Services

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Grain Bin Monitoring & Fan Control

  • We offer a variety of solutions for grain bin monitoring with the ability to work with all major moisture monitoring brands. Centralizing this data into our control system, we then are able to perform a variety of automated controls with the data:

    • Automatically controlling fan cycles, optimizing with external moisture readings.

    • High temperature and humidity alerts

    • Trended historical data of sensor information

    • Manual start/stop control of individual fans

    Integration with sensor data from the following manufacturers:

    • Prairie Grain Analyzers

    • OPI

    • BinSense

    We offer flexible solutions for each deployment. You have the ability to add control stipulations and additional sensors specific to you own application. For example, if motor load were to exceed your utility limitations, we can monitor the current usage, and prevent equipment from starting; or prioritize certain bins of your choosing.

Grain silos and machinery in an agricultural setting

Dryer Automation

  • Our primary focus with grain dryers is upgrading outdated system to include the same functionality and control as a brand new piece of equipment. Each dryer installed in the last several decades is unique, and will have slightly different control and monitoring in place. Below is a list of challenges that we have encountered with dryers, and how they can be monitored, and automated with our system. If your dryer has a specific issue not listed, please reach out and the team will be able to identify sensors, and a control application specifically for you.

    Challenges and Solutions

    1. Sequence Startup:

      • Challenge: Burners, motors, augers, and grain legs require manual operation. Operators must physically sequence all devices from pushbuttons and wait for the warmup period before initiating discharge.

      • Solution: One-click digital startup button controls the entire system.  This warms the system to a preset temperature, and sequentially starts all augers and devices in the desired order. Accessible via smartphone or remote computer for convenience.

    2. Dryer Temperature Control:

      • Challenge: No gas line control into the dryer, which directly controls internal dryer temperature. This required local temperature gauge checks and needle valve adjustments during every startup. This results in temperature fluctuations due to changes in internal system moisture or external weather conditions.

      • Solution: Installation of an automated temperature control valve on the gas inlet. Redundant temperature transmitters and a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithm ensures consistent temperature regulation by dynamically adjusting the valve position.

    3. Temperature and Fire Safeguards:

      • Challenge: No high-temperature shutdowns or alarms are available. Excessive temperatures can lead to fires or cooking of product.

      • Solution: High-temperature trip limits can be programmed, triggering automatic shutdowns with emailed alerts if thresholds are breached.

    4. Moisture Monitoring:

      • Challenge: Moisture content checks rely on manual sampling of the grain outfeed. Adjustments to system speed are guesswork, leading to over-drying or under-drying.

      • Solution: Real-time moisture feedback is provided via a discharge chute sensor. Farmers can select grain type and desired moisture content; a PID algorithm adjusts the dryer speed to maintain target moisture levels continuously.

    5. Reliability Issues:

      • Challenge: Motor breakdowns or belt failures halt the system and often go undetected until visually noticed. This can cause grain spillage or over-drying depending on where the issue occurs.

      • Solution: Run feedback signals from motor contactors verify motor operation. The system shuts down if a signal is lost. Zero speed sensors on belt-driven motors detect belt failures, triggering system shutdowns and alerts to prevent further issues. Chute sensors are often installed to detect if there are blockages, shutting down the system.

Touchscreen display for automation system showing control interface, labeled "CTRL ALT COMPLETE AUTOMATION."

Grain Transfer Systems & Process Sequencing

  • Our systems can be designed to handle your entire grain transfer systems. This makes running your equipment simpler and safer by replacing multiple manual pushbuttons with one easy-to-use control. It’s built to grow with your needs, whether you’re running a basic setup or a complex operation like a seed cleaning facility. Here’s how it works:

    • One-Button Control: Start or stop the whole system with a single button, making operations quick and easy.

    • Timed Start and Stop: Each motor, auger, and grain leg starts and stops in order, with delays in between to make sure all the grain is cleared out before the next one runs.

    • Sensor Monitoring: Sensors keep an eye on movement, so if a belt breaks or a plug is detected, the system automatically shuts down to prevent damage.

    • Scalable Design: Whether you have a simple setup or a more advanced system with multiple flow paths and selection options our automation scales to fit your needs.

    • Reliable and Safe: This setup keeps things running smoothly and safely, reducing the need for manual checks, adjustments and worry.

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Remote Monitoring & Control

  • Our automation systems give you the freedom to monitor and control your grain handling and drying equipment from anywhere in the world using your phone, tablet, or laptop. This remote access applies to all of our solutions, including grain bin monitoring, fan control, grain dryers, and full system automation. Key features include:

    • Real-Time Monitoring: Check the status of your equipment live, including moisture levels, temperatures, motor loads, and system activity, no matter where you are.

    • Remote Start/Stop and Adjustments: Control fan cycles, grain dryer settings, or even start and stop your entire grain handling system with a click, just as if you were standing in front of the control panel.

    • Alerts and Notifications: Receive instant alerts for high temperatures, humidity issues, equipment failures, or other critical events. This keeps you informed and allows you to respond quickly to any issues.

    • Historical Data and Trends: Access trended historical data for moisture levels, temperatures, and system performance. This information helps you make better decisions and optimize your operation over time.

    • Scalable and Customizable: Whether you’re managing a simple grain bin setup or a complex seed cleaning facility with multiple flow paths and selection options, our remote monitoring system scales to meet your needs. You can also add custom control stipulations and sensors specific to your application.

    Our remote monitoring and control solutions give you the peace of mind to manage your operation efficiently, wherever you are.