Disk(s) under separate cover

January 1990

Circular 861

AERATE: Aeration System Design

Software for Flat Grain Storages

Dennis G. Watson, Roger C. Brook

Florida Cooperative Extension Service/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
University of Florida/John T. Woeste, Dean

SDOC
101
F6 16c
861

DISCLAIMER

The Board of Regents of the State of Florida, the State of Florida,
the University of Florida, the Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, and the Florida Cooperative Extension Service,
hereinafter collectively referred to as "UF-IFAS", will not be liable
under any circumstances for direct or indirect damages incurred by
any individual or entity due to this software or use thereof, including
damages resulting from loss of data, lost profits, loss of use, inter-
ruption of business, indirect, special, incidental or consequential
damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damage. This
limitation of liability will apply regardless of the form of action,
whether in contract or tort, including negligence.

UF-IFAS does not provide warranties of any kind, express or im-
plied, including but not limited to any warranty of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose or use, or warranty against
copyright or patent infringement.
The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the program is
with you. Should the program prove defective, you assume the
entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, or correction.

The mention of a tradename is solely for illustrative purposes.
UF-IFAS does not hereby endorse any tradename, warrant that a
tradename is registered, or approve a tradename to the exclusion of
other tradenames. UF-IFAS does not give, nor does it imply, per-
mission or license for the use of any tradename.

IF USER DOES NOT AGREE WITH THE TERMS OF THIS
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, USER SHOULD CEASE USING
THIS SOFTWARE IMMEDIATELY AND RETURN IT TO UF-
IFAS. OTHERWISE, USER AGREES BY THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE THAT USER IS IN AGREEMENT WITH THE
TERMS OF THE LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.

Copyright 1987, 1989
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Michigan State University
Contains licensed program materials of Metagraphics Software Corporation
Copyright 1986, 1987 Metagraphics Software Corporation, Scotts Valley, CA 95066
The installation program used to install this program, INSTALL, is licensed software
provided by Knowledge Dynamics Corporation, Highway Contract 4 Box 185-H,
Canyon Lake, Texas 78133-3508 (USA), 1-512-964-3994. INSTALL is Copyright (c)
1987-1989 by Knowledge Dynamics Corporation which reserves all copyright protec-
tion worldwide. INSTALL is provided to you for the exclusive purpose of installing
this program.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract ...............................................
Introduction ..........................................2
Hardware and Software Requirements 2
Notation 2
Screen Representation 3
Introduction to User Interface ........................... 5
Windows 5
Key Commands 6
Getting Started ......................................... 7
Installing Program 7
Starting Program 7
Stopping Program 9
Sample Run ...........................................10
General Information 10
Program Options 12
Client Information 14
Structure Information 16
Storage Dimensions 19
Storage Capacity 23
Component Information 24
System Design 29
Recommendations 32
Error Messages and Solutions ..........................35
User Interface Error Messages 35
Design Error Messages 36
Developer Error Messages 43
Memory Problems 43
Acknowledgements ...................................44
Technical Support .....................................44
Ordering Information ....................................44

0ayw Sr oFFT V i.. it....

AERATE: AERATION

SYSTEM DESIGN

SOFTWARE FOR FLAT
GRAIN STORAGE

Dennis G. Watson, Roger C. Brook*

ABSTRACT

The Aeration System Design program (AERATE) was developed to
assist in the process of designing custom aeration systems for
farm-size, flat grain storage. The program includes data for
designing corn, soybean, wheat, and grain sorghum storage. Ex-
perts can add similar data for other crops. AERATE requests
information about the storage problem and completes the following
steps: 1) determines the minimum post size for a post-frame grain
storage, 2) estimates the storage capacity of a grain storage, 3)
determines the size and placement of aeration equipment, 4)
generates a custom aeration system plan, and 5) prints manage-
ment recommendations for the custom grain storage.
The program includes an easy-to-use format with graphic displays
and help screens. AERATE offers the capability of rapidly designing
an aeration system and changing design parameters to compare
designs.

* Assistant Professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, Institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville; Associate
Professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, Michigan State University,
East Lansing.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

INTRODUCTION

Grain surpluses and government incentives for producers who store
grain typically result in a temporary shortage of grain storage
facilities. Grain producers respond by preparing new or existing
structures for flat grain storage. These storage require an aeration
systems to maintain the quality of grain. The Aeration System
Design program (AERATE) was developed to simulate the role of an
expert in an interactive session with a grain producer to design
aeration systems for flat grain storage. The knowledge base con-
sists of guidelines and procedures described in engineering hand-
books, extension publications, and technical articles, in addition to
the experience of experts in aeration system design.

AERATE includes data for designing corn, soybean, wheat, and
grain sorghum storage. The program will perform the following
steps:
* determine the minimum post size for a post-frame grain
storage,
* estimate the storage capacity of a grain storage,
* determine the size and placement of aeration equipment,
* generate a custom aeration system plan, and
* print management recommendations for the custom grain
storage.

AERATE features an easy-to-use format with graphic displays and
help screens. Illustrations are used to clearly communicate ter-
minology when asking a question. A graphic representation of the
aeration plan is displayed on the computer monitor and can be
printed. Help information is available at any time by pressing the
F1 or F2 function keys.

