Horizontal Low Level Cement Silo

Shanghe Cement Silo

Cement silos are crucial to construction projects by enabling the bulk storage of cement directly on-site. This eliminates reliance on frequent deliveries, saving high costs and streamlining operations for greater efficiency.

A horizontal low-level cement silo is a practical and mobile bulk storage system designed for dynamic and space-constrained work environments. It combines a compact, ground-level design with integrated operational components to serve as a self-contained material handling unit.

We provide a comprehensive range of high-quality silos, available in vertical and horizontal designs with capacities from 50 to 1000 tons. They are engineered for reliable storage of cement, fly ash, lime, and other powdered materials. Our silos ensure material protection and feature easy, rapid setup with minimal foundation requirements. Designed for mobility and integration, options include weighing systems, screw conveyors, and compatibility with various batching plants.

Beyond concrete production, these silos are perfect for independent use in terminals, factories, and stockpiling projects. We offer tailored solutions and expert guidance to meet your specific operational needs.

Cement Silo Types

Cement silos are classified by their design, construction, and mobility to suit different project needs.

By Structure:
Vertical silos are tall, cylindrical units ideal for permanent, high-capacity storage with a small footprint.
Horizontal silos offer a low-profile design, making them easier to transport and suitable for sites with height limits or temporary setups.

By Construction:
Bolted silos are modular for easy shipping and on-site assembly.
Welded silos arrive as a single, pre-assembled unit for simpler installation.
Spiral silos are formed from a folded steel strip for excellent strength and sealing.

By Mobility:
Stationary silos are fixed foundations for long-term, high-volume plants.
Portable silos, including telescopic and tip-up models, are designed for easy transport and rapid deployment across multiple sites.

By Discharge System:
Common bottom types include cone-bottom for gravity flow and flat-bottom designs that use mechanical augers. Split silos feature internal compartments to store different materials simultaneously.

Cement Silo Comparison

Type	Key Advantage	Use Case	Installation
Concrete	50+ year durability	Permanent facilities	Weeks
Steel	Fast construction	General projects	1-2 weeks
Bolted	Easy transport	Temporary projects	1-3 days
Horizontal	Low profile	Urban sites	Hours

Advantages

Mobility and Simplified Installation
The fundamental benefit is logistical flexibility. These silos are designed for easy transport between job sites on standard trucks and can be operational within hours of arrival. Their setup requires no permanent foundations or heavy cranes; they can be positioned on any flat, stable surface. Many models feature self-erecting systems with hydraulic or telescopic legs, enabling true “plug-and-play” deployment.

Operational Design and On-Site Efficiency
The low-profile design directly addresses spatial and access challenges:

• Space Efficiency: The minimal vertical footprint makes them ideal for urban sites, indoor use, or locations with overhead height restrictions.
• Ground-Level Accessibility: All critical components—for maintenance, inspection, and connection—are safely accessible from the ground, eliminating risks associated with working at height.
• Precision and Integration: Material discharge is controlled via an internal screw conveyor (auger) for accurate batching. The silo typically arrives as a complete system, with integrated dust filters, safety valves, and control panels, ensuring operational readiness and minimizing on-site assembly.

Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness
This solution is both adaptable and economical:

• Broad Application: Suitable for a wide range of powdered materials (cement, fly ash, lime) and perfect for roadwork, urban projects, and temporary batching plants.
• Economic Advantage: For short-term or multi-site projects, the ability to redeploy a single unit eliminates the repeated costs associated with permanent installations, offering a superior return on investment.
• Environmental Compliance: The sealed system, equipped with dust collection, ensures a cleaner worksite and helps operators meet environmental standards for particulate control.

Applications

1. Dynamic Construction & Civil Engineering

This is the primary domain, where the silo’s mobility and rapid deployment are most valuable.

• Urban & Constrained Sites: Essential for projects with strict height limits (under bridges, near power lines) or within congested city centers where traditional silos are impractical.
• Linear Infrastructure Projects: Perfect for roadworks, paving, bridge construction, and tunnel boring, as the entire setup can be relocated along the project’s progression to maintain an on-site material supply.
• Remote or Temporary Projects: Provides a functional storage solution in inaccessible areas (mountains, deserts) or for projects of short duration, eliminating the need for permanent infrastructure.

2. Mobile & Temporary Material Production

The silo acts as a key component in agile production systems.

• Mobile Batching Plants: Forms an integrated system with mobile concrete plants, enabling complete, ready-to-move concrete production for various job sites.
• On-Demand Operations: Supports temporary production setups for specialized tasks like producing concrete for a single bridge pier or a specific tunnel segment.

3. Industrial, Ecological & Specialized Processing

Its sealed and adaptable design extends its utility beyond traditional construction.

• Industrial Material Handling: Used in mining, chemical processing, and asphalt production to store powders like lime, mineral fillers, or fly ash.
• Environmental and Energy Sectors: Employed in waste management facilities for storing agents like bentonite or alternative fuels (e.g., Refuse-Derived Fuel), as well as in soil stabilization for environmental remediation.
• Agricultural Storage: Provides a controlled environment for bulk storage of grains, seeds, or feed, protecting contents from moisture and pests.

