PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally St iffened Grain Bin3
1. Introduction
READ THIS MANUAL carefully to learn how to properly use and install equipment. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or equipment damage.
INSPECT the shipment immediately upon arrival. The customer is responsible for ensuring that all
quantities are correct. The customer should report and note any damage or shortage on the bill of lading
to justify their claim to the transport company.
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED a permanent part of your equipment and should be easily
accessible when needed.
This warranty provides you the assurance that the company will back its products when defects appear
within the warranty period. In some circumstances, the company also provides field improvements, often
without charge to the customer, even if the product is out of warranty. Should the equipment be abused,
or modified to change its performance beyond the factory specifications, the warranty will become void
and field improvements may be denied.
4PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
2. Safety
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to
personal injury.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Safety Guidelines
This manual contains information that is important for you, the owner/operator, to know and understand.
This information relates to protecting personal safety and preventing equipment problems. It is the
responsibility of the owner/operator to inform anyone operating or working in the area of this equipment
of these safety guidelines. To help you recognize this information, we use the symbols that are defined
below. Please read the manual and pay attention to these sections. Failure to read this manual and its
safety instructions is a misuse of the equipment and may lead to serious injury or death.
PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally S tiffened Grain Bin5
2. Safety
This product has sharp edges, which may cause serious injury. To avoid injury, handle
sharp edges with caution and always use proper protective clothing and equipment.
General Safety Statement
Our foremost concern is your safety and the safety of others associated with grain handling equipment.
This manual is to help you understand safe operating procedures and some problems that may be
encountered by the operator and other personnel.
As owner and/or operator, you are responsible to know what requirements, hazards, and precau tions exist
and inform all personnel associated with the equipment or in the area. Safety precautions may be required
from the personnel. Avoid any alterations to the equipment, which may produce a very dangerous
situation, where SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH may occur.
You should consider the location of the bin site relative to power line locations or electrical transmission
equipment. Contact your local power company to review your installation plan or for information
concerning required equipment clearance. Clearance of portable equipment that may be taken to the bin
site should also be reviewed and considered. Any electrical control equipment in contact with the bin
should be properly grounded and installed in accordance with National Electric Code provisions and other
local or national codes.
This product is intended for the use of grain storage only. Any other use is a misuse of the product.
Sidewall bundles or sheets must be stored in a safe manner. The safest method of storing sidewall
bundles is laying horizontally with the arch of the sheet upward, like a dome. Sidewall sheets stored on
edge must be secured so that they cannot fall over and cause injury. Use care when handling and moving
sidewall bundles.
Personnel operating or working around equipment should read this manual. This manual must be
delivered with equipment to its owner. Failure to read this manual and its safety instructions is a misuse
of the equipment.
6PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
2. Safety
Follow Safety Instructions
Carefully read all safety messages in this manual and
safety signs on your machine. Keep signs in good
condition. Replace missing or damaged safety signs. Be
sure new equipment components and repair parts include
the current safety signs. Replacement safety signs are
available from the manufacturer.
Learn how to operate the machine and how to use controls
properly. Do not let anyone operate without instruction.
Keep your machinery in proper working condition.
Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair
the function and/or safety and affect machine life.
If you do not understand any part of this manual or need
assistance, contact your dealer.
Read and Understand Manual
Practice Safe Maintenance
Understand service procedures before doing work. Keep area
clean and dry.
Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is in operation.
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts.
Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix
damage immediately . Replace worn or broken p arts. Remove any
built-up grease, oil, and debris.
Maintain Equipment
and Work Area
Safety Instructions
Our foremost concern is your safety and the safety of others associated with this equipment. We want to
keep you as a customer. This manual is to help you understand safe operating procedures and some
problems that may be encountered by the operator and other personnel.
As owner and/or operator, it is your responsibility to know what requirements, hazards, and precautions
exist, and to inform all personnel associated with the equipment or in the area. Safety precautions may be
required from the personnel. Avoid any alterations to the equipment. Such alterations may produce a very
dangerous situation where SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH may occur.
This equipment shall be installed in accordance with the current installation codes and applicable
regulations, which should be carefully followed in all cases. Authorities having jurisdiction should be
consulted before installations are made.
PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally S tiffened Grain Bin7
2. Safety
Prepare for Emergencies
Be prepared if fire starts.
Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
Keep emergency numbers for doctors, ambulance service,
hospital, and fire department near your telephone.
Keep Emergency Equipment
Quickly Accessible
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear close-fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate
to the job.
Remove all jewelry.
Tie long hair up and back.
Wear safety glasses at all times to protect eyes from debris.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges on plastic
or steel parts.
Wear steel-toed boots to help protect your feet from falling
debris. Tuck in any loose or dangling shoestrings.
