Lipp Silo

Updated: 2026-09-15

Overview

The Lipp Silo is a patented bolted steel silo system developed using a double-fold spiral construction technique. Originally designed for agricultural storage, its applications now span industries like food processing, cement production, and waste management. The silo's modular design allows for rapid on-site assembly, reducing construction time compared to traditional silos. Its standardized components and scalable capacity (typically 100–10,000 cubic meters) make it a versatile solution for bulk storage. The Lipp Silo is particularly favored for its airtight sealing, which preserves material quality by preventing moisture ingress and pest infiltration.

Structure and Working Principle

The silo's core innovation lies in its spiral-rolled steel sheets, which interlock through a proprietary folding process to form a continuous, seamless wall. This construction eliminates the need for welding, enhancing structural uniformity and corrosion resistance. The walls are reinforced with vertical stiffeners for wind and seismic load resistance. During assembly, specialized machinery coils the pre-cut steel strips into concentric rings, progressively building height. The overlapping seams create a hermetic seal, critical for controlled-atmosphere storage. Roof and floor systems are adapted to specific material flow requirements, with options for flat or conical discharge designs.

Key Features

Airtightness is the standout feature, achieving less than 0.5 vol%/h pressure loss, enabling fumigation and inert gas storage. The galvanized or stainless steel construction provides 20–30 years of service life even in humid climates. The silo's smooth interior surface prevents material bridging and ensures consistent discharge. Other advantages include earthquake resistance (up to seismic zone 4), wind load tolerance (up to 150 km/h), and adaptability to extreme temperatures (-30°C to +70°C). Optional accessories include temperature monitoring cables, aeration floors, and automated filling systems for integration with industrial processes.

Application Areas

In agriculture, Lipp Silos store grains (wheat, corn, rice), oilseeds, and animal feed while preventing spoilage. The food industry uses them for sugar, salt, and powdered ingredients requiring hygienic conditions. Industrial applications include cement, fly ash, and mineral powder storage in construction material production. Specialized variants serve niche markets: breweries use them for malt storage, and biomass plants store wood pellets. The pharmaceutical industry employs stainless steel models for raw material storage under cGMP standards. Their modularity also enables use as temporary storage in disaster relief operations.

Maintenance and Precautions

Routine maintenance involves inspecting seal integrity at panel joints, especially after extreme weather events. Corrosion protection should be reapplied every 5–8 years at bolt connections. Interior cleaning requires confined space entry protocols when handling food-grade or combustible materials. Critical precautions include proper foundation preparation (typically concrete ring beams) to prevent differential settling. Load calculations must account for both static material pressure and dynamic discharge forces. In seismic zones, additional horizontal bracing may be required between the silo and its support structure.

B2B Procurement Guide

When sourcing Lipp Silos, verify supplier certifications for Lipp GmbH's licensed manufacturing standards. Lead times range from 4–12 weeks depending on customization. Key procurement considerations include: material thickness (2–4mm standard), corrosion protection level (275–600 g/m² zinc coating), and ancillary equipment requirements. Total cost analysis should include delivery (oversized components may need special transport), assembly (typically 2–4 weeks for a 1,000-ton silo), and lifecycle costs. For food-grade applications, request FDA/EU-compliant material certificates. Negotiate spare parts packages for wear-prone components like discharge gates and ladder systems.