If Bin 1 was filled with feathers and Bin 2 was filled with concrete...
Bulk density is important because different types of feed have different densities. BinSentry readings calculate the volume of the bin and we apply a bulk density to get a weight.
It is actually very strange that feed bins are rated by how many tons they can hold. When you buy a bin they will be sold as “12 ton” or “20 ton” bins, however the amount of weight any container can hold depends on what that material is.
By default, BinSentry's bulk density is set at 40lbs/cu ft.
An example to understand this would be the concrete and the feathers comparison. If Bin 1 was filled with feathers and Bin 2 was filled with concrete, BinSentry would show both bins as full. But due to the density of the feathers and concrete, we would be showing vastly different weights.
Most manufacturers of feed bins will rate their bin weight capacity based off a 40 lb/ft³ bulk density. The fact is though, that manufacturers don’t know what you are going to put in your bin. So if you buy a 20 ton capacity bin and the feed is less dense you won’t be able to fit 20 tons in it.
This is why containers are supposed to be measured by volume not weight. The cubic feet (or cubic meters) of a container never changes regardless of the bulk density of the feed being put inside it.
The image on the left may look familiar to you, it’s very similar to the cheat sheet many producers have for their own bins. The catch is that depending on the bulk density of the feed going into the bin it could actually be wrong.
To help us understand how much of that specific feed can fit in the bin, we allow you to create feed types and add their bulk density. This way, we can tell you exactly how much of a specific feed will fit into your bin when placing an order. Our system allows you to change the feed type every time you place an order and makes the necessary adjustments. You can manually override the bulk density if needed.