A respirator may be needed to prevent breathing potentially
toxic fumes and dust.
Wear a hard hat to help protect your head.
Wear appropriate fall protection equipment when working at
elevations greater than six feet (6').
Eye Protection
Gloves
Steel-Toed Boots
Respirator
Hard Hat
Fall Protection
8PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
2. Safety
Safety Sign-Off Sheet
As a requirement of O.S.H.A., it is necessary for the employer to train the employee in the safe operating
and safety procedures for this auger. This sign-off sheet is provided for your convenience and personal
record keeping. All unqualified persons are to stay out of the work area at all times. It is strongly
recommended that another qualified person who knows the shut down procedure be in the area in the
event of an emergency.
DateEmployee NameSupervisor Name
PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally S tiffened Grain Bin9
2. Safety
Proper Storage of Grain Bin/Silo Materials Prior to Construction
Wet storage stain (rust) will develop when closely packed bundles of galvanized material, such as sidewall
and roof sheets, have moisture present. Inspect roof and sidewall bundles on arrival for any moisture. If
moisture is present, it must not be allowed to remain between the she ets. Separate the sheets or panels
immediately and wipe them down. Spray with a light oil or diesel fuel.
If possible, sidewall bundles, roof sheets and other closely packed galvanized materials should be stored
in a dry, climate controlled building. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, the materials should be stored so
that they are raised above the ground and vegetation. Any stacking an d spacing mat erials sho uld not be
corrosive or wet. Be sure to protect materials from the weather, but permit air movement around the
bundles if possible.
Storing roof bundles and sidewall sheets at a slight incline can also help minimize the presence of
moisture. Storing the bundles with the center of the dome up (like an arch) is one option for minimizing
moisture during storage. Sidewall bundles can also be stored on edge but must be secured so that they
do not fall over and cause injury.
If “white rust” or “wet storage stain” occurs, contact the manufacturer imme diately about ways to minimize
the adverse effect upon the galvanized coating.
10PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
3. Decals
Excessive vacuum (or pressure) may
damage roof. Use positive aeration
system. Make sure all roof vents are
open and unobstructed. Start roof
fans when supply fans are started.
Do not operate when conditions exist
that may cause roof vent icing.
DC-969
CAUTION!
The manufacturer does not warrant any roof damage caused by excessive vacuum or internal
pressure from fans or other air moving systems. Adequate ventilation and/or “makeup air” devices
should be provided for all powered air handling systems. The manufacturer does n ot recommend
the use of downward flow systems (suction). Severe roof damage can result fro m any blockage of
air passages. Running fans during high humidity/cold weather conditions can cause air exhaust
or intake ports to freeze.
PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally S tiffened Grain Bin11
3. Decals
Rotating flighting will
kill or dismember.
Flowing material will
trap and suffocate.
Crusted material will
collapse and suffocate.
Keep clear of all augers.
DO NOT ENTER this bin!
Failure to heed these
warnings will result in
serious injury or death.
If you must enter the bin:
1. Shut off and lock out all power.
2. Use a safety harness and safety line.
3. Station another person outside the bin.
4. Avoid the center of the bin.
5. Wear proper breathing equipment or respirator.
DC-GBC-1A
ATTENTION: The decal shown below should be present on the outside of the door cover of the 2 ring,
24" porthole door cover and roof manway cover. If a decal has been damaged or is missing in any of these
locations, contact the manufacturer for a free replacement decal.
GSI Decals
1004 E. Illinois St.
Assumption, IL. 62510
Phone: 1-217-226-4421
12PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
3. Decals
ATTENTION: The decal shown below should be present on the outside of the door cover of the 2 ring,
24" porthole door cover and roof manway cover. If a decal has been damaged or is missing in any of these
locations, contact the manufacturer for a free replacement decal.
GSI Decals
1004 E. Illinois St.
Assumption, IL. 62510
Phone: 1-217-226-4421
WARNING
DON’T
DO
UNLOADING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Use CENTER FLOOR OUTLET ONLY until NO grain
remains above this outlet.
2. Side floor outlets to be used ONLY when above
condition is satisfied.
3. Lock all side floor outlets to avoid accidental
premature use.
4. See manufacturers instructions for proper use of
factory supplied sidedraw (wall) discharge systems.
Failure to heed these warnings
could result in serious injury, death,
structural damage or collapse of tank.
DC-GBC-2A
PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally S tiffened Grain Bin13
4. Storage and Drying Bins
FCDL Bins
Drying bins up to 7 rings are designed for general drying and storage of small grains. Bins 8 rings and
taller are warranted for storage/aeration only - not drying. FCDL drying bins may be used with drying
equipment and most multi-screw stirring devices. In FCDL Bins with a standard walk-through door, the
door will be located in the second ring and top half of the bottom ring. FCDL bins are st andardly punched
for 12" plenum and stiffened to the eave. FCDL drying bins include the following: base angle, sidewall
sheets, door decal sheet, outside stiffeners, sidewall hardware with caulk, 30° roof, roof steps and one
manhole. For larger stirring devices or re-circulation units, consult with the engineering department.