Requirements Hardware and Software Requirements
This program was designed for use on IBM PC-compatible
microcomputers. Hardware requirements are 640 kilobytes of ran-
dom access memory (RAM), IBM-compatible color graphics (CGA,
EGA, or VGA) display adapter and monitor, and Epson-compatible
graphics printer. A hard drive is recommended.

The software requirement is IBM or Microsoft disk operating sys-
tem (DOS) version 3.0 or higher.

Notation Notation
This documentation includes step-by-step instructions and ex-
amples of using AERATE. At times, you will be required to enter
commands and make choices.

When asked to enter a command, an instruction similar to the
following will appear in this document.

Enter dir a:

When the word 'Enter' appears, press the keys corresponding to the
boldface characters which follow. Once all characters have been

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

typed, the 'Enter' key must be pressed. By pressing the 'Enter' key,
you are signaling the end of your response and instructing the
computer program to continue. In this example, the keys 'd', 'i', 'r',
'Spacebar', 'a', and ':' should be pressed followed by the 'Enter' key.

You will also be asked to make choices from a menu. For example,
the following instruction may appear.

Select hard disk

This instruction indicates that the menu item 'hard disk' should be
selected. A menu item is selected by using the up and down arrow
keys to move the highlight bar until the desired choice is highlighted
and pressing the 'Enter' key. The up and down arrow keys are the
cursor control keys located on the right side of your keyboard. On
some keyboards, they serve a dual purpose as keys on the numeric
keypad. On other keyboards, they are located separately.

Besides pressing an arrow key to move the highlight bar, the
Spacebar can also be pressed to move the highlight bar to the next
menu item. A third way to move the highlight bar is to press a key
corresponding to the first letter of a menu item. This action will
cause the highlight bar to move to the first menu item which has its
first letter matching the key which was pressed. You will be able to
identify a highlighted choice by the fact that its background and
foreground colors are opposite those of the other options.

At other times, you will be instructed to simply press a key. For
example, the following instruction may appear.

Press Spacebar

The key or keys represented by the word or words in boldface, which
follow the word 'Press' should be pressed and released by the user.
In the above example, the Spacebar key should be pressed and
released. Another example of an instruction to press a key is:

Press ALT-F10

This instruction requires that the user press two keys at the same
time. The proper technique to press two keys is to press and hold
the first key (ALT in this case), press the second key (F10) and
release both keys. This key sequence is used to exit the UPDATE
program.

Screen Representation Screen Representation
Throughout this documentation, representations of the display
screen are included. Two types of representation are used. One is
a figure of the entire screen (Figure 1).

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Select the post spacing of the
storage structure or
self supporting wall:
MInfllfill lM!
2 feet
4 feet
6 feet
8 feet

POST SPACING

Figure 1. Sample screen from AERATE.

The second method of representing the computer screen is by
showing a part of the screen. In this case, the text to which your
attention should be directed will be enclosed in a gray box, as the
example below.

Press a key to continue.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Press F1 for help with this soreel
Press F2 fop help with eg commanJs

INTRODUCTION TO THE

USER INTERFACE

A user interface has been developed for this program, which divides
the display screen into windows or sections, with each window
having a consistent purpose throughout the program. The windows
are: title, interaction, message, help, and graphics.
Windows Windows
The title window is in the upper-left corner (Figure 2). The title of
each screen is displayed in this window as black text on a white
background (color descriptions are for color monitors only).

IHTEIMCTION

MINHDDU

Figure 2. Screen layout of AERATE.

The interaction window is located directly below the title window
and is used to convey information to the user and to ask questions.
The interaction window is also used to enter responses and make
choices. The interaction window uses white text on a blue back-
ground. Highlighted choices and user input boxes will be displayed
with blue text on a white background.

Just below the interaction window is a message window. The
message window does not appear on every screen, but only when a
special instruction needs to be conveyed to the user. The message
window uses red text on a white background.
The help window appears at the bottom-left corner of the display.
This window normally contains two lines which remind the user of
available help. The F1 function key is used to provide help which
is specific to the screen being displayed. The F2 function key is used

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

to display information about the special keys which are used by the
program. At any time in using the program, you can press one of
these keys for help information.

The entire right-half of the display screen is the graphics window.
This window is used by AERATE to display illustrations to enhance
the text information conveyed to the user.

Key Commands Key Commands
Certain keys on the computer keyboard are recognized by AERATE
for specific purposes as listed in Table 1. Whenever you press one
of these keys, the program will respond as indicated in the table.

Table 1. List of special keys and program responses.

Key Program Response

F1 Help information for the current screen
F2 Help information for special keys
F9 Restart the program from the beginning
Alt-F10 Exit the program
PgUp Go back to the previous screen
PgDn Continue to the next screen

The PgUp and PgDn keys are very useful as they allow the user to
move forward and backward through the program. The Enter key
is used for two purposes. One purpose is to signal the end of the
entry of an alphanumeric or numeric entry. The other purpose is to
select or deselect a choice in a menu.

