Sudenga’s Grain Halo Sump Guard is designed to help break up grain clumps before they can restrict flow at the center sump. By keeping material feeding toward the unload system, the Grain Halo helps support a more consistent unloading process when grain conditions become difficult.
Even with a well-designed grain handling system, unloading conditions can change from bin to bin. Grain can crust, cake, or form larger clumps that make their way toward the center sump and restrict flow.
Sudenga’s new Grain Halo Sump Guard is designed to help address that problem before it interrupts unloading. Positioned over the center sump, the Grain Halo helps break up grain clumps before they can restrict flow, helping keep grain feeding toward the unload system for more consistent unloading when conditions get tough.
The Grain Halo mounts above the sweep gearbox and is positioned over the center sump. As grain moves toward the center of the bin, it helps break apart clumps before they can restrict flow through the sump.
“The goal is to break up those larger pieces before they can reach the center sump and cause problems,” explained Cory Vaselaar, Engineer at Sudenga Industries. “The feet carry the grain load to the bin floor, and once that pressure comes off, the Grain Halo lifts up and travels with the sweep.”
“The goal is to break up those larger pieces before they can reach the center sump and cause problems.”
By addressing clumps above the sump, the Grain Halo helps grain continue feeding into the unload system instead of allowing large pieces to collect at the opening. This can provide a more consistent unloading process when grain has become crusted, compacted, or difficult to move.
The Grain Halo is also designed to account for the pressure created by the grain stored above it.
When the bin is loaded, grain pressure pushes the Grain Halo’s feet against the bin floor. This transfers the load through the feet and into the floor rather than placing that pressure directly on the sweep gearbox.
As the grain is unloaded and the pressure decreases, the Grain Halo lifts from the floor. It can then travel with the sweep as the remaining grain is removed from the bin.
This allows the Grain Halo to remain connected throughout the unloading process without interfering with the sweep’s movement.
Because the Grain Halo remains attached to the sweep gearbox and moves with the sweep, operators do not need to enter the bin during normal unloading to disconnect, remove, or reposition the sump guard.
This supports the zero-entry approach available with applicable Sudenga sweep systems. Operators can continue controlling the unloading equipment from outside the bin while the Grain Halo helps manage clumped grain around the center sump.
As with any grain-handling system, operators should continue following all established lockout/tagout procedures, bin-entry requirements, and equipment safety instructions.
The Grain Halo Sump Guard will be available in two sizes for applicable Sudenga sweep configurations.
Because sweep systems and bin setups can vary, customers should work with an authorized Sudenga dealer to determine the correct Grain Halo configuration for their operation.