At Polem, everything revolves around the right flow. It starts with a strong foundation, but is equally determined by the top: the roof. It's one of the components we include in every design by default – and often adapt to the specific application. Where others see the roof as just a lid, we see it as an opportunity to eliminate risks and improve performance.
That's why every Polem silo comes standard with a domed roof design. Not just for aesthetics, but because it's better in every respect. For safety. For durability. And for hygiene. Polem's pragmatic, confident approach ensures we deliver quality you can rely on.
Why the roof matters
The roof of a silo endures severe conditions:
- Overpressure during filling - Pressure can rapidly increase during pneumatic filling
- Underpressure during sudden product movement - When product collapses in the silo, it creates a suction force that strains the roof
- Weather influences such as wind, rain, and UV - Years of exposure to the elements places high demands on durability
- Mechanical load from components - The roof must not only support itself but also the additional weight of equipment and installations
A poorly designed roof therefore poses risks. Think of deformation, lekkage, condensation, or even danger during explosions. Yet in many designs, it doesn't receive the attention it deserves. At Polem, we make the difference by giving it priority.
Why Polem chooses a domed roof
A domed roof – also known as a Klöpper design – distributes forces evenly across the entire surface. This makes it resistant to higher pressure differentials. Polem silos can standard withstand a P-red of 1.0 bar. For comparison: metal silos often top out at 0.5 bar or less.
What does this mean for your business processes?
- Better explosion safety - For dust explosion hazardous products, the roof offers more resistance
- Smaller and fewer explosion panels needed - Instead of using large areas in the silo wall, smaller panels in the roof will suffice
- Higher capacity utilization - Because no explosion panels are needed in the silo wall, you can fill the silo to a higher level
Smarter with space and integration
Our roofs are not only stronger but also more intelligently integrated with all necessary components:
- Flanges for filling systems, filters, manholes, and measuring equipment are seamlessly laminated – eliminating additional risk of leakage or thermal bridges. This prevents condensation and product deterioration.
- Composite flanges instead of metal - Unlike competitors, we use fully composite flanges, which eliminates thermal bridges and guarantees better adhesion.
- Explosion panels are placed entirely on the roof. No flanges in the silo wall. This prevents stagnant product and increases hygiene, which is essential for food and pharmaceutical applications.
- Central filling connection - For even product distribution and to prevent tilting, we position the filling connection in the center of the roof.
Benefits at a glance
✅ Higher safety through better pressure resistance
✅ Less explosion surface area needed
✅ Better hygiene through smooth roof surface
✅ No thermal bridges or weak spots
✅ Optimal integration of all components
✅ More room for customized solutions
✅ Less maintenance due to durable construction
✅ Better utilization of your investment
The difference between a silo and a Polem? It's in the roof
At Polem, we design each component as if it were crucial. Because it is. Since 1972, we've built a strong reputation in the Netherlands and beyond. We've seen cases where poorly placed filling connections led to tilting. Filters that clogged due to condensation from a poorly insulated roof. Explosion panels that didn't function properly due to obstructions in the environment.
That's why we pay extra attention to the upper part of the silo. Because that's where safety begins.
You build silos from bottom to top. But the top makes the difference
Precisely because we focus on the essentials, we know where Polem makes the difference. Our approach is pragmatic, challenging, and confident. We know that the roof design of a silo is not a side issue but a crucial factor for the safety, efficiency, and lifespan of your investment.
Would you like to know what a good roof design can do for your specific situation? Or would you like an analysis of your current installation to assess whether it is safe and optimally designed? Our market specialists are happy to look at solutions that fit your business processes.
It's not just storage. It's Polem. And the difference starts at the top.
