Seed Storage Tube

Team Seed Squad was tasked by the Idaho Bean Commission to develop a simple and cost effective way of storing grain in third world countries for use in later seasons. We aim to help farmers in developing countries protect their seeds from monsoons and insect damage. It is hoped that with the help of our product rural farmers will experience less yield loss. This in turn will protect their source of income and ensure a higher quality of life.

=Problem Statement=

In developing countries, farmers do not have access to decent seed storage facilities. When farmers try to store their supply of seed, insects and wet climates often destroy it.

Background
In wealthier places like the United States, it is easy to store seed with little risk of destruction by insects or premature sprouting due to moisture. In developing nations, especially in rural areas, much of the loss of crops occurs after harvest, during storage. Insects destroy seeds and monsoons bring moisture that causes the seeds to sprout before they are planted. By providing an inexpensive method of storing seed for long periods of time, we can reduce loss, allowing more wealth and food security for rural farmers.

Deliverables
Our main deliverable is an airtight and watertight container inside which seeds collected during harvest can be stored for up to two years for later planting. The container will be vacuum sealed at an absolute pressure of at most 50 mm of Hg to kill insects mixed in with the seed. It will have an attached vacuum pressure gauge to monitor the integrity of the seal. Included with the container will be a 12v vacuum pump to bring down the absolute pressure and remove water vapor and a tarp to shield the container from rain and direct sunlight. Other deliverables include a visual instruction manual detailing the assembly, use and maintenance of the container.

Specifications
Computerized Micro Measurement (CMM) at University of Idaho Metrology Lab

CAD Modeling
Barrel and Pipe Design

Experimentation and Design
Two experiments will be performed. The first will be on determing what vacuum pressure will collapse the barrel and the second will be whether or not it is water tight.

Document Archive
Documents (Meeting Minutes, Agendas)