VAK Conveying Systems was contacted by a UK food manufacturing site experiencing significant flour build-up inside one of its bulk storage silos.
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Tank Type: Bulk storage silos
Tank Capacity: 35,000 litres
Access: Rope access
Environment: Confined space
The problem
Over time, flour had accumulated on the internal walls and around the lower cone and discharge area. This was beginning to reduce the usable capacity of the silo and had the potential to affect the reliable flow of product into the production process.
The customer required the silo to be thoroughly cleaned while keeping disruption to production to a minimum.
As flour dust can present additional hygiene and combustible dust risks, careful planning and appropriate safety controls were essential before work could begin.
Our Approach
Following an initial assessment, the VAK team developed a cleaning programme specifically suited to the flour silo and the level of internal build-up.
Detailed risk assessments and method statements were prepared, taking into account confined-space requirements, dust control, hygiene and the potential ATEX considerations associated with flour dust.
The cleaning operation was then planned around the customer's production schedule to reduce downtime as much as possible.
Specialist silo cleaning equipment was used to remove:
- Compacted flour from the silo walls
- Loose flour and residual dust
- Build-up around the cone and discharge area
- Material that could contribute to bridging or restricted product flow
Where possible, cleaning techniques were selected to minimise the need for personnel to enter the silo. Where controlled access was required, the work was carried out under appropriate confined-space procedures and safety controls.
The removed flour and residue were carefully extracted and contained, allowing the team to progressively clean the silo from top to bottom.
The Results
The removed flour and residue were carefully extracted and contained, allowing the team to progressively clean the silo from top to bottom.
The Result
Once the cleaning work was complete, the internal surfaces, cone and discharge area were inspected to confirm that the accumulated flour had been successfully removed.
The cleaning helped restore the silo's usable storage capacity and provided a clearer, more reliable route for flour to reach the discharge system.
By carrying out the work during a planned maintenance window, VAK was also able to minimise disruption to the customer's production process.
Key Benefits
- Restored usable silo capacity
- Improved flour flow
- Removal of compacted flour and residual dust
- Reduced risk of bridging and blockages
- Improved internal hygiene
- Reduced risk of cross-contamination from old product
- Minimal disruption to production
- Safer access for future inspection and maintenance
Why Regular Flour Silo Cleaning Matters
Flour can gradually adhere to silo walls, compact around discharge areas and create areas of residual product that are difficult to identify from outside the vessel.
If left untreated, this build-up can reduce storage capacity, restrict product flow and increase the risk of contamination, blockages and unplanned downtime.
Regular inspection and planned flour silo cleaning can help remove these deposits before they become a larger production or hygiene issue.
VAK Conveying Systems provides specialist flour and food-grade silo cleaning services throughout the UK, helping food manufacturers maintain clean, efficient and reliable bulk storage systems.
Need Your Flour Silo Cleaning?
Whether you're dealing with flour build-up, reduced silo capacity, bridging, contamination concerns or restricted discharge, VAK can assess the condition of your silo and recommend the most appropriate cleaning method.
Need YOUR FLOUR SILOS CLEANING?
Contact VAK Conveying Systems to discuss your flour silo cleaning requirements.