Figure 4A
14PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
4. Storage and Drying Bins
WARNING
Stirring devices may create additional loads on grain bin sidewalls, roofs and
floors. If high-moisture grain is loaded too deep and too fast, bin walls can
become overloaded. Observe the following installation and operation procedures
if the bin is to be equipped with a stirring device.
Bins with Stirring Devices
Selecting the Appropriate “Series” Grain Bin
Grain storage tanks are offered in more than one structural series for specific uses. To maintain the
warranty, the appropriate “series” grain bin must be used. Consult the sales catalog or contact the
engineering department for current recommendations. Note that the use of any stirring device with
three (3) or more vertical screws may require a heavier than “standard” series bin. Any re-circulating
device or systems should be used in the “re-circulating” series bins. Re-circulating devices include
products such as the grain flow, foreway, shivers units or similar devices.
General Instructions for Stirring Devices
Bins are offered in more than one structural series for specific uses. In order to maintain warranty, the
appropriate “series” grain bin must be used. Consult the sales catalog or contact the engineering
department for current recommendations. Especially note that use of any stirring device with three (3) or
more vertical screws may require a heavier than “standard” series bin. Any re-circulating device or system
should be used in the “re-circulating” series bins.
NOTE: Additional loads on grain bin sidewalls, roofs and floors can be created by stirring devices. If
high-moisture grain is loaded too deep and too fast, any unstiffened bin wall can be overloaded.
Observe the following installation and operation procedures if the bin is to be equipped with the
stirring device.
1. Read the Owner’s manual for the stirring device and follow all instructions set forth by
the manufacture r.
IMPORTANT: Install the switch for t he stirring device near the roof manway opening so that the unit
can be observed while stirring.
2. Make sure there are no obstructions, such as protruding ladders.
3. After loading approximately three feet (3') of grain, run the unit for one complete revolution to
determine if it is working properly.
4. If the unit is functioning properly, operate the stirring device continuously while filling and drying to
avoid compacted grain around the vertical screws.
5. If it becomes necessary to stop the stirring device using laterally moving screws, try to stop it with the
vertical screws nearest to the center of the bin, away from the sidewall. Should a device stop or stall
for any reason and remain inoperable for any length of time, the auger carriage should be supported
to the grain surface before restarting. The vertical auger should be turned by hand, with a pipe
wrench, before the power is applied.
6. For best results, fill the bin to one-half of the final intended depth. Dry grain to 16% and continue
filling. Use filling rates specified by stirring device manufacturer. If necessary to fill to the top without
stopping, reduce the filling rate and drying air temperature so that the stirring rate can kee p up with
the drying rate.
7. Do not overfill bin. Filling should be stopped at the bottom of the top ring or 30" below the track.
8. The preceding steps are only general instructions which apply to the majority of stirring devices.
Since there are different manufacturers of these devices, it is important to read the Operator’s
manual thoroughly for specific instructions applicable to the machine.
PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally S tiffened Grain Bin15
5. Foundations
Foundation Recommendations
These are general foundation recommendations. Site conditions, system requirements and other factors
may create foundation construction requirements not covered by this manual.
Selecting the Proper Site Location
1. The selected site should be level, firm and free from underlying debris. The soil bearing capacity
should be equal to or greater than required by the footing specifications.
2. The concrete foundation surface must be level. If fill is required, it should be watered and tamped
thoroughly to prevent uneven settling from the weight of the bin.
3. The site should allow easy access for easy loading and unloading, as well as provide additional space
for future units.
4. When selecting a bin site, also consider the positioning of handling equipment, availability of
electricity and the placement of fans, heaters and gas tanks.
Scribe the Diameter
1. Determine the center of the foundation site and drive a small 2 x 4 in the ground to mark it. Drive
stake into the ground so that it is the same height as the finished foundation will be.
2. Using one large spike, nail a straight 2 x 4 to the top of the center spike. This 2 x 4 should be
approximately two feet (2') longer than the radius of the bin. The swiveling 2 x 4 will act as a compass,
enabling you to scribe the correct diameter of the foundation and later locate the anchor and stiffener
bolt locations.
NOTE: Making the 2 x 4 two feet (2') longer than the radius, allow the 2 x 4 to also be use d as a leveling
device and for pulling concrete.
