Electricity in Grain Elevators

The object of this paper is to show the storage capacity of grain at the terminals of Port Arthur and Fort William, the rated horse power capacity of prime movers, the amount of power used to turn out a given quantity of grain, and the power used by different machines in the process. In addition it gives the details of different plants as regards construction and operation and the method of receiving and shipping grain. It gives a comparison between steam and electrically-driven plants as regards convenience, maintenance, operation and cost. As regards the station end, it shows the lay-out of different stations, the cost of installation, the operation and in some instances, the cost of power. It will be shown in the paper that the cost of handling grain varies, and the reason is fully described. On account of the grain handling season being of short duration, it is the intention of certain companies to install turbo-generators to overcome the necessity of paying on a peak demand basis. By installing two or more units the operating expenses would be cult to a minimum. With the use of steam power this is impossible.