More storage capacity with a square silo

When people think of a silo, they quickly think of a round construction. However, Top Silo Construction (TSC) believes in the power of a square silo and has numerous arguments for this. Dennis Bossink, lead structural engineer at TSC Silos, talks about the added value of a square silo, especially for the storage of dry bulk and bulk goods, for example. 

"A square silo offers over 25% more storage capacity compared to a round silo on the same ground area," Bossink begins. "Because we can fully utilize the corners of a building or structure, you save valuable space. Moreover, consider that for bulk and bulk materials, square is the right shape for maximum capacity. Square silos also allow for easy interconnection. That means one wall for two cells. So you save not only on space, but also on material. A win-win." TSC Silos operates worldwide and produces each silo completely customer-specific. "The customer's process is the guiding principle on which we custom construct the silo."

Many times TSC integrates silos seamlessly into customers' production processes.

Maximum flexibility

TSC Silos' square silos are characterized by a modular construction with variable cell sizes. "This makes it possible to store different products and qualities simultaneously and side by side," Bossink explains. "Different quantities and products of different origins can also be stored flexibly side by side in this way. That makes an arrangement incredibly versatile. Maximum flexibility in a minimal area. We often integrate our silos seamlessly into the production process at our clients' facilities. In new construction, sometimes even the factory (or production process) is built around the silos. In fact, square silos can act as the structural element of a building. We connect machine floors, stairs and roof and wall cladding directly to the silo if required. Thus, once again, substantial savings can be realized."

Square is the right shape for bulk and bulk material for maximum capacity.

Proprietary software

TSC Silos' range varies from silos of 30 to 30,000 m³ (or more) capacity with individual cells from 5 to 500 m³. "In doing so, we take into account the specific requirements that vary from country to country, ranging from wind and snow loads to earthquake-resistant construction. We developed the software for constructing the silo walls in any desired length, width, height and cell layout completely in-house. That makes us unique. No two silos are the same. The goal is to construct a silo that is as durable and efficient as possible. Speaking of sustainability, all components are made of steel. A large part of the steel is already made from scrap and is also fully recyclable. Because our silos are modular, with individual parts assembled on site, the transportation of a square silo is also very efficient, minimizing the need for trucks or containers."

TSC Silos operates worldwide, building silos for a wide variety of industries. "The customer's process is often leading. We develop a silo 'around' that. For example, we recently built an arrangement of two rows of seven square cells for Strabag in Salzburg, Austria. The silo block forms one rigid and stable structure, good for a total capacity of 2,400 m³."