Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution of grain storage facilities in China, highlighting the transition from traditional storage methods to modern, intelligent, and environmentally friendly grain warehouses [2][8] - It emphasizes the importance of grain storage infrastructure in ensuring food security for over 1.4 billion people in China, noting that the current storage capacity exceeds 700 million tons [2][9] Historical Development - Early grain storage facilities were simple earthen structures with limited capacity (30,000 to 60,000 kg), leading to significant losses due to pests and moisture [3] - The first major upgrade occurred in the 1950s with the introduction of "Soviet-style warehouses," which were standardized but still had limitations in terms of capacity and climate adaptability [4][5] - The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of brick-concrete warehouses, improving storage quality and efficiency, with a significant construction boom from 1998 to 2005 [6][7] Current Trends - Modern grain storage facilities primarily consist of high-rise flat warehouses and shallow round warehouses, equipped with advanced storage technologies and better pest control measures [7] - The latest generation of smart green warehouses focuses on intelligent monitoring and management, utilizing new technologies such as nitrogen gas adjustment to enhance storage conditions [8] Future Directions - The National Food and Material Reserve Bureau plans to enhance grain storage facilities during the 14th Five-Year Plan, promoting green storage technologies and establishing demonstration points across seven major ecological storage areas [9]

Core Viewpoint - The evolution of grain storage in China reflects a significant upgrade in food security, transitioning from traditional methods to modern, intelligent, and environmentally friendly storage solutions [1] Group 1: Historical Development of Grain Storage - Early grain storage facilities were simple structures, often made from earth and wood, with limited capacity and high loss rates due to pests and moisture [2] - The first technological upgrade occurred in the 1950s with the introduction of the "Soviet-style warehouse," which improved storage capacity to about 2,500 tons but still faced limitations in structural integrity and climate adaptability [3] - The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of brick-concrete warehouses, enhancing storage quality and efficiency, leading to a significant increase in storage capacity and a reduction in grain loss [4] Group 2: Current State of Grain Storage - Modern grain storage primarily consists of high flat warehouses and shallow round warehouses, which are equipped with advanced storage technologies and provide better pest and moisture control [5] - The construction of new generation smart green warehouses emphasizes intelligent monitoring and management, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental protection [6] Group 3: Future Developments and Initiatives - During the 14th Five-Year Plan, China aims to enhance grain storage facilities and promote green storage technologies, with plans to establish 100 demonstration points for integrated green storage technology across seven ecological storage areas [7] - The current grain storage capacity in China has reached over 700 million tons, matching the annual grain production, supported by the largest food internet system globally [7]

Core Viewpoint - The evolution of grain storage facilities in China reflects a significant upgrade in food security, transitioning from traditional methods to modern, intelligent, and environmentally friendly storage solutions [1][7]. Group 1: Historical Development of Grain Storage - Early grain storage facilities were simple earthen structures with limited capacity, leading to significant grain loss due to poor conditions and pest infestations [2]. - The first technological upgrade occurred in the 1950s with the introduction of the "Soviet-style warehouse," which improved storage capacity but still faced limitations in efficiency and suitability for various climates [3]. - The 1980s and 1990s saw the emergence of brick-concrete warehouses, enhancing storage quality and reducing grain loss significantly through improved sealing and ventilation [4]. Group 2: Current State of Grain Storage - Modern grain storage primarily consists of large flat warehouses and shallow round warehouses, equipped with advanced storage technologies that ensure better pest control and moisture management [5]. - The construction of new generation smart green warehouses emphasizes intelligent monitoring and environmentally friendly preservation techniques, marking a shift towards sustainable storage practices [7]. Group 3: Future Developments and Initiatives - The Chinese government plans to enhance grain storage infrastructure during the 14th Five-Year Plan, focusing on green storage technology and the establishment of demonstration points for new storage techniques [8]. - The current grain storage capacity in China has reached over 700 million tons, aligning with annual grain production levels, supported by the largest grain internet of things system globally [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the construction of China's first batch of five 9,000-ton gas membrane grain silos, which represent the fourth generation of new grain storage technology, emphasizing their advanced features and benefits for grain preservation [1][2]. Group 1: New Grain Silos Features - The gas membrane silos are 33 meters tall and have a diameter of 24 meters, each capable of storing approximately 9,000 tons of grain [1]. - The silos feature a unique multi-layer structure that includes a waterproof PVDF membrane, an insulation layer made of polyurethane, and a supporting structure of reinforced concrete, enhancing their airtightness and thermal insulation [2][4]. - The gas membrane silos have an airtightness performance that exceeds national high standards by more than six times and thermal insulation performance that is over three times better than traditional silos [2]. Group 2: Importance of Airtightness and Insulation - Airtightness and thermal insulation are crucial for grain storage as grains respire, consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide, which can lead to nutrient loss if not properly managed [2][3]. - In high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, improper storage can significantly degrade grain quality over time [3]. Group 3: Cost and Safety Considerations - The initial construction cost of gas membrane silos is comparable to traditional silos, but they offer faster construction times, saving on time costs [4]. - The silos have passed fire safety audits due to the incorporation of flame-retardant materials, ensuring safety during operation [4]. - The five gas membrane silos are expected to be completed by the end of the year, adding a total storage capacity of 45,000 tons to the grain reserve [4].

Core Viewpoint - The first batch of five 9000-ton air membrane grain silos in China has been successfully inflated and formed, marking the practical application of the fourth generation of new grain storage technology [1][3]. Group 1: Technology and Design - The air membrane silos are inflated like balloons, with a diameter of 24 meters and a height of 33 meters, capable of storing 9000 tons of grain, sufficient to meet the daily food needs of 23 million people [3]. - The construction process involves a significant pressure difference between the inside and outside of the silo, requiring a two-door system for entry, ensuring safety during operation [5]. - The interior of the silo is spacious and column-free, allowing for higher space utilization, with grain being delivered through a conveyor belt from the top [7]. Group 2: Safety and Monitoring - The silo walls consist of an air membrane layer, a reinforced concrete layer, and an additional polyurethane layer for insulation, ensuring the safety and longevity of the storage [9]. - The silos are equipped with numerous sensors for real-time temperature monitoring of the grain, and nitrogen gas is injected to create an oxygen-free environment, preventing pests and preserving the grain [9]. Group 3: Construction Timeline - The entire construction process is highly mechanized, environmentally friendly, and minimally affected by weather conditions, significantly shortening the construction period [7]. - The completion of these air membrane silos is expected by the end of this year, with operational use planned for February next year [9].