipment, so the cleaning method depends on the specific installation.
Bunker silo cleaning and effluent control
Horizontal silage stores involve retaining walls, floors, drainage channels and effluent collection rather than the enclosed geometry of an upright silo.
A bund is secondary containment around a liquid tank. A bunker silo is horizontal bulk storage. For a liquid-tank bund, see bunded tank cleaning.
Stored materials and retained deposits
The same silo may need a different clean when the product, deposit condition or next use changes. Food powders can bring hygiene, allergen and combustible-dust concerns. Mineral powders may harden after moisture exposure, while agricultural products can deteriorate in storage.
- Stored material: exact product or grade, including ingredients and any allergens that affect the cleaning standard.
- Deposits: location, extent, condition and any known change in flow or moisture.
- Equipment: silo construction, outlet or reclaim equipment and connected conveying systems.
- Return to use: next product, hygiene requirements and the operator’s acceptance criteria.
Reference sources for this library
These sources support the technical points in the library. Manufacturer information applies to the equipment or application it describes, and regulatory guidance applies only within its stated scope and jurisdiction.
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Build-up and flow problems
Powder agglomerates
Agglomerates are lumps that have formed within a bulk powder. The material, size and condition of the lumps, their location and any recent product change help describe the flow or deposit problem.
Gericke: building-material powder handlingThe link above opens the source used for this reference entry.
Reference checklist and technical facts
- Material and grade in which the agglomerates formed.
- Size, condition and location of the observed lumps.
- When the lumps were first observed and whether the stored product had changed.
Gericke: building-material powder handling
Get a quoteBuild-up and flow problems
Retained powder at transfer points
Powder can remain at transfer points as well as inside the main storage vessel. The equipment, material and deposit location need to be identified separately so the cleaning boundary is clear.
Gericke: building-material powder handlingThe link above opens the source used for this reference entry.
Reference checklist and technical facts
- Whether the deposit is in storage, at a transfer point or in a conveying line.
- Exact stored product and condition of the retained material.
- Required condition of the affected equipment before return to use.
Gericke: building-material powder handling
Get a quoteBuild-up and flow problems
Silo bridging and ratholing
Bridging forms an arch-shaped obstruction above an outlet. Ratholing leaves a flow channel through otherwise stagnant material. The distinction matters when describing the cause and extent of a silo flow problem.
Jenike & Johanson: poor bulk-solids flowThe link above opens the source used for this reference entry.
Reference checklist and technical facts
- Bridging
- An arch-shaped obstruction forms above an outlet.
- Ratholing
- A flow channel remains within otherwise stagnant material.
- Whether flow has stopped completely or continues through a narrow channel.
- Stored material and location of retained material.
- Outlet and discharge arrangement associated with the affected area.
Jenike & Johanson: poor bulk-solids flow
Get a quotePublished by Silo Cleaning. Sources checked 12 September 2026. Editorial policy.
Please contact us if you identify a factual error in this library.
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