How to build a post-collection line

Moreover, without modern post-harvest solutions and storage capacity, many farmers are forced to sell commodities very soon after harvest and at unfavourable prices. The solution is a post-harvest line and suitable storage facilities. How is a post-harvest line built?

Post-collection line and its importance

The task of the post-harvest line is to process and then enable the storage of agricultural crops in qualitatively adequate storage capacities. Each comprehensively managed post-harvest line is in principle a unique and specific piece of work, but it almost always uses the seamless continuity of several key technological units.

To put it in a very basic way, imagine a solution that can receive the agri-commodity (e.g. importing agricultural crops from the field), then clean the agri-commodity, dry it reliably, store it safely, and ship it out seamlessly.

The construction or modernisation of a post-collection line is undoubtedly a complex project that requires cooperation between the client and the manufacturer/technology supplier at all levels.

See more details about the technological units that make up a post-collection line.

Basic phases of after-harvest line construction

The investment in the post-harvest line and storage facilities can be described as beneficial for future management. Whether you decide to modernise your current solution and improve its efficiency, or you need a completely new post-harvest line and storage facilities, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself in advance with the phases of implementing a post-harvest line.

1. Finding out the needs and creating a design according to the client's requirements
The goal of the initial consultation is to find out what the client's needs and current status are. The initial proposal takes into account access requirements, capacity and the selection of proven technology solutions in relation to the type of agri-commodity. Also important is the selection of a suitable facility to host the post-harvest line (location, accessibility/accessibility).

2. Preparation of the design and preparation of documentation for the building permit
An indispensable part of the implementation of the after-harvest line is the completion of the mandatory formalities before the start of construction - the final processing of the design/project and the preparation of the project documentation for the building permit.

3. Implementation of the work and the relevant communications
Before placing the technologies (pre-cleaner, cleaner, dryer, conveyors, ...) and steel structures, it is necessary to build the building-base part and the relevant roads leading to the objects - also with regard to the agrotechnics used. The work is always carried out under the supervision of experts and in accordance with the documentation.

4. Installation of technologies, wiring and control systems
When supplying technologies to our post-harvest lines and grain stores we cooperate only with reputable companies and proven partners, whose technologies are a guarantee of quality, performance and durability.

The most common are pre-cleaners and cleaners from Bühler and Petkus, continuous dryers from Mathews Company and galvanized silos with flat or conical bottom from Symaga. Conveyors and conveying equipment for handling bulk and lump materials are manufactured and supplied under our Premetal brand. In addition, we also provide complete PC control of the lines and optimum performance adjustment by sensing the load on the conveyors.

5. Test commissioning and operator training
Thorough testing of all functions in a test run is essential for checking the status immediately after implementation of the post-harvest line. Testing will confirm that the conditions for safe, efficient and fully functional operation have been met.

6. Assurance of warranty and post-warranty service
The post-harvest line and the technologies involved are expected to run smoothly and seamlessly, without compromising the quality of the commodities at any stage. In the event of a breakdown in one of the sections, a quick repair must be carried out without long downtimes. Reliable and available service from your technology suppliers is therefore important to ensure the long-term efficiency and productivity of the line.

Our realization - post-collection line in Bánovce nad Ondavou

New modern storage facilities for post-harvest treatment and storage of agricultural commodities with a total capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes were built in the agricultural commodities storage area of INTERAGROS, a.s. (Bánovce nad Ondavou operation), which expanded the existing storage facilities.

This successfully implemented project will enable the purchase of agricultural commodities from a much larger area and may also lead to an increase in the area under cultivation of agricultural commodities in the region.

The total expansion of the storage space in Bánovce nad Ondavou consists of:

• 6 SYMAGA storage silos, with a total capacity of 6 × 5000 tonnes,
• 1 intermediate silo SYMAGA,, dump 60 degrees, with capacity for 600 tons of grain,
• BÜHLER pre-cleaner, type SMA 203-3 with air control damper at the outlet and pre-cleaning capacity 120 t/h,
• dryer LAW SBC 15.LE, output 20,4 t/h (with grain maize drying from 24% to 14%),
• basket, chain and screw conveyors, elements of conveyor transport, 3 dispatch bins built on strain gauges with a capacity of 3 × 50 tons, manufactured by PREMETAL MON,
• fully passable revenue basket,
• mobile grain chiller GC 320,
• complete line control by PC, including optimum line performance adjustment by sensing the current load of the basket conveyors.