GSi BFT Series User manual

PNEG-257
12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed
Tanks BFT and GHT Series
Assembly Manual
PNEG-257
Date: 10-07-11

2 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
All information, illustrations, photos and specifications in this manual are based on the latest
information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any
time without notice.

Table of Contents
PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 3
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2 Safety ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Safety Guidelines .................................................................................................................................. 6
General Safety Statement ..................................................................................................................... 7
Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................. 8
Proper Storage Grain Bin/Silo Materials Prior to Construction ........................................................... 10
Chapter 3 Decals .................................................................................................................................................. 11
Chapter 4 General Information ........................................................................................................................... 14
Bulk Feed Tank Assembly Manual General Instructions .................................................................... 14
Chapter 5 Foundation .......................................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 6 Sidewall Assembly ............................................................................................................................. 26
Bulk Feed Tank Assembly .................................................................................................................. 26
Sidewall Sheet Orientation (12' Only) ................................................................................................. 27
Sidewall Erection ................................................................................................................................. 28
Chapter 7 Roof ..................................................................................................................................................... 30
Sealed Roof Panel Installation (12'-18' BFT) ...................................................................................... 30
12' Roof Reinforcement Angle ............................................................................................................ 32
Roof Ladder ........................................................................................................................................ 33
12' 60° Roof Cap Ground Control ....................................................................................................... 36
Roof Cap ............................................................................................................................................. 41
15' and 18' Roof Assembly Instructions .............................................................................................. 42
Raising the Roof .................................................................................................................................. 44
Chapter 8 Hopper Assembly ............................................................................................................................... 46
Hopper Sheets .................................................................................................................................... 46
Hopper Collar Assembly ..................................................................................................................... 49
Chapter 9 Legs and Leg Bracing ........................................................................................................................ 50
12' Only ............................................................................................................................................... 50
Installation of Leg to Sidewall .............................................................................................................. 51
Installation of Leg to Sidewall for 15', 18' and 21' BFT ........................................................................ 52
12'-21' Leg Bracing ............................................................................................................................. 53
Bracing Hole Layout ............................................................................................................................ 55
Hopper to Leg Bracing ........................................................................................................................ 59
Chapter 10 Ladder ............................................................................................................................................... 60
Optional Sidewall Ladder ................................................................................................................... 60
Ladder Safety Cage ........................................................................................................................... 61
Optional Safety Cage ........................................................................................................................ 61
Safety Cage Assembly ...................................................................................................................... 63
Chapter 11 Raising Bin ........................................................................................................................................ 65
Raising Bin to Set on Foundation ...................................................................................................... 65
Chapter 12 Grounding ......................................................................................................................................... 67
Chapter 13 Pneumatic Fill Kit ............................................................................................................................. 68
Pneumatic Fill Kit Assembly .............................................................................................................. 68
Roof Panel ......................................................................................................................................... 68

Table of Contents
4 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
Chapter 14 Parts List ........................................................................................................................................... 71
12' Diameter 60° Hopper Bin Specifications ...................................................................................... 72
12' Diameter 60° Hopper Bin Hardware Specification ....................................................................... 74
12' Diameter 45° Hopper Bin Specifications ...................................................................................... 76
12' Diameter 45° Hopper Bin Hardware Specification ....................................................................... 78
15' Diameter 60° Hopper Bin Specifications ...................................................................................... 80
15' Diameter 60° Hopper Bin Hardware Specification ....................................................................... 82
15' Diameter 45° Hopper Bin Specifications ...................................................................................... 84
15' Diameter 45° Hopper Bin Hardware Specification ....................................................................... 86
18' Diameter 45° Hopper Bin Specifications ...................................................................................... 88
18' Diameter 45° Hopper Bin Hardware Specification ....................................................................... 90
21' Diameter 45° Hopper Bin Specifications ...................................................................................... 92
21' Diameter 45° Hopper Bin Hardware Specification ....................................................................... 94
Chapter 15 Warranty ............................................................................................................................................ 97

PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 5
1. Introduction
READ THIS MANUAL carefully to learn how to properly use and install equipment. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or equipment damage.
INSPECT the shipment immediately upon arrival. The customer is responsible for ensuring that all
quantities are correct. The customer should report and note any damage or shortage on the bill of
lading to justify their claim to the transport company.
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED a permanent part of your equipment and should be easily
accessible when needed.
This warranty provides you the assurance that the company will back its products when defects appear
within the warranty period. In some circumstances, the company also provides field improvements, often
without charge to the customer, even if the product is out of warranty. Should the equipment be abused,
or modified to change its performance beyond the factory specifications, the warranty will become void
and field improvements may be denied.

