Hay Storage System

A system and method of storing, drying and preserving fibrous materials such as hay and forage comprising

• a. Placing the fibrous materials or compressed bales of material into an open end of a flexible film cylindrical horizontal bag of substantially round cross-sectional shape and size, with openings at substantially opposing ends, such bag completely containing and encompassing said fibrous materials,
• b. At one end, coupled to said container, a gas injection means comprising a fan,
• c. At the substantially opposing end, a gas vent means comprising a valve or drawstring opening, partially closing such vent to provide sufficient backpressure to cause said flexible cylinder to inflate or expand in cross sectional area, resulting, in a decrease in contact area between said cylinder sidewalls and a substantial portion of such fibrous materials.
• d. Adjusting either the rate of gas injection, the rate of gas exhaust, or both, to maintain the desired temperature of either the fibrous material, or the exhaust gas emanating from the bag, to substantially within an optimal range for the specific fibrous material, to enable microbial fermentation or curing of said fibrous material if desired, and also maintain sufficient rate of drying, and cooling effect to prevent mold growth, self-combustion or heat-induced degradation of the fibrous material.

A system and method for storing, curing and drying fibrous plant materials, comprising:

• a. a substantially waterproof bag typically fabricated from any group of extruded or cast plastic or water-resistant or coated paper or reinforced films, and of sufficient diameters dependent upon the size of bale or configuration and cross section of bundles to be stored, positioned in a generally horizontal position, typically rolled up to a substantially compact configuration, with total length of a few feet to over one hundred feet extending outward, either totally or partially unrolled. Preferably only unroll and extend sufficient length of bag, to extend over the next bale or group of bundles in a single load.
• b. A fan, compressor, gas supply or other mechanical air injection means and support structure secured to one end of bag. The end of the bag not attached to the fan is pulled to begin expanding the length of the unrolled bag.
• c. The bundles are loaded into the bag either manually or with any combination of material handling equipment. With each successive load or bale, the bag is preferably pulled and unrolled and length increased to receive the next load of bales or bundles.
• d. Exhaust Valve secured to other end of bag. Fan is activated, expanding the bag and creating an airflow on top and around sides of hay bundles. The Exhaust Valve is adjusted to control and balance the airflow with the speed and volume of the fan to keep bag inflated while allowing sufficient airflow exhaust to carry out moisture emanating from the bundles and prevent burn or mildew damage.