Corn/Maize

VacQPack applies a method of corn preservation involving storage conditions which use low oxygen levels to control seed respiration, fatty acid values, and fungi growth.

Oxygen levels are reduced to control the seeds’ production of heat and moisture, by vacuum. This technique will slow or prevent the growth of fungi responsible for grain spoilage.

By applying vacuum to extract the air alternatively with flushes of inert gas, VacQPack can lower the oxygen present to 4% in bulks of 1 ton in capacity. That residual percentage then becomes even lower as seed respiration quickly consumes the remaining oxygen.

The inert gas normally applied is Nitrogen (N₂) in concentrations of 90% to 98%. Studies have proven that this treatment not only prevents and combats insect pests, it is also capable of inhibiting mold reproduction, and controlling grain respiration and fatty acid values.

Greater moisture percentages and warmer temperatures increase the growth rate and activity of pests, especially fungi. At physiological maturity, seed moisture percentage is about 32%. Although the plant dies at maturity, the seeds (grain) remain alive. Respiration occurs in living seeds even when removed from the plant and stored.

Stored grain will increase in moisture percentage and temperature unless seed respiration is reduced or eliminated. Unwelcome fermentation may take place, and high ethanol levels may develop if stored corn exceeds 40% moisture. Most high-moisture corn is processed (rolled or ground) before going into storage. It is easy to get excessively fine high-moisture corn that may result in rumen acidosis and fat test depression.