Silo semi-trailers transport powder and granular materials loaded and unloaded pneumatically. An integrated compressor creates air pressure that pushes the product through pipes to the destination (storage silo, mixer, etc.).
The heart of a silo is the pneumatic discharge system. It can be self-contained (its own compressor driven by the tractor's PTO) or rely on an external plant compressor. A 4-5 m³/min blower discharges 30 tonnes of cement in 60-90 minutes. When buying used, check the compressor hours, the condition of the butterfly valves, the bottom aeration line (fluidising nozzles) and the absence of fatigue cracks in the shells. A unit with a healthy compressor is worth 18,000-32,000 EUR; without a compressor, 12,000-20,000 EUR.
In bulk transport every kilo of kerb weight costs payload. An aluminium silo weighs around 6-7 tonnes versus 8-9 for a steel one, allowing up to 2 tonnes more product per trip within the 40-tonne GVW. Carbon steel is mandatory for abrasive cement due to its wear resistance, while aluminium and stainless steel are standard for food grade. Check the number of compartments (1 to 4 cones), which determines whether you can carry several products or split deliveries. At Coatrucks we detail the volume, number of cones and material of every silo.
Cement, flour and granular silos for sale.