Working Principle

1. Sealed Pneumatic Loading

Material is introduced via a pressurized system. A bulk tanker truck pumps dry cement through a feed pipe into the sealed silo. During this transfer, a top-mounted dust collector filters the exhaust air to eliminate emissions, while a pressure relief valve prevents over-pressurization, ensuring structural safety.

2. Protected Storage & Automated Monitoring

The cement is housed in an airtight, robust steel chamber that shields it from environmental moisture and contamination. Storage levels are continuously monitored by electronic sensors or load cells, which provide real-time data to the control system, automating inventory management and refill alerts.

3. Active, Precision Discharge

This is the system’s defining operational feature. Due to the horizontal design, gravity is insufficient for material extraction. Instead, a powered internal screw conveyor (auger) actively transports cement to the discharge point. To ensure consistent flow and prevent blockages (bridging), pneumatic arch-breakers or vibrators fluidize the material. The conveyor speed is precisely regulated, often via a variable frequency drive, to meter exact amounts for batching.

4. Safe, Ground-Level Operation & Stability

The design prioritizes operational safety and minimal site impact. All critical components—the drive motor, conveyor access points, and filters—are accessible from ground level, eliminating fall risks. The silo is stabilized by a wide-footprint support structure, allowing it to be securely positioned on a level, compacted surface without the need for deep concrete foundations.

Specification

Model	CS35B	CS20B
Capacity	27.6m³, 35t	15m³, 20t
Weight	6500 kg	4600 kg
Dimension	9797*2216*2677mm	6447*2108*2677mm
Main Parts	SIMENS Control cabinet 1*Air-jet dust collector 1*Stainless pressure relief valve 6* Vibrator 8*Upper and lower level sensors 1*Horizontal Screw conveyor  in 219mm 1*Pneumatic tires 1*Air compressor 10*Arch breaking device 7*leveling support-legs

Key Factors For Selecting A Cement Silo

When selecting a cement silo, key factors include project scale, site logistics, and material specifications. Evaluating these ensures optimal performance and cost-efficiency.

1. Capacity & Silo Type

• Capacity: Match silo size to daily output. Small-to-medium projects typically need 50–500 tons, while large industrial sites may require 3,000+ tons.
• Type: Choose vertical silos for permanent, high-capacity storage; horizontal/low-profile for height-restricted or mobile setups; and bolted designs for easy transport and modular assembly.

2. Performance & Maintenance

• Material Flow: Prioritize systems with vibrators or aeration pads to prevent clumping and ensure steady discharge.
• Moisture Protection: Airtight construction is essential to prevent hardening.
• Access: Ensure safe, easy access for cleaning and upkeep via ladders, manholes, and valves.

3. Compliance & Modern Features

• Dust Control: Integrated filters or collectors are mandatory to meet particulate emission standards.
• Safety: Pressure relief valves and level indicators are critical to prevent over-pressurization and overfilling.
• Durability: Opt for galvanized or corrosion‑resistant coatings for long‑term use.
• Smart Integration: IoT‑enabled monitoring for real‑time inventory tracking and predictive maintenance is increasingly standard.
• Compatibility: Confirm discharge height and conveyor systems align with your existing batching or loading setup.

Choosing the right silo involves balancing storage needs, site constraints, and modern operational standards to ensure reliable, efficient, and compliant material management.

Maintaining Tips

proactive, routine care to prevent blockages, material hardening, and structural issues. Focus on these key areas:

1. Prevent Moisture & Ensure Flow

• Control Moisture: Use dry, moisture‑free air in handling systems, especially in humid climates.
• Empty Regularly: Completely discharge the silo periodically to avoid material compaction.
• Practice FIFO: Use older cement first to minimize hardening.
• Maintain Fluidizing Equipment: Regularly check air pads, diffusers, and vibrators to ensure consistent material flow.

2. Routine Inspection Schedule

• Daily/Weekly: Visually check for cracks, rust, leaks, or unusual noises.
• Quarterly: Inspect and clear relief valves and vents; schedule professional cleaning to remove buildup.
• Annually: Conduct a professional structural inspection, focusing on corrosion, coating integrity, and roof condition.

3. Structural & Component Care

• Roof Integrity: Monitor for leaks or water pooling, which can cause internal corrosion.
• Corrosion Protection: Apply or refresh protective coatings on metal surfaces.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Monthly, lubricate discharge gates, bearings, and hinges.
• Filter Maintenance: Clean or replace dust collector filters to maintain airflow and safety.

4. Safety First

• Professional Cleaning Only: Never allow untrained personnel inside a silo due to risks of falling material and toxic fumes.
• Lockout/Tagout: Always de‑energize and secure equipment before starting any maintenance.

Following these guidelines will help ensure safe, efficient, and long‑lasting silo operation.

Why Choose Shanghe?

Custom-Engineered Per Project: Shanghe engineers work directly with your project team to design silos to spec.

Backed by Experience: As a major bolted silo manufacturer in China, we bring a commitment to give decades experience, technical expertise and storage solutions to meet global quality standards. From strong bolted silo designs to seamless on-site installation and after post-sales support, we ensure that you get maximum value for your investment. Partners with us to secure high-capacity storage who is fully suited to your logistics and operational demands. Our Bolted Silos available in strong Steel or light Aluminium material to match your project requirements.