6 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
2. Safety
Safety Guidelines
This manual contains information that is important for you, the owner/operator, to know and understand.
This information relates to protecting personal safety and preventing equipment problems. It is the
responsibility of the owner/operator to inform anyone operating or working in the area of this equipment
of these safety guidelines. To help you recognize this information, we use the symbols that are defined
below. Please read the manual and pay attention to these sections. Failure to read this manual and its
safety instructions is a misuse of the equipment and may lead to serious injury or death.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you
to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used with the safety alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to address practices not related to
personal injury.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

2. Safety
PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 7
General Safety Statement
Our foremost concern is your safety and the safety of others associated with grain handling equipment.
This manual is to help you understand safe operating procedures and some problems that may be
encountered by the operator and other personnel.
Asownerand/oroperator,youareresponsibleto know what requirements,hazards,and precautions exist
and inform all personnel associated with the equipment or in the area. Safety precautions may be required
from the personnel. Avoid any alterations to the equipment, which may produce a very dangerous
situation, where SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH may occur.
You should consider the location of the bin site relative to power line locations or electrical transmission
equipment. Contact your local power company to review your installation plan or for information
concerning required equipment clearance. Clearance of portable equipment that may be taken to the bin
site should also be reviewed and considered. Any electrical control equipment in contact with the bin
should be properly grounded and installed in accordance with National Electric Code provisions and other
local or national codes.
This product is intended for the use of grain storage only. Any other use is a misuse of the product.
Sidewall bundles or sheets must be stored in a safe manner. The safest method of storing sidewall
bundles is laying horizontally with the arch of the sheet upward, like a dome. Sidewall sheets stored on
edge must be secured so that they cannot fall over and cause injury. Use care when handling and moving
sidewall bundles.
Personnel operating or working around equipment should read this manual. This manual must be
delivered with equipment to its owner. Failure to read this manual and its safety instructions is a
misuse of the equipment.
This product has sharp edges, which may cause serious injury. To avoid injury, handle
sharp edges with caution and always use proper protective clothing and equipment.

2. Safety
8 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
Safety Instructions
Our foremost concern is your safety and the safety of others associated with this equipment. We want to
keep you as a customer. This manual is to help you understand safe operating procedures and some
problems that may be encountered by the operator and other personnel.
As owner and/or operator, it is your responsibility to know what requirements, hazards, and precautions
exist, and to inform all personnel associated with the equipment or in the area. Safety precautions may be
required from the personnel. Avoid any alterations tothe equipment. Such alterations may produce a very
dangerous situation where SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH may occur.
This equipment shall be installed in accordance with the current installation codes and applicable
regulations, which should be carefully followed in all cases. Authorities having jurisdiction should be
consulted before installations are made.
Follow Safety Instructions
Carefully read all safety messages in this manual and
safety signs on your machine. Keep signs in good
condition. Replace missing or damaged safety signs. Be
sure new equipment components and repair parts include
the current safety signs. Replacement safety signs are
available from the manufacturer.
Learn how to operate the machine and how to use controls
properly. Do not let anyone operate without instruction.
Keep your machinery in proper working condition.
Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair
the function and/or safety and affect machine life.
If you do not understand any part of this manual or need
assistance, contact your dealer.
Read and Understand Manual
Practice Safe Maintenance
Understand service procedures before doing work. Keep area
clean and dry.
Never lubricate, service, or adjust machine while it is in operation.
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from rotating parts.
Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix
damage immediately. Replace worn or broken parts. Remove any
built-up grease, oil, and debris. Maint
ain Equipment and

2. Safety
PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 9
Prepare for Emergencies
Be prepared if fire starts.
Keep a first aid kit and fire extinguisher handy.
Keep emergency numbers for doctors, ambulance service,
hospital, and fire department near your telephone. Keep Emergency Equipment
Quickly Accessible
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear close-fitting clothing and safety equipment appropriate
to the job.
Remove all jewelry.
Tie long hair up and back.
Wear safety glasses at all times to protect eyes from debris.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges on
plastic or steel parts.
Wear steel toe boots to help protect your feet from falling
debris. Tuck in any loose or dangling shoestrings.
A respirator may be needed to prevent breathing potentially
toxic fumes and dust.
Wear a hard hat to help protect your head.
Wear appropriate fall protection equipment when working at
elevations greater than six feet (6').
Eye Protection
Gloves
Steel-Toed Boots
Respirator
Hard Hat
Fall Protection

2. Safety
10 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
Proper Storage Grain Bin/Silo Materials Prior to Construction
Wetstoragestain (rust) will develop when closely packed bundles of galvanizedmaterial,suchas sidewall
and roof sheets, have moisture present. Inspect roof and sidewall bundles on arrival for any moisture. If
moisture is present, it must not be allowed to remain between the sheets. Separate the sheets or panels
immediately and wipe them down. Spray with a light oil or diesel fuel.
If possible, sidewall bundles, roof sheets and other closely packed galvanized materials should be stored
in a dry, climate controlled building. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, the materials should be stored so
that they are raised above the ground and vegetation. Any stacking and spacing materials should not be
corrosive or wet. Be sure to protect materials from the weather, but permit air movement around the
bundles if possible.
Storing roof bundles and sidewall sheets at a slight incline can also help minimize the presence of
moisture. Storing the bundles with the center of the dome up (like an arch) is one option for minimizing
moisture during storage. Sidewall bundles can also be stored on edge but must be secured so that they
do not fall over and cause injury.
If “white rust” or “wet storage stain” occurs, contact the manufacturer immediately about ways to minimize
the adverse effect upon the galvanized coating.

PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 11
3. Decals
DC-604 Located on the cap latch control arm.
DC-604

3. Decals
12 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
Plastic tie
DC-590 Located on the cap latch control arm.

3. Decals
PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 13
DC-GBC-1A Located on inside the peak cap.
GSI Decals
1004 E. Illinois St.
Assumption, IL. 62510
Phone: [phone]
For replacement decals, contact:
Rotating flighting will
kill or dismember.
Flowing material will
trap and suffocate.
Crusted material will
collapse and suffocate.
Keep clear of all augers.
DO NOT ENTER this bin!
Failure to heed these
warnings will result in
serious injury or death.
If you must enter the bin:
1. Shut off and lock out all power.
2. Use a safety harness and safety line.
3. Station another person outside the bin.
4. Avoid the center of the bin.
5. Wear proper breathing equipment or respirator.
DC-GBC-1A

14 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
4. General Information
Bulk Feed Tank Assembly Manual General Instructions
First, read the assembly manual completely before starting to assemble the Bulk Feed Tank. Check the
shipment with the packing list to be sure there are no shortages.
1. Decal protective mask must be removed when assembling tank. Mask may become difficult to
remove if left exposed to sunlight.
2. Vertical seams must be staggered on all sidewall rings
3. When legs extend up 2 rings, the leg holes must be in alignment in the bottom 2 rings.
4. All hopper seams and the hopper collar use truss head bolts. The heads of the bolts must be on the
inside of the tank.
5. All bolts are to be tightened from the nut side only. Do not allow bolt heads to spin.
6. Hex head bin bolts are used on all sidewall and roof seams with the bolt heads on the outside of
the bin.
7. Hex head bolts are to be used on all leg to sidewall connections with the bolt heads on the inside of
the tank.
8. Drift punches can be used to align holes.
9. All vertical sidewall sheet seams must be overlapped in the same direction.
10. Close hole spacing is used at the top of all top sidewall sheets and at the bottom of all bottom
sidewall sheets.
Selecting the Proper Site
The selected site should be level, firm and free from underlying debris. The tank can be installed
satisfactorily on slopes, but as the slope increases, additional labor and materials are required for the
foundation. The concrete foundation surfaces must be level. If some fill is required, it should be watered
and tamped thoroughly to prevent uneven settling from the weight of the tank. Good water drainage
should be provided to prevent water collecting under or around the tank. Naturally, the site must allow
convenient access for easy loading and unloading, plus provide additional space for future units. Also,
consider the positioning of handling equipment, availability of electricity, etc.
Tools
Tools recommended for assembly of Bulk Feed Tanks.
1. Assorted sizes of combination wrenches
2. Hammer
3. 3-12" Long drift punches
4. 1 Large flathead screwdriver
5. 1 Pair of slip joint pliers
6. Two (2) adjustable wrenches
7. Ratchet and sockets
8. Impact wrenches and sockets (if available)

PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 15
5. Foundation
Figure 5A 12' 2-8 Ring Square Pad
# of
Rings Slab
Thickness (D) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
2-5 15" 9.1 Cu. Yards 196 Sq. Ft. 8
6 16" 9.7 Cu. Yards 196 Sq. Ft. 8
716" 9.7 Cu. Yards 196 Sq. Ft. 8
8 17" 10.3 Cu. Yards 196 Sq. Ft. 8
# of
Rings Slab
Thickness (D) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
2-5 381 mm 6.93 Cu. Meters 18.21 Sq. Meters 8
6 406 mm 7.40 Cu. Meters 18.21 Sq. Meters 8
7406 mm 7.40 Cu. Meters 18.21 Sq. Meters 8
8 432 mm 7.86 Cu. Meters 18.21 Sq. Meters 8
GENERAL NOTES: 1. Foundation recommendations are based on 3500 lbs./ft.^2 allowable
soil bearing capacity.
2. Foundation recommendations are based on a minimum compressive
strength of 3000 PSI at 28 days.
3. The foundation site must be free of vegetation and debris and
well drained.
4. The foundation should be level within 1/4" overall and within
± 1/8" in any 10 ft. length along the anchor bolt circle.
5. Material estimates do not include allowance for shrinkage and waste. 6. These layouts are recommendations for GSI tanks only. Consult GSI
engineering for special tank foundations.
* Applies to 45° hopper tank only.
All instructions shall be construed as recommendations only. Because the actual installation may vary according to local conditions. The GSI Group assumes no liability for results arising from the use of such recommendations.
*
*

5. Foundation
16 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
Figure 5B 12' 2-8 Ring Round Pad
# of
Rings Slab
Thickness (D) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
2-5 15" 7.1 Cu. Yards 155 Sq. Ft. 8
6 16" 7.6 Cu. Yards 155 Sq. Ft. 8
716" 7.6 Cu. Yards 155 Sq. Ft. 8
8 17" 8.1 Cu. Yards 155 Sq. Ft. 8
# of
Rings Slab
Thickness (D) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
2-5 381 mm 5.45 Cu. Meters 14.40 Sq. Meters 8
6 406 mm 5.81 Cu. Meters 14.40 Sq. Meters 8
7406 mm 5.81 Cu. Meters 14.40 Sq. Meters 8
8 432 mm 6.18 Cu. Meters 14.40 Sq. Meters 8
GENERAL NOTES: 1. Foundation recommendations are based on 3500 lbs./ft.^2 allowable
soil bearing capacity.
2. Foundation recommendations are based on a minimum compressive
strength of 3000 PSI at 28 days.
3. The foundation site must be free of vegetation and debris and
well drained.
4. The foundation should be level within 1/4" overall and within
± 1/8" in any 10 ft. length along the anchor bolt circle.
5. Material estimates do not include allowance for shrinkage and waste. 6. These layouts are recommendations for GSI tanks only. Consult GSI
engineering for special tank foundations.
* Applies to 45° hopper tank only.
All instructions shall be construed as recommendations only. Because the actual installation may vary according to local conditions. The GSI Group assumes no liability for results arising from the use of such recommendations.
*
*

5. Foundation
PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 17
Figure 5C 12' 8-10 Ring Round Pad
# of
Rings Footing
Depth (D) Slab
Thickness (T) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
815" 4" 5.0 Cu. Yards 175 Sq. Ft. 12
9 18" 4" 5.8 Cu. Yards 175 Sq. Ft. 12
10 20" 4" 6.4 Cu. Yards 175 Sq. Ft. 12
# of
Rings Footing
Depth (D) Slab
Thickness (T) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
8381 mm 102 mm 3.82 Cu. Meters 16.26 Sq. Meters 12
9 457 mm 102 mm 4.43 Cu. Meters 16.26 Sq. Meters 12
10 508 mm 102 mm 4.89 Cu. Meters 16.26 Sq. Meters 12
GENERAL NOTES: 1. Foundation recommendations are based on 3500 lbs./ft.^2 allowable
soil bearing capacity.
2. Foundation recommendations are based on a minimum compressive
strength of 3000 PSI at 28 days.
3. The foundation site must be free of vegetation and debris and
well drained.
4. The foundation should be level within 1/4" overall and within
± 1/8" in any 10 ft. length along the anchor bolt circle.
5. Material estimates do not include allowance for shrinkage and waste. 6. These layouts are recommendations for GSI tanks only. Consult GSI
engineering for special tank foundations.
* Applies to 60° hopper tanks. ** Applies to 45° and 60° hopper tanks.
All instructions shall be construed as recommendations only. Because the actual installation may vary according to local conditions. The GSI Group assumes no liability for results arising from the use of such recommendations.
*
**
*
**

