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a storage method wherein the stored product is placed in an airtight container. Also called as hermetic storage. The air inside the container is isolated from that of the outside environment hence its condition is significantly altered as seeds respire.

What is Airtight Storage?

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Studies in the past show that properly dried seeds can be preserved for a long time as long as the following conditions are met:

A low seed MC is maintained

In hermetic storage, a low oxygen-carbon dioxide atmosphere is created through the natural respiration of the seeds and of any insect present.

A low oxygen–high carbon dioxide atmosphere is maintained

How does Airtight Storage work?

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- a locally developed flexible container, equipped with a simple sealing mechanism, where bags of rice seeds are placed during storage.

SACLOBSEALED STORAGE ENCLOSURE FOR

HYBRID RICE AND OTHER SEEDS

Imported hermetic storage enclosures are also available in the market and now being used mostly by seed companies in storing their seeds

Rice seeds stored inside the SACLOB

Low MC is maintained throughout the whole storage duration

Rice seeds stored conventionally

Insect infestation is prevented. Insects that are already with the seeds would eventually die because of lack of oxygen.

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PartParts ofs of

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1. The SACLOB should be used for indoor storage only.

2. The space to be occupied should be free from sharp objects (small stones, metals, etc.) which may puncture or damage its bottom side.

3. Rice seeds to be stored must be properly dried(MC of 12% or lower)

4. Before using, check its sides to make sure it is free from punctures or holes.

General Requirements When Using the SACLOB

In building the stack, it is important to start laying bags at the four corners of the SACLOB to straighten the base and ensure that there are no ruffles or folds.

Layer 1

Layer 2

Layer 3

Layer 4

Layer 5

Layer 6(Top)

(Bottom)

Loading the SACLOB

Normally, for the 1 ton capacity model, 8 bags (at 20 kg/bag) could be accommodated in every layer.The succeeding layers should be laid out following an alternate locking system to prevent crumbling of stacks.

A pallet may be used so that the filled SACLOB could easily be transferred from one place to another if there is a need to do so.

Pallet

Once filled, the SACLOB is closed by adhering the partnered sealing strips (V-1 and V-2) that are all attached at the inside surface of the rim. Once done, the rim, which at this time is stretched horizontally, is then folded to enable the pair of sealing strips at the outside surface of the rim (V-3) to be joined together. Additional fold in the same direction is done until the vertical side of the box is stretched out.

Closing the SACLOB

(Note: There should be enough space left for additional folds, otherwise the number of layers of bags should be reduced. The additional folds will help ensure the air tightness of the filled SACLOB).

The two ends of the folded rim are then bent towards the center of the top side of the enclosure.

The strap is then placed on top of these folded rim and connected to the buckle for tightening in order to keep the folded rim in place.

Strap

Closing the SACLOB

However, if there is no oxygen meter available, the filled SACLOB must be checked regularly for punctures or damages that may lose its hermetic condition.

The use of the SACLOB needs to be complemented with an oxygen meter so as to be able to monitor the oxygen content of the air inside. If there are no holes present, an oxygen level of 2 to 4% is usually attained within one week from the time the SACLOB is closed.

Using the SACLOB