GSI (Grain Systems, Inc.) is introducing first-of-its-kind technology to help prevent one of the most common challenges facing commercial grain operations – the accidental mixing of different types of grain and oilseeds which can result in costly operational, logistical and product quality issues.
GSI’s BinRite Grain Identification System will be introduced at GEAPS Exchange 2018 March 24-27 in Denver and be available for the 2018 harvest season.
Adam Weiss, GSI director of global technology, said the new technology utilizes sensors that illuminate grain with multi-spectral light to analyze hundreds of images per second. “These sensors can be mounted at varied and multiple locations throughout an elevator’s grain conveying system to verify that the correct grain types are being sent to each bin,” he explained.
Weiss said the sensors can be integrated with an elevator’s existing programmable logic controller protocols or have a stand-alone PLC as part of the installation if the facility doesn’t already have PLC automation. If the identified crop type is being misrouted, the fully automated sensor system will stop the grain flow and sound an alert.
Roger Price, GSI national sales manager, noted that limited technology – such as radio frequency identification (RFID) – is currently used at many grain elevators to help direct deliveries and prevent grain mixing, but the problem can still occur due to operator error or a mechanical glitch. “GSI’s BinRite Grain Identification System will help grain elevator operators avoid the significant problems that can result from mixed grain, including shrink, broken space, shipping delays, shipment rejections, steep discounts and strained buyer relationships,” he said.
Price said the technology will be available for installation by mid-summer this year at elevators in the United States and Canada, with future expansion to Europe. “Initially, the system will identify corn, soybeans and white and red wheat, and later be offered for use with additional grain types,” he noted.
He added that this advanced technology, while primarily designed for commercial grain elevators, is also well-suited for large farming operations that grow multiple types of grain.
Weiss said the BinRite Grain Identification System is based on technology developed by GSI parent company AGCO for use on its IDEAL combine to detect foreign material and cracked grain. GSI engineers adapted the technology to create the grain identification system as a unique product for the grain handling industry. “This new system reflects GSI’s continued commitment to innovation, including identifying and leveraging new technologies across multiple platforms,” he said.
Source : AGCO