If you're planning a steam-flaked corn production line, building height and floor space need to be considered alongside production capacity. This matters even more if you're adding a line to an existing workshop: Will the equipment fit?
For a conventional 5–10 TPH layout, we generally recommend 20 metres or more of height for the main process area. If you're constructing a new building, around 23.5 metres is our usual planning reference.
Why this height? A BellaEx 10 TPH plant layout provides a good example.
Caption: Reference side elevation of a BellaEx 10 TPH steam-flaked corn line. The main process tower reaches an elevation of +23.5 m, while the adjacent drying and cooling area is approximately 9.5 m high.
Why Does the Main Process Area Need So Much Height?
Corn doesn't go straight into the flaking mill.
After cleaning and moisture preparation, it enters a steam conditioning tower. Once conditioned, the corn moves down into the flaking mill below, where the rolls press it into flakes.
That's why we usually arrange the main processing equipment at different levels.
The tower needs enough height to accommodate the steam conditioning equipment. At the same time, the height difference allows material to move between connected stages with fewer additional conveyors.
The 3D view below shows how the equipment, piping and operating platforms are arranged across these levels.
Caption: 3D reference view of a multi-level process area, showing the arrangement of processing equipment, piping and operating platforms.
But the entire production line doesn't need a building that's 23.5 metres high.
In the side elevation, the main process tower on the left accommodates the steam conditioning and flaking equipment. The drying and cooling section on the right sits in a lower building area and extends horizontally.
In this 10 TPH reference layout, the top of the main process tower is marked at +23.5 m, while the adjacent drying and cooling area is approximately 9.5 m high.
We plan the height of each section around the equipment it needs to accommodate, rather than making the entire building the same height.
If your existing building is lower than this reference, that doesn't necessarily end the discussion. We can review your available space and target capacity to see whether a different arrangement might work.
How Much Floor Space Should You Allow?
Having enough height is only the first part of the layout.
Besides the main process tower, you also need space for the drying and cooling equipment, material conveying systems, operating areas and maintenance access.
In our 10 TPH reference layout, the main process area occupies approximately 12 m × 12 m. The drying and cooling section extends to one side.
For early planning, we generally allow roughly 20–30 metres for this extension, depending on the equipment arrangement and project requirements.
Caption: Reference plan view of a 10 TPH steam-flaked corn line, showing the main process area and the adjoining drying and cooling section.
As you can see, the machines are not simply placed together wherever space is available. Their positions follow the connections between each processing stage.
The taller steam conditioning and flaking equipment are concentrated in the main process area, while the drying and cooling equipment extends along the length of the building.
The 3D overview below makes it easier to see how these sections fit into the wider plant.
Caption: 3D reference layout showing the relationship between the main process tower, raw material storage, drying and cooling equipment, and finished-product handling areas.
Some customers already have grain silos, conveyors or utilities they can reuse. Others are starting with a completely new building.
The capacity and equipment configuration also affect how much space is needed.
So while these drawings are useful for early planning, the final building dimensions should be worked out around your own site and production requirements.
Already Have a Building? What Should You Check First?
If you're considering installing a steam-flaked corn line in an existing workshop, we'd start by checking four things.
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Building height: Check the overall height and the clear space beneath roof beams or other structures, especially where the tallest equipment would be installed.
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Floor dimensions and columns: Look at the available length and width, column positions, and whether the main process tower and drying and cooling equipment can be connected.
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Installation and maintenance access: Make sure there's enough space to bring equipment into the building, install it, and reach the operating platforms and maintenance areas.
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Existing facilities: Check which grain silos, conveyors, boilers, electrical systems or other equipment may be reused and which would need to be added.
The overall height of a building isn't always the clear height available for the equipment.
Even when the roof looks high enough from outside, beams, roof structures or other obstructions may affect where the equipment can be installed.
If your workshop is close to our usual planning dimensions, it's worth reviewing the actual layout before deciding whether it can accommodate the line.
Not Sure If Your Building Will Work? Send Us the Details
Whether you're planning a new building or hoping to use an existing workshop, you can start by telling us the production capacity you need—5 TPH, 10 TPH or another target.
If you already have a building, a floor plan or a few site photos would be helpful. Please include its length, width, overall height and clear height below the beams, if available.
Our engineering team can review your building conditions and production requirements, then discuss possible equipment arrangements and the next steps for your project.
If you don't have formal drawings yet, approximate dimensions and site photos are enough to start the conversation.
To learn more about the complete production process, equipment configuration and available capacities, visit our Steam-Flaked Corn Production Line solