Silo Cleaning Services

NQIS delivers silo cleaning using a combination of Gyro (sometimes spelt “Giro”) Whip mechanical cleaning systems and high-capacity DISAB vacuum tankers, selected based on the condition of the vessel and the nature of the blockage. This integrated approach allows us to safely:

• Break down hardened build-ups and blockages
• Remove loose and compacted material
• Eliminate hang-ups, bridges and rat-holes
• Restore silos to maximum working capacity

What Is Silo Cleaning?

Silos, bins and hoppers are critical storage vessels within bulk handling systems. Over time, material build-up, blockages, hang-ups, bridging and rat-holing can significantly reduce capacity, disrupt material flow and increase the risk of unplanned shutdowns.

In some cases, moisture ingress can cause stored product to set, harden or cure prematurely, making removal particularly challenging and increasing the risk associated with manual intervention.

Cleaning Silos involves the mechanical removal of stored or compacted material to restore flow, maximise usable capacity and return the vessel to safe, reliable operation.

Our Silo Cleaning Solution

NQIS delivers silo cleaning using a combination of Gyro Whip mechanical cleaning systems and high-capacity DISAB vacuum tankers, selected based on the condition of the vessel and the nature of the blockage. This integrated approach allows us to safely:

• Break down hardened build-ups and blockages
• Remove loose and compacted material
• Eliminate hang-ups, bridges and rat-holes
• Restore silos to maximum working capacity

Vacuum Tanker Silo Emptying & Product Recovery

DISAB vacuum tankers are predominantly used to empty silos and remove loose material, allowing safe access for mechanical cleaning systems to address deeper blockages. Our specialist vacuum units can:

• Extract and remove bulk material safely
• Transfer product tank-to-tank
• Tip material for disposal where required
• Return product back into the system at up to three times the speed of standard units

Reintroducing viable product can deliver significant cost savings by avoiding re-milling or disposal, while also reducing dust emissions and environmental impact.

Gyro Whip Mechanical Silo Cleaning

The Gyro Whip system is used to safely remove blockages, build-ups, rat-holes and hardened material from silo walls. This fully remote system eliminates the need for dangerous and time-consuming man entry, reducing exposure to unstable materials and confined space hazards.

Air-driven rotating chains dislodge material from the vessel walls, allowing it to flow naturally onto belts or conveyors, or be extracted using vacuum tankers.

How Our Silo Cleaning Service Works

1. Initial enquiry – Understanding the blockage, material and site conditions
2. Site assessment – Review of access, vessel condition and safest cleaning method
3. Scope of works agreed – Clear, site-specific plan developed
4. Mobilisation – Specialist equipment and trained teams deployed
5. On-site works – Cleaning completed under NQIS supervision
6. Handover – Vessel returned to service at optimum capacity

Equipment, Capability & Scale

Silo cleaning is a fully delivered NQIS service – equipment is not hired out. Our capability includes:

• Gyro Whip mechanical cleaning systems
• High-capacity DISAB vacuum tankers
• Product recovery and transfer capability
• IPAF-trained operatives
• Medium-risk confined space trained teams

There are no practical limits on the size or scale of silo cleaning works we can support. Our DISAB units operate at the upper end of industrial spill and bulk material handling capability.