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Can icing sugar be stored in silos?
Categories : Flexible Silo | IBC Containers
By @ Stéphane BREXEL
Storing icing sugar in silos: a manageable challenge
Icing sugar, widely used in the food industry, presents major storage challenges. Unlike granulated sugar, its extremely fine grain size makes it hygroscopic, which promotes clumping. In addition, it has low flowability, which complicates its extraction from silos. Finally, its volatility causes significant dust emissions, posing ATEX risks in industrial environments.
However, with the right approach, it is possible to store icing sugar in silos while ensuring smooth and safe flow..
Moisture: the main enemy of icing sugar
Icing sugar absorbs ambient moisture very quickly, causing it to clump together into compact blocks that are difficult to remove. To limit this phenomenon, it is essential to prevent condensation in the silo. An effective solution is to make the structure airtight, in particular by replacing the filter fabric on the roof with a waterproof wall. Adding an industrial dehumidifier connected to the silo helps maintain a stable humidity level below 50%, thereby limiting clumping.
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Dominique M.
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Promoting the flow of icing sugar
Icing sugar behaves unpredictably when being emptied. It does not flow naturally and can form arches that completely block extraction. Several solutions exist to ensure a regular flow. The integration of a vibrating bottom prevents product accumulation in the corners of the silo and improves flow. For more complex cases, the addition of vibrofluidisers or air cannons is recommended to decompact the material without damaging it.
Securing the storage of icing sugar in the face of ATEX risks
Icing sugar generates a great deal of dust during storage and handling. These fine suspended particles can form an explosive atmosphere when they reach a critical concentration in the air. It is therefore essential to adopt ATEX protection solutions, including extraction systems to capture dust at source and earthing to prevent the build-up of electrostatic charges. These precautions are essential to ensure safe storage in compliance with current regulations.
Impeccable hygiene to preserve product quality
As icing sugar is a food ingredient, its storage must meet the strict hygiene standards of the food industry. Particular attention must be paid to the coating of the walls, which must be smooth and non-stick to prevent the accumulation of residues. Regular cleaning is also essential. For stainless steel or resin silos, cleaning in place (CIP) ensures complete disinfection without dismantling. For flexible silos, vacuum cleaning is generally sufficient to remove sugar residues while ensuring perfect hygiene.
Advice from our experts
SYVRAC provides you with equipment for the storage, transfer and dosing of powdered raw materials.
