The primary objective of grain aeration in storage silos using low airflow rates ($0.05\text{--}0.15\text{ m}^3/(\text{min}\cdot\text{tonne})$) is to:
Options:
(A) Equalize grain temperatures and suppress natural convection currents that cause moisture migration to the top surface
(B) Rapidly remove $10\%$ moisture from wet paddy in a single pass
(C) Mechanically fluidize the grain bed for pneumatic emptying
(D) Sterilize the grain by hot air puffing
Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
Aeration is a cooling and temperature equalization operation (not drying). By eliminating temperature differentials between the center and periphery of the silo, it stops convection currents that otherwise transport moisture vapor to condense on cold upper grain layers.