DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERT SYSTEM FOR THE DESIGN OF FOOD GRAIN STORAGE BIN AND FACILITY

DATTATRAY ARJUN ANARASE¹*, MUKESH KUMAR GARG^2
1Department of Food and Agricultural Process Engineering, AEC&RI, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, 641003, India
²Department of Processing and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 125004, India
* Corresponding Author : d.anarase@gmail.com

Received : 14-12-2016     Accepted : 29-12-2016     Published : 06-01-2017
Volume : 9     Issue : 1       Pages : 3594 - 3598
Int J Agr Sci 9.1 (2017):3594-3598

Keywords : Grain storage, Computer program, Design specifications, RCC grain bins, Visual Basic
Academic Editor : Dr B Swaminathan
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : This study forms the part M. Tech. Thesis submitted to CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar by first author. The technical support provided by the Department of Processing and Food Engineering is highly acknowledged
Author Contribution : The present study was conducted by first author in partial fulfillment for post graduate degree programme, under the guidance of second author in the Department of Processing and Food Engineering, CCS HAU, Hisar

Availability of Safe and adequate storage of food grain ensures sufficient supply throughout a year. An efficient public distribution system depends on suitability of storage structures to handle large quantities with minimum time. Planning of new bulk storage structures along with facilities necessary for handling would be easy and faster with software package. A computer program was developed for designing Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) grain bins by using Visual Basic version 6.0 (1998). Programs for designing aeration and conveying system have also been integrated. Output design specifications were validated against worked out specifications for food grain bin. Developed software was informative and user friendly. Present software was found to be valid for the design of RCC silo bin, aeration system and conveying systems for the handling of food grains. Developed computer program will be useful for storage agencies, agricultural engineers and farmers in their decision-making and planning activities