5. Foundation
18 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
Figure 5D 12' 11 Ring 16 Leg Round Pad
# of
Rings Footing
Depth (D) Slab
Thickness (T) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
11 24" 4" 7.5 Cu. Yards 175 Sq. Ft. 16
# of
Rings Footing
Depth (D) Slab
Thickness (T) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
11 610 mm 102 mm 5.73 Cu. Meters 16.26 Sq. Meters 16
GENERAL NOTES: 1. Foundation recommendations are based on 3500 lbs./ft.^2 allowable
soil bearing capacity.
2. Foundation recommendations are based on a minimum compressive
strength of 3000 PSI at 28 days.
3. The foundation site must be free of vegetation and debris and
well drained.
4. The foundation should be level within 1/4" overall and within
± 1/8" in any 10 ft. length along the anchor bolt circle.
5. Material estimates do not include allowance for shrinkage and waste. 6. These layouts are recommendations for GSI tanks only. Consult GSI
engineering for special tank foundations.
All instructions shall be construed as recommendations only. Because the actual installation may vary according to local conditions. The GSI Group assumes no liability for results arising from the use of such recommendations.

5. Foundation
PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series 19
Figure 5E 15' 1-6 Ring Round Pad
# of
Rings Slab
Thickness (D) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
1-4 14" 11.0 Cu. Yards 255 Sq. Ft. 15
5 15" 11.8 Cu. Yards 255 Sq. Ft. 15
616" 12.6 Cu. Yards 255 Sq. Ft. 15
# of
Rings Slab
Thickness (D) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
1-4 356 mm 8.41 Cu. Meters 23.69 Sq. Meters 15
5 381 mm 9.01 Cu. Meters 23.69 Sq. Meters 15
6406 mm 9.63 Cu. Meters 23.69 Sq. Meters 15
GENERAL NOTES: 1. Foundation recommendations are based on 3500 lbs./ft.^2 allowable
soil bearing capacity.
2. Foundation recommendations are based on a minimum compressive
strength of 3000 PSI at 28 days.
3. The foundation site must be free of vegetation and debris and
well drained.
4. The foundation should be level within 1/4" overall and within
± 1/8" in any 10 ft. length along the anchor bolt circle.
5. Material estimates do not include allowance for shrinkage and waste. 6. These layouts are recommendations for GSI tanks only. Consult GSI
engineering for special tank foundations.
All instructions shall be construed as recommendations only. Because the actual installation may vary according to local conditions. The GSI Group assumes no liability for results arising from the use of such recommendations.

5. Foundation
20 PNEG-257 12', 15', 18' and 21' Bulk Feed Tanks BFT and GHT Series
Figure 5F 15' 7-8 Ring 60° Round Pad
# of
Rings Footing
Depth (D) Slab
Thickness (T) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
714" 4" 6.3 Cu. Yards 225 Sq. Ft. 20
8 15" 4" 6.6 Cu. Yards 225 Sq. Ft. 20
# of
Rings Footing
Depth (D) Slab
Thickness (T) Concrete
Volume Wire Mesh
Area # of Column
Legs
7356 mm 102 mm 4.82 Cu. Meters 20.9 Sq. Meters 20
8 381 mm 102 mm 5.05 Cu. Meters 20.9 Sq. Meters 20
GENERAL NOTES: 1. Foundation recommendations are based on 3500 lbs./ft.^2 allowable
soil bearing capacity.
2. Foundation recommendations are based on a minimum compressive
strength of 3000 PSI at 28 days.
3. The foundation site must be free of vegetation and debris and
well drained.
4. The foundation should be level within 1/4" overall and within
± 1/8" in any 10 ft. length along the anchor bolt circle.
5. Material estimates do not include allowance for shrinkage and waste. 6. These layouts are recommendations for GSI tanks only. Consult GSI
engineering for special tank foundations.
All instructions shall be construed as recommendations only. Because the actual installation may vary according to local conditions. The GSI Group assumes no liability for results arising from the use of such recommendations.