Storage of grain, seeds etc. in slow drying conditions - produced in sealed vessel in which vacuum is established and maintained

摘要

The prod. is placed in a sealed vessel which is subjected to a vacuum pressure to be maintained throughout the storage period. Pref. the level of vacuum pressure maintained is slightly below the vapour pressure of water at the temp. of prod. storage the relative humidity of the interstitial medium of the stored prod. being kept below 100%. Pref. the vacuum source draws dry water vapour from the prod. in such a way that the vapour sweeps through the interstitial medium of practically the whole of the stored prod. Pref. prod. is charged into and discharged from the storage vessel through a pressure lock chamber. Used partic. for the storage of grain in silos for agricultural purposes. Long term storage is now possible without prod. deterioration and without pre-drying with its high energy cost. Vacuum conditions prevent mould growth and the prod. retains its full nutrient and germinative qualities.