RUBBER SILO

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31784, 14 September 1968, Page 5

RUBBER SILO

In a world where people are dying of hunger every day, it is a deplorable fact that a tenth of all the grain that’s grown is lost between harvest and the time it is wanted for food or seed. It is eaten by rats and insects, or made inedible by damp and fungus diseases—which all points to a need for proper storage. To help to meet this need, a British firm—Butyl Products —has developed a new synthetic rubber graiif silo, which gives a high degree of protection in all climates to crops stored in it. Reporting in a 8.8. C. World Service broadcast, Robin Burton said this new silo looks like a giant balloon, and is airtight It is first inflated by blowing in air. Then, as soon as it is filled with grain, it is deflated and put under vacuum. In these conditions, any insects which happen to be contained in the grain promote a build-up of carbon-dioxide, and effectively kill themselves. The synthetic material — called Butyl rubber—of which the silo is made will withstand high temperatures and sub-zero weather alike; and it is npt affected by moisture or bacterial decay. . Another advantage is the price—only a fraction of the cost of conventional silos—which makes the new swstem an ideal proposition both for under-developed countries and for large grainprodi&ng countries with a shortage of facilities. .