Hycontrol launch new Shield silo-protection system

Company says latest all-in-one unit represents a ‘game-changer’ in silo pressure safety

AFTER months of development and testing, level-measurement specialists Hycontrol have launched the Shield silo-protection system. The compact, all-in-one unit comes after years of developing innovative technology to protect powder storage silos from pressure during tanker-fed deliveries.

Utilizing purpose-designed, state-of-the-art pressure monitoring and control equipment, Shield is said to meet and exceed best engineering practice and current guidance from the Mineral Products Association (MPA).

The safety system has been redesigned from the ground up to offer customers the same comprehensive protection as Hycontrol’s original, award-winning silo-protection system, but with a raft of new and enhanced performance features and at a significantly more competitive price.

Powder storage silos are commonplace in many industries but can be at risk of over-pressurization during tanker deliveries if the filter unit gets blocked or if the pressure blowing in during the fill is uncontrolled. Air pressure from as little as 1 or 2 psi can easily rupture a silo or blow its filter unit off the top.

This poses a serious health and safety risk, which is why a comprehensive safety and alarm system is vital. Hycontrol are at the forefront of level control and silo-protection technology, and the Shield system has been developed to incorporate the essential high-accuracy silo safety components in a modular design that can be adjusted to suit site requirements.

Maintenance has been made easier on the Shield system and a key feature of this is Hycontrol’s pioneering ground-level test technology, which provides a one-button full-function test and built-in system diagnostics to aid preventative maintenance.

‘Drawing on our years of industry experience, it is clear that there is still a widespread requirement for comprehensive silo-safety systems,’ said Nigel Allen, managing director of Hycontrol.

‘From now on, cost is no longer a valid excuse for ignoring safety. Hycontrol have led the silo-protection field for more than a decade through both innovation and product performance. We have added new features and improvements to the Shield system, whilst lowering the cost to meet the needs of the competitive end of the market, particularly in ready-mixed concrete.’