Ozonation, or more specifically, Ozone Fumigation of Grain Storage, is a very effective method of killing insects, pests, bacteria, and other rodents in stored grains. Ozone Fumigation also helps in eliminating odors from stored grains, therefore making it unattractive for pests. SInce 25 years, ORAIPL is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of Ozone Fumigation Systems for Grain Storage.
According to an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, almost 50% of the grain stored in grain storage in developing countries like India, is lost due to pests, insects, fungi and mold. These losses can easily be brought down to just 2% by using better technology in grain storage. Using Ozone to control pests, insects, fungi and mold in grain storage, has proven to be a very effective, safe, chemical free, and environmentally safe solution.
Fungus & molds commonly grow in humid and sultry environment. Infestation of food grains with molds in grain storage areas and silos accounts for huge losses of material and quality. And it may result in mycotoxin contamination also. In the current grain trade, this damage can affect price, feed quality, food product quality, and susceptibility to pest contamination. Fungal and mold infestations can cause dry matter losses which in turn make the grain less valuable.
Wheat flour is also susceptible for external microbiological contamination during production and storage, apart from that contamination possible from the use of infested wheat grains from silos. Contamination by E.coli and Salmonella sp. occur commonly in wheat flour.
The main factors that affect the quality of grain in grain storage are:
- Temperature
- pH
- Humidity
- Insects
- Pests
- Rodents
- Fungi
- Mold
- Mycotoxins
- Odor
All these above factors can seriously affect the quality and value of the grain. Grain which is infested with insects and fungi cannot be used at all, is a cause of major loss. Even if grain is treated with chemical pesticides, it may become a problem in food processing. Chemical treatment also causes undesirable odor, and the need to specially clean and treat the grain before using. Storing grain for a long term becomes even more difficult if these problems are not addressed on a continuous basis.
Advantages of Ozone Fumigation of Grain Storage
- Ozone can be produced on site using our Ozone Generators
- Ozone is a very powerful oxidant, and it kills all insects in the grain
- Ozone kills bacteria and other undesirable microorganisms in the grain
- Ozone deprives rodents like rats of oxygen, and prevents them from entering grain storage.
- Ozone prevents the growth of molds and mycotoxins in the grain
- Ozone is approved as a sanitizer for contact with food and food equipment because its effective against many microbes
- Ozone eliminates odor in the stored grain, making it impossible for insects to find and re-enter it.
- Ozone does not modify the organoleptic and nutritional value of the grain.
- Ozone automatically decays into diatomic oxygen, and escapes into the atmosphere.
- Ozone does not leave behind any residue, odor or chemicals, and is environmentally safe.
As you can see, using Ozone effectively in Grain Storage is the safest, best, most technologically advanced method of keeping food grain and produce safe in storage. ORAIPL can design, manufacture and supply customized ozone fumigation solution for your grain storage. Our research team can study your grain storage requirements, and suggest the best, and most cost effective Ozone Fumigation System for you.