Figure 5A Scribe the Diameter
16PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
5. Foundations
Foundation Forms
Foundation Form Options
Two (2) styles of foundation forms are commonly used for unstiffened farm bins. The first is the
Circular Form. (See Figure 5B.) The second style of foundation is the Octagon Form, made of
2" x 8" boards set into a square with blocked corners to form an octagon. This eight (8) sided form will
approximate a circle and is easy to construct. (See Figure 5C on Page 18.)
Figure 5B Circular Form
Preparing the Foundation Forms
1. Having scribed the diameter of the foundation, proceed by digging the foundation’s footing,
which consists of a large circular trench inside the foundation line. (Refer to foundation charts
on Pages 19-27.)
2. Once the footing has been dug, you are ready to build the forms. The forms must be rigid enough to
hold their shape against the poured concrete.
3. The foundation must be flat. Sloped floors cannot be used in drying bins. A carpenter’s level placed
on top of the compass 2 x 4 constructed earlier will enable you to set the top of the forms to match
the top of the center stake.
4. Check the form work with a transit to ensure a uniform elevation for the entire foundation. The
foundation should be level within 1/8" on non-stiffened tanks and within 1/4" on stiffened tanks at bin
wall perimeter. Stiffened tanks must be shimmed level. Provisions for unloading system trenches, air
ducts, etc., should be made as required by the particular grain system used.
NOTE: All foundation specifications shall be construed as recommendations only. Because of the many
variable conditions in actual installation, manufacturer assumes no liability for results arising from
the use of such recommendations.
PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally S tiffened Grain Bin17
5. Foundations
* All concrete to have a minimum
compressive strength of
3000 PSI at 28 days.
2" x 8" Forms
6" x 6" Wire mesh
Footing trench
Foundation line
Placing the Reinforcement
1. Once the forms and trench have been prepared, begin placing the reinforcement rods and mesh in
the foundation’s footing. (See the appropriate charts and drawings for the bin to determine
requirements and positions of the reinforcement on Pages 21-27.) Be sure reinforcement rods are
properly lapped by wiring.
2. Place at least 2" of compacted sand on the inside section of the foundation to provide a good base
for the concrete and to protect against rodents.
3. Cover the sand with 4 mil polyethylene plastic, which will act as a moisture barrier.
4. Add two (2) layers of 6" x 6" wire mesh to the entire area of the foundation slab or the entire
foundation for monolithic systems to complete the preparation of the bin’s foundation.
Figure 5C Octagon Form
18PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
5. Foundations
Fan pad and fan must be level and smooth for proper operation. Improper
leveling can cause vibration problems.
Placement of the Fan Pad: Tr ansitions, Fans and Heaters Only
Vane Axial Fan Pad
If a fan or fan and heater combination is to be installed, refer to Figure 5D below, to determine the concrete
pad size.
1. The top of this pad should be level with the top of the bin’s foundation.
2. Recommended pad thickness is 4" minimum.
3. Front of pad should be perpendicular to bin wall.
4. Pad for heater is not required. If it is to be added, pour the pad to cover the locations of both the heater
and the fan.
For fans and transitions used in aeration duct system applications, refer to the transition and aeration
installation instructions.
CAUTION
Figure 5D Vane Axial Fan Pad
PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally S tiffened Grain Bin19
5. Foundations
CAUTION
Fan pad and fan must be level and smooth for proper operation. Vibration
problems can result from improper fan leveling.
Centrifugal Fan Pad
1. Fan pad should be poured 2" below the top of bin foundation for all centrifugal fans.
2. A pad for heaters is not required, but is recommended.
3. Recommended pad thickness is four inches (4").
4. If a downwind heater pad is to be installed, the pad width (“C”) should be 48" and extended toward
the bin by 33".
5. Fan discharge should be centered on centerline of bin.
6. The fan pad should be perpendicular to bin wall.
Figure 5E Centrifugal Fan Pad
20PNEG-1095 FCDL 4.00" Corrugation Externally Stiffened Grain Bin
5. Foundations
Anchor Bolt Placement
1. Having poured and leveled the concrete, use the center stake and straight 2 x 4 again to find the bolt
circle radius for the outside hold down brackets.
2. Select a starting point and stretch a pre-measured chord (“E” chord distance in Figure 5G) along the
imaginary circle formed by the bolt circle radius. This will give you the bolt locations on the bolt
circle radius.
3. Take into consideration the placement of these bolts so as not to interfere with the positions of bin
doors and transitions. (Refer to the following anchor bolt chart on Page 22 for necessary radius and
chord lengths.) Take the time and work carefully since accuracy is important.
NOTE: The top edge of slab where the bin wall sets must be held to within 1/8" of level.
NOTE: The above anchor bolt radii and dimensions are for the FCDL series only. For NC commercial
tanks, refer to the NC commercial section of the foundation recommendations in PNEG-318.