Efficient Grain Processing: Advanced UniStream Solution for Lytagra
The new Unistream solution automated Lytagra's grain cleaning and storage infrastructure. Grain processing, including storage processes and several stages of cleaning, drying, and active ventilation, must be carried out with precision, and reports must be accurate.
Why This Matters?
After the harvest, it is crucial to timely and properly perform all essential grain processing steps: appropriate grain storage, primary or repeated cleaning, drying, and active ventilation. Only properly processed grains can be stored for a long time without losing their nutritional or seed-quality properties.
If all processing stages are performed according to requirements, the storage process can even improve grain quality.
We asked a representative of UAB “Jumana”, the company that carried out the work, to briefly introduce the project.
At the AB “Lytagra” Grain Cleaning and Storage Facility located in Naujieji Bernatonys village near Raudondvaris (Kaunas district), old, worn-out, and unreliable equipment was replaced with new systems. New power and control panels with all necessary internal equipment were installed, and part of the control cables and sensors were replaced.
Benefits of the Newly Installed System
Before upgrading the control system, two controllers with separate control panels were used, and information about equipment status and measured parameters was scattered across multiple panel windows.
Now, after modernisation, all key information and measured parameters are combined into a single visualization on the main PLC screen (and the operator's computer). This makes process monitoring far more convenient, and information is easier to understand.
It is also important to note that information in the previous control panel was displayed only in Russian, whereas now, after the upgrade, all information is presented in Lithuanian for the operator.
Main Controller Functions in the System:
- Execute smooth automatic start, stop, and operation cycles for selected equipment according to the chosen control program. Devices must start and stop in the programmed sequence with defined delays.
- Provide information about the status of grain transportation line gates and indicate which gate positions need to be changed when switching to a different working program (i.e., a new grain transport route).
- When the system detects a fault, perform smooth equipment shutdown to avoid grain line clogging and jamming, and provide the operator with detailed diagnostic information.
- Control the liquid-fuel furnace to maintain the specified temperature in the grain dryer.
- Read, process, and display data from temperature measurement modules in grain storage silos.
- Read temperature data from the grain dryer’s measurement module.
- Control the grain dryer according to the selected program and fill level.
When Choosing — Choose Unitronics!
For this project, the Unitronics UniStream controller was selected due to its excellent technical and commercial advantages.
Most importantly, it offers an outstanding price-to-quality ratio and comes with a free software package.
The easily implemented WebServer functionality saves both time and costs by enabling the controller to be used instead of a classic visualization system.
And the key point—Unitronics products are constantly updated, and the manufacturer provides fast and reliable support when needed.
What could be better?