The backspace key, often represented (on the keyboard) as an arrow
pointing to the left, can be used to 'back over' characters which have
been typed--to correct errors. The backspace key moves the cursor
one character to the left and erases the character in that space.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

GETTING STARTED

The Aeration System Design program (AERATE) works best when
installed on a hard disk. The program can be run from a floppy disk,
but it executes much slower. An install program is included on the
diskettes to copy the program files to a hard disk or floppy disk for
use. AERATE will not run from the distribution disks. The dis-
tribution disks serve as a backup copy.
Installing Program Installing Program
A program to install AERATE on floppy disks or a hard disk is
included on the distribution disks. The distribution disks cannot be
used to run AERATE. AERATE must be installed before use. If you
have a hard disk, it is recommended that AERATE be installed on
the hard disk, otherwise AERATE may be installed on one high-den-
sity diskette (1.2M 5-1/4" or 1.4M 3-1/2"). You must have two floppy
drives to install AERATE to a floppy. If AERATE is to be installed
on a floppy disk, have a formatted diskette ready. You may want to
format the diskette with the'/s' option to make it a bootable disk. If
you are unfamiliar with formatting disks, refer to the DOS manual
for your computer. To install AERATE, insert distribution disk 1 in
drive A or B and make that drive the current drive. For example,
if you placed the AERATE distribution disk in drive A,

Enter a:

To run the install program,

Enter install

The installation procedure will ask questions about the configura-
tion of your computer and install AERATE. Carefully read and
follow the directions on each screen. Once the installation proce-
dure is completed, store the distribution disks in a safe place.
Starting Program Starting Program
AERATE can be run from either a high-density floppy drive or a
hard drive computer. The procedure for starting AERATE is dif-
ferent for the two types. IfAERATE is being run from a floppy drive,
the diskette which was prepared and labeled as described in the
'Installing Program' section will be used. If AERATE is to be run
from a hard disk, the program must be installed as described in the
'Installing Program' section.

Starting from a Floppy Drive

Place the AERATE program diskette in the appropriate floppy
drive. Once the diskette is properly placed in the drive, start the
program by making the disk drive the current drive. For example,
if you placed the AERATE program disk in drive A,

Enter a:

and to make the A the current driven, and then to start AERATE,

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Enter aerate

After a slight delay, to load the program, AERATE will start and
the first screen displayed (Figure 3) includes the name of the
program and information on its release date and copyright.

Version 2.0

SepteNber 1989

Copgright 1987, 1989

Institute of Food and Apgic. Sciences
University of Florida
Nichigan State Universitg

All Rights Reserved

P a e

Figure 3. Title screen of Aeration System Design program.

Starting from a Hard Drive

Make sure the drive on which AERATE was installed is the current
drive. For example, if AERATE was installed on the C drive,

Enter c:

to make the C drive the current (logged) drive. Change to the DOS
directory which contains AERATE. The installation procedure used
the default directory of '\AERATION'. For example, if AERATE
was installed in the default directory,

Enter cd \aeration

If AERATE was installed in a different directory, enter the ap-
propriate command to change to the directory.

Use the following command to start AERATE:

Enter aerate

After a slight delay, AERATE will start and the first screen dis-
played (Figure 3) includes the name of the program and information
on its release date and copyright.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Stopping Program
There are two ways to exit AERATE. From the 'Program Options'
screen of the program, you can

Select Exit program

to stop the program. The other method is to

Press ALT-F10

The Alt-F10 keystroke combination allows a user to exit the pro-
gram from any screen.

Stopping Program

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

SAMPLE RUN

This section describes a typical use of AERATE to design a farm-
size, flat grain storage. Many of the screens that AERATE displays
on the computer monitor are represented in this section. Before
using AERATE, install the program files using the procedure
described in the previous 'Installing Program' section.

General Information

General Information

The first step is to start AERATE as described in the 'Starting
Program' section. Once the title screen (Figure 3) has been dis-
played,
Press Spacebar

to display the screen of general instructions (Figure 4).

Please note the two lines at the
bottom of the screen. These tw lines
of help information are visible at all
tines.
Press the Fl keg, a sample help screen
vill be displayed.
Pess the F2 keg, a list of special
keg coNands will he displayed.

The F! and F2 kegs can he pressed at
any tine,

: a R i
Prs F1 f oheIpw htiscrn
Prs 2fp epwt Rg0KW

help with this
screen

F2

help with key
conmands

Figure 4. General instructions screen.

Press F1

and a help screen will be displayed which is specific to the 'General
Instructions' screen (Figure 5).

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

This is a suple help screen.

It you press the Fl key when a
question is displayed on a screen, a
help screen like this Vill contain
intomation about the question.

help with key
conmands

V

Some screens do not have help information. If the Fl key is pressed
from a screen which does not have help information, the following
message will appear in the message window.

Press Spacebar

and the help screen will disappear and the 'General instructions'
screen will be displayed again.

Press F2

to display the 'Help with key commands' screen (Figure 6).

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

help with this
screen

Figure 5. Sample help screen.

Fl Help with current screen
F2 Help with key coNmnds
F9 lestart foN beginning
PgUp Back up to previous screen
PgDn Continue to next screen
Alt-FII Quit program

Use the Up and Down arro keys to change the position
of the highlight box.

The 'Inter' keg is used to:
1) select or deselect a choice response
2) end an alphanumeric or numeric response.

Figure 6. Help screen for key commands.

Note that the PgDn key will cause AERATE to continue to the next
screen.

Press PgDn

to redisplay the 'General instructions' screen.

Program Options Program Options
In order to continue to the 'Program Options' screen (Figure 7),

Press PgDn

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

ISelect the option of your choice:

View pOpaM sumarn
View author information
View Disclainer
Exit propa

Prs I fo epwthti* ce

Figure 7. Program options screen.

This screen lists several options. The 'Design an aeration system'
is the main option. For this example,

Select View program summary

The first of three screens which provide information on AERATE is
displayed (Figure 8).

The Aeration System Design prograN (AEATE) was developed to
assist in the process of designing custoN aeration systems
or farm-size, flat pain storage. AERATE includes data for
designing corn, soghean, wheat, and grain sorpghu storage,
Experts can add siNilar data for other crops. AEAIE requests
information about the storage problem and coNpletes the
following steps:
1) determines the niniNmu post size for a post-frame grain
storage,
2) estimates the storage capacity of a pain storage,
3) determines the size and placeNent of aeration equipment,
4) generates a custoN aeration systeN plan, and
5) prints management Necomendations for the custom pain
storage.

Figure 8. Summary of AERATE program screen.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

~r

Press PgDn

after viewing each screen, until the 'Program Options' screen is
displayed again (Figure 7). At this point, you should select the 'View
author information' option and the 'View Disclaimer' option to
examine these items.

Select Design an aeration system

and the 'Client information' screen will be displayed (Figure 9).

Inter the following information about
the person for whon the storage is
begin designed:

coNpany
address
city
state
zip code
phone

Prs F1frbl it hssre

Figure 9. Client information screen.

Client Information Client Information
If you are using AERATE to design an aeration system for someone
else, you can enter information about them on this screen. Other-
wise, you can enter the information about yourself. For this sample
run, we will be designing an aeration system for Mr. John Doe of
Doe Farms in northern Florida. His mailing address is Route 2, Box
121, Doeville, Florida. His zip code is 12345 and his phone number
is 555-123-4567. This information will be included on the printed
copy of the design recommendations. To enter the information,

Enter John Doe

Enter Doe Farms

Enter Route 2, Box 121

Enter Doeville

Enter Florida

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Enter 12345

Enter 555-123-4567

After typing the phone number, but before pressing the enter key,
the screen should look like Figure 10.

Enter the following information about
the person fopr hoN the storage is
begin designed:
name John Doe
coNpanq Doe Farns
address hate 2, Box 121
city heville
state Florida
zip code 12345

phone

Press F1 for hI Sli is scren

Figure 10. Client information screen after entering items.

After entering the phone number, the 'Grain type' screen will be
displayed (Figure 11).

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

1555-1,23-,'4561

Iselect the tWpe of pain to Ie stopel:

soybeans
heat
pain sorihu

Figure 11. Grain type screen.

At any point, if you wish to go back to the previous screen,

Press PgUp

Upon pressing PgUp from the 'Grain type' screen, the 'Client
information' screen (Figure 9) will be redisplayed. If needed, you
can change any of the items by using the up and down arrow keys
to highlight the item to be changed and retyping the item. To
continue forward to the 'Grain type' screen,

Press PgDn

Mr. Doe requests help in designing an aeration system for storing
shelled corn, so

Select shelled corn

Structure Information

Structure Information

The next screen asks if a new structure is planned for the grain
storage (Figure 12). This question is asked to determine ap-
propriate management recommendations for the grain storage.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Is a new structure planned
for the pain storage?

Figure 12. New structure screen.

For example, an appropriate management recommendation for a
new storage would be to place a vapor barrier on the ground before
pouring the concrete floor. Management recommendations are dis-
played and printed at the end of AERATE. Mr. Doe is using an
existing struction.

Select no

The 'Construction type' screen is displayed (Figure 13). If a post-
frame structure is to be used, AERATE will estimate the minimum
post size required.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

I I
Is the storage structure of
post-fane construction?

Figure 13. Construction type screen.

Select yes

The 'Post spacing' screen is displayed (Figure 14). The options
include 'self-supporting grain wall' and four-post spacing dimen-
sions. If a self-supporting grain wall will be used, the grain will not
exert pressure upon the posts of the structure and the amount of
grain in the storage will not affect the necessary post size. Mr. Doe
plans to use a structure with a post spacing of eight feet.

Select the post spacing of the
storage structure or
self-supporting all:

2 feet
4 feet
6 feet
8 feet

Figure 14. Post spacing screen.

POST SPACING

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

M M

Select 8 feet

The next screen asks if information is needed on grain liners or self
supporting grain walls (Figure 15). If information is needed, the
management recommendations listing would refer to a source of
plans. Mr. Doe does not need this information.

Do gou need information on pain
lines or self supporting walls?

Pres F1frhl .it hssr

Figure 15. Structure liner screen.

Select no

Storage Dimensions
The 'Storage size' screen (Figure 16) requests the length and width
of the grain storage. The numbers within the square brackets ([ ])
are the default values. These values always appear in the brackets
to remind you of the default values. Mr. Doe's pole barn is 36 feet
wide by 100 feet long with a truss height of 14 feet. He would like
to keep some space open on one end of the barn to store machinery.
He estimates that he will need to store 12,000 bushels of grain.

Storage Dimensions

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

two

Entep the length and width
of the storage:

storage width, ft [491
storage length, ft [891 89

Figure 16. Storage size screen.

AERATE estimates the bushel capacity of a storage, so we'll guess
at the required length of the storage and adjust it later, if necessary.
For storage width,

Enter 36

and for storage length,

Enter 70

The 'Grain depth on walls' screen (Figure 17) requests the allowable
grain depth on each of the four walls of the storage.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Enter the higher and lowr
grain depths planned for
the side and end walls:
higher side grain depth [41
lower side grain depth [41 4
higher end grain depth [41 4
lower end grain depth [4] 4

side depths
higher -f

end depths

Figure 17. Grain depth on walls screen.

Mr. Doe is planning on a depth of 4 feet on each side, so

Press PgDn

to accept the default values. Before continuing to the next screen,
AERATE displays the following message.

There is a slight delay while INTPRO performs some post sizing and
related calculations. When the calculations are complete, the next
screen is displayed.

Sufficient information has been entered to determine the minimum
post size of the structure. The'Post size' screen (Figure 18) indicates
that the posts must be at least four inches square (post sizes are
nominal dimensions).

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Press F1 for help with this Screen
Press F2 for help with heq commanas

Based on the 8 ft post spacing and
the highest grain depth of 4.0 ft,
a post size of at least 4" x 4"
is requiped.

Figure 18. Post size screen.

smaller iide
faces grain

If an error occurs in the process of determining the post size, an error
message similar to the one in the 'Error Message' section will appear
to inform you that a post size larger then eight inches square is
required.

Press PgDn

to display the 'Maximum piling height' screen (Figure 19).

Enter the ximn piling height of
the grain in the storage strcture:

mimnU piling height, ft21 E

truss
*m*n~s SeSS,,,I*Z~,,

SI 55555

X: piling
heiSht X
555 *hS 5155 55
5555 wI~Iidth 55

Prs F1frhl it hssre

Figure 19. Maximum piling height screen.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Although the truss height is 14 feet, Mr. Doe estimates that the
peak height will not exceed 12 feet due to the limitations of his
loading equipment.

Enter 12

Before continuing to the next screen, AERATE displays the follow-
ing message.

There is only a slight delay while INTPRO estimates the bushel
capacity of the storage. When the calculations are complete, the
next screen is displayed.

Storage Capacity Storage Capacity
The 'Bushel capacity' screen is displayed (Figure 20). Based on the
dimensions used in this example, the storage will hold over 15,000
bushels. This is more than the 12,000 bushels Mr. Doe needs, so

The gain storage gou have described
will hold approxinatelg 15137 bushels,
with the actual peak at 12.9 ft
being leveled to a width of 1.7 ft.

If this is mre or less than required
ou 9ag want to go back and change the
storage size or pain depths.

Pess PgOp it you need to go hack and
nake changes.

Pres F .fop i th keyi comma

Figure 20. Bushel capacity screen.

Press PgUp

four times until the 'Storage size' screen (Figure 16) is displayed.
Press the down arrow to move the highlight bar to the 'storage
length' entry. For the new storage length value,

Enter 57

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Since no other values need to be changed,

Press PgDn

until the 'Bushel capacity' screen is displayed. The 'Bushel capacity'
screen reports that the storage will now hold 12,000 bushels (Figure
21). This trial and error procedure of determining the best storage
size for a given number of bushels typically takes several cycles.

The pain storage you have described
will hold approxinatelg 12957 bushels,
with the actual peak at 12., ft
being leveled to a width of 1.7 ft.

If this is m~e or less than required
you ay want to go back and change the
storage size or pain depths.

less PgUp if you need to go back and
nake changes.

s a e i
*Pes F1frhl it hssre
Pres F2 fo hel wihhqcma

Figure 21. Revised bushel capacity screen.

The actual peak grain depth reported on the 'Bushel capacity' may
be lower than the maximum piling height that was entered. Some
storage do not reach the maximum piling height because the
storage width is a limiting factor.

The mention that the grain peak is leveled to a certain width refers
to the fact that the grain storage will have a flat peak. This
dimension indicates the width of the peak. In this case, the maxi-
mum piling height is the limiting factor.

If an error occurs in calculating the grain capacity of the storage, an
error message will be displayed. The error messages and solutions
are discussed in the 'Error Messages' section of this document.

Component Information Component Information
The next screen is the 'Number of ducts' screen (Figure 22),

Press PgDn

to display it.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Select the nethoi for determining
the nbIerp of ducts:

usep selected

111111 =

=

0

7 -
'PesF orhl ih hssre

Figure 22. Number of ducts screen.

AERATE should be allowed to determine the number of ducts,
however, an experienced user may want to run the same problem a
second time and increase or decrease the number of ducts used by
AERATE. For this example,

Select computer selected

The next screen requests the type of perforated duct to be used
(Figure 23).

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Select tE prefevied duct tope:

spiral-lok Netal
found metal
half-round Metal

Figure 23. Duct type screen.

0
plastic

0
spiral-lok

0
round metal

half-round

metal

metal

Select spiral-lok metal
The 'Duct direction' screen is displayed (Figure 24). Ducts may be
oriented lengthwise or widthwise of a storage. Lengthwise is nor-
mally preferred.

Select the preferred direction
Iof the duct iuns:

vidthise

Figure 24. Duct direction screen.

lengthwise

uidthwise

Select lengthwise

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

U -q

II

natal

The 'Fan type' screen (Figure 25) requests the type of fan to be used.
An axial fan is used for most flat grain storage, since airflow
requirements are low compared to the output of most centrifugal
fans.

Select th ipe of fan
you prefer to use:
tie tupe ofta

oentpiiusal

Figure 25. Fan type screen.

To see an illustration of a centrifugal fan,

Press DownArrow

to highlight the 'centrifugal' option.

Select axial

The next screen requests the preferred fan arrangement (Figure 26).
The 'end and middle placement' option generally results in the least
number of fans. Mr. Doe does not want to cut holes in the side of
his barn for fans. He prefers locating the fans at the end of the
storage.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Select a fan a amngement option:

end placement only
Middle placement preferred

1press F2 forhlp ILwith eycmank^^
|0* BN'MMB^

Figure 26. Fan arrangement screen.

Select end placement only
The last item of information needed to design an aeration system is
the desired airflow rate through the aeration ducts (Figure 27).

InteP the design airflow rate top
the aeration system in tens of
cfN per bushel:
airflov rate, cftahI [

Figure 27. Airflow rate screen.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

fans at ends
of ducts onix

The recommended airflow varies from state to state. For Mr. Doe's
location in northern Florida, an airflow rate of 0.25 cubic feet per
minute per bushel is recommended. For northern states such as
Michigan, an airflow rate of 0.15 cubic feet per minute is recom-
mended. If you are unsure what the value should be for your area,
contact your local county extension office for a recommendation.

Enter 0.25

System Design System Design
The next screen indicates that all the necessary information to
design the aeration system has been entered (Figure 28).

You have finished specifying the
required information, am you
readg to calculate?

no

Figure 28. System specifications complete screen.

Since the calculations to design a system can take up to a few
minutes, AERATE allows the user to verify that the calculations
should be performed. In some cases, you may want to use the PgUp
key to go back and review information entered on previous screens.

Select yes

to perform the calculations. The following message will appear for
a short period of time while the calculations are being performed.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Once the calculations are complete, the 'Calculations complete'
screen (Figure 29) will be displayed.

This pain storage 'equipes I duct(s).

This popur will next display the
aeration systeN plan and the
component specifications.

Figure 29. Calculations complete screen.

If an error occurs in the process of calculating the placement and
size of components for the aeration system, an error message is
displayed. Refer to the 'Error Messages' section of this document to
see the text of the error messages and solutions.

Press Spacebar

and a floor plan of the aeration system will be displayed (Figure 30).

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Relation sgsten Design I

4---01--1

Duct I

S...................

SS715b'

I.

Print this plu (V or N)1
Figure 30. Screen displaying aeration system plan.

The larger rectangle is the outline of the storage (not necessarily the
structure). Dashed lines represent the perforated duct. Solid, con-
necting duct are represented by solid lines. Fans are displayed as
small, filled rectangles. Dimensions are include to place each com-
ponent in the storage. In the lower left corner of the screen, the
following message is displayed.

Make sure that your printer is connected, turned on, and ready.

Press y

and a second message will be displayed, as below, and the plan will
be printed out.

After the plan is printed, the following message will appear.

Press Spacebar

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

1_

The next screen which is displayed, is a view of the component
specifications for the aeration system design (Figure 31).

AERATION SYSTEM COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS
for John Doe
The accompanying floor plan of the grain storage illustrates the
placement of the components. Ducts are labeled with numbers and
fans are labeled with letters. The following table lists the
specifications of each component.

DUCT FAN
-------- ---- --- -- ------------em mmwmmmmeom - -am------
# size I size ctf sp connector size

1 24" x 21' A 16" 1.59hp 2699 0.5 24" x 18'

cfa -- airflow in cubic feet per minute required from fan.
sp -- operating static pressure of the fan In Inches of water.

Figure 31. Display of component specifications.

The component specifications can be printed.
printer is ready.

Make sure your

Press p

and the specifications will print.

Press PgDn

to view the rest of the specifications. When you are done examining
the specifications,

Press Esc

Recommendations

Recommendations

The next screen asks if you are ready to print the recommendations
(Figure 32). If you wanted to make changes to your storage, the
PgUp key could be used to go back to previous screens and change
responses.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Arpe gou satisfied with the design?
It so, the Ncomendations vill he
displayed and may be printed.

n0
no

Figure 32. Recommendations screen.

For this sample run, the design is satisfactory.

Select yes

to display the text of the recommendations (Figure 33).

To Moe Use Aro Kes Pqp *D 'T r s h u

AERATION SYSTEM DESIGN
MANAGEMENT RECOIIIENDATIONS

Page I

This aeration system has been designed for:
John Boe
Doe rarm
Route Z, Box 121
Doeville, Florida 12345
555-123-4567

The following listing samarizes information about the
aeration system:

Grain --
Building -
Construction --
Post spacing --
Grain liner information -
Storage size --
Sidewall deaths:

shelled corn
existing
post fram
8'
not requested
36.8' by 57.8'

Figure 33. Display of recommendations.

The recommendations can be printed. Make sure your printer is
ready.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Press p

and the recommendations will begin printing.

Press PgDn

several times until you have viewed the rest of the specifications.
When you are clone examining the recommendations,

Press Esc

and AERATE will display the 'Program options' screen (Figure 7).

Select Exit program

to exit AERATE. This completes the sample run. This example in
addition to the help information available by pressing the F1 and
F2 keys and the listing of error messages and solutions which follows
should be sufficient for you to successfully use the AERATE pro-
gram.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

ERROR MESSAGES

AND SOLUTIONS

The Aeration System Design program has several built-in error
messages. The messages are divided into three categories: user
interface error messages, design error messages, and developer
error messages. The error messages are arranged alphabetically,
within each category. In each category, each error message is
displayed in a gray box followed by a solution.

User Interface Error Messages
User interface error messages indicate that a key has been pressed
in an attempt to perform an operation which cannot be performed
from the presently displayed screen.

Message

User Interface Messages

Solution

The F2 key was pressed for help with key commands, then the F1
or F2 key was pressed. Since the program has no more to say on
that subject, this message appears. To exit the screen, press the
Spacebar.

Message

Solution

The F1 was pressed for help information, but no help is available
for this screen. The question or information presented should be
self-explanatory or discussed in the documentation.
Message

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Solution

The PgUp key was pressed from the first screen of the program or
the program does not remember the previous screen. The program
only remembers the 40 to 50 most recent screens for backing up.

Design Messages Design Error Messages
Design error messages indicate a problem in the specifications of
the grain storage. These messages are listed in four categories:
consistency, post sizing, storage capacity, and component sizing.
Corrective actions are suggested for each error message.

Consistency Error Messages

AERATE performs consistency check to verify that data items
entered by a user are consistent with previously entered data items.
Following are the four consistency error messages.

Message

The length of the storage must be
greater than or equal to its width.

Press a key to continue.

Solution

This message will appear on the 'Storage size' screen if the storage
width is greater than the storage length. AERATE requires that
the width be less than the length. If this message occurs, check the
values you have entered and if necessary, switch the width and
length values.

Message

Grain depth on the higher side
wall must be greater than or equal to
the lower side wall depth.

Press. a key to continue.

Solution

This message will be displayed on the 'Grain depth on walls' screen
if the higher side grain depth is less than the lower side grain depth.
If this message appears, check your responses and, if necessary,
switch the lower and higher side grain depths.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Message

Solution

This message will be displayed on the 'Grain depth on walls' screen
if the higher end grain depth is less than the lower end grain depth.
If this message appears, check your responses and switch the lower
and higher end grain depths, if necessary.

Message

Solution

This message will appear on the 'Maximum piling height' screen, if
the maximum piling height is less than one of the grain depths
entered on the 'Grain depth on walls' screen. The solution is to check
your responses on the two screens and correct them so that a grain
depth at a wall is no more than the maximum piling height.

Post Sizing Error Messages

The following post sizing error message is used to warn the user that
the storage will require a post size of greater than eight inches
square.

Message

WAMIG: .

Based on the post spacing of X ft
and the highest grain depth on a wall of
XX ft a post size greater
than, 8" x 8" Is required

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Solution

AERATE can only size posts up to eight inches square (nominal
dimensions). Unless a larger post size is available, the grain depth
at the side walls should be reduced. If a larger post size is available,
the capability of the post for holding the grain must be determined
by a different method.

Storage Capacity Error Messages

Two different error messages can be displayed after the storage
capacity estimation is completed. One error occurs because an
impossible grain profile has been described and another occurs
because a storage is too small for AERATE.

Message

Grain depth problem

Grain depths on walls are impossible,
based. on. storage dimensions. Either
the storage is very small or a grain
depth on a wall is very high. Check
your storage dimensions. If they are-
correct, the grain depths on the walls.
must be reduced.

Use PgUp to go back and change your
responses or continue forward to return
to the.. 'Program options' screen.

Solution

Values were entered for grain depth at the walls which cannot be
attained in a storage of the size described. Check the numbers
entered on the 'Storage size' and 'Grain depth on walls' screens to
see if there is an error. Otherwise, reduce the grain depth on the
walls.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Message

Solution

AERATE assumes that small storage can be conditioned naturally
without an aeration system. AERATE cannot design an aeration
system for this size of storage. Check the numbers entered on the
'Storage size', 'Grain depth on walls', and 'Maximum piling height'
screens to see if there is an error.

Component Sizing Error Messages

Component sizing error messages indicate that AERATE has been
requested to generate a design which is not recommended or that it
is unable to complete a design due to a limitation of the program or
component data. Often, changing one of the input values will correct
the problem.

Message

Calculations complete

You selected X duct(s) and the program.
designed. for X duct,(s).

WARNING:
This arrangement is not recommended. The
air path ratio fra. the, outermost duct to
the wall is X.X which exceeds the normal
maximum of X.X for this situation.

You. should back up and increase: the
number of ducts or let this. program. select,
the number of ducts. .

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Solution

This condition occurs when the user enters the number of ducts for
AERATE to place in the storage, rather than letting AERATE
determine the number. The number of ducts is insufficient to
adequately condition the grain and is not recommended. The solu-
tion is to select 'computer selected' on the 'Number of ducts' screen
or increase the user entered value until a suitable design results.

Message

Too many ducts

This grain storage requires more than
20 ducts, which is the limit. for this
program. Wither the storage: is very
large or the grain profile is very
shallow.

Use PgUp to go back and change your
responses or continue forward to return
to the 'Program options' screen.

Solution

AERATE is limited to placing 20 ducts in a grain storage. Exceeding
this limit results in the above error. Either the storage described is
too large for AERATE or the grain depth is very shallow for the size
of the storage. Check numbers entered on 'Storage size', 'Grain
depth on walls', and 'Maximum Piling Height' screens. If these
numbers are correct, AERATE cannot design an aeration system for
the storage.

Message

Widthwise placement not recommended

Widthwise duct placement. is not
recommended for this storage. The
resulting airflow would be too non-
uniform. Try placing ducts lengthwise
or changing grain depths. to provide a
more level, grain.. profile.

Use PgUp to go back and change.. your
responses or continue forward to return
to the 'Program options' screen..

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Solution

AERATE attempted to place the ducts widthwise in the storage as
requested, but found that the resulting airflow pattern is too variant
along the length of the duct. On the 'Duct direction' screen change
your response to 'lengthwise'. Another alternative is to specify a
storage which will have a more even grain profile.

Message

Solution

AERATE attempted to place the ducts lengthwise in the storage as
requested, but found that the resulting airflow pattern is too variant
along the length of the duct. On the 'Duct direction' screen change
your response to widthwisee'. Another alternative is to specify a
storage which will have a more even grain profile.

Message

More. than 2

fans per. duct

More than 2 fans are required, for a
duct, which ir the limit for this
program.. Try shortening the storage
dimension corresponding.. to the
direction of duct runs or .change the
duct direction.

Use PgUp to go back and change your
responses or continue.. forward, to return
to the 'Program options' screen..

Solution

AERATE can place a maximum of 2 fans per duct (one at each end).
The storage you have described may be too large for AERATE. If

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

possible, shorten the storage in the direction cooresponding to the
direction of duct run or chande the duct direction

Message

ran size not available.

A fan. size: required for the storage is
larger than the nmaz .mnm available
size.

Use PgUp to go back and. change your
responses or continue forward to return
to the 'Program options' screen.

Solution

AERATE does not have data for a fan large enough for the storage
you have described. Possible solutions are a flatter grain profile,
smaller storage, or more ducts.

Message

Duct size not available

A duct size required for the storage
is larger than the maximum, available
size.

Use PgUp to go back and.change your
responses or continue forward to return
to the 'Program options' screen.

Solution

AERATE does not have data for a duct large enough for the storage
you have described. Possible solutions are to use an axial fan, flatter
grain profile, smaller storage, or more ducts.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

Message

Solution

AERATE does not have data for a solid duct large enough for the
storage you have described. Possible solutions are placing fans only
at end of ducts, a flatter grain profile, smaller storage, or more ducts.

Developer Error Messages Developer Messages
There are several error messages which could occur if one of the
program files becomes corrupted. These error messages are used
by application developers to identify errors in the logic of the
program. These messages can be easily identified because they
have one of two characteristics. The message usually start with
'ERROR' followed by a three digit number; or the text of the error
message will say to call IFAS Software Support. Should an error
message be displayed with either of these characteristics, call the
IFAS Software Support office at (904) 392-7853. Please be prepared
to provide the text of the message.
Memory Problems Memory Problems
AERATE is a large program which requires as much free memory
as possible on an IBM-compatible computer. Only the base 640K of
RAM is usable by AERATE. AERATE has been successfully used
with 530K of RAM available. If you are having problems with your
computer 'locking up' or the program not working properly, you may
not have enough available memory. The DOS program 'CHKDSK'
can be used to find out how much memory is actually available. If
necessary, remove resident programs from your computer before
running AERATE.

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

3 1262 04757 0360

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS tol

The authors would like to express their appreciation to the W. K.
Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan, for providing partial I
support for the initial development of this program.

Ken Kuck was instrumental in implementing and testing many of
the algorithms for the calculations component of the program.
In addition, the authors greatly appreciated the participation of the
following individuals during the technical content and usability
evaluation process: George Foster and Bruce McKenzie of Purdue
University; Marvin Hall, William Peterson, and Gene Shove of the
University of Illinois; Bill Altermatt and Joe McNall of Hancor, Inc.;
and Dan Hansen and Stephanie Ganser ofAerovent Fan and Equip-
ment, Inc.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Should you need assistance in using the Aeration System Design
program, please contact the IFAS Software Support office by phone
at (904) 392-7853 or write to:
IFAS Software Support
University of Florida
0162 IFAS
Gainesville, FL 32611-0162

ORDERING

INFORMATION

IFAS experts have developed this program and many others for
Florida's agricultural-related industries. If you would like to order
a program or request a free catalog, phone (904) 392-7853 or write
to:
IFAS Software Support
University of Florida
0162 IFAS
Gainesville, FL 32611-0162

AERATE: Aeration System Design Software

This publication was produced at a cost of $141.62, or $3.08 per copy, to assist growers in planning aeration
systems. 2-46-90

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, John T.
Woeste, director, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture, publishes this information to further the purpose of the
May 8 and June 30, 1914 Acts of Congress; and is authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to
individuals and Institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Single copies of extension
publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county extension offices. Information on bulk
rates or copies for out-of-state purchasers is available from C.M. Hinton, Publications Distribution Center, IFAS Building 664, University of
Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611. Before publicizing this publication, editors should contact this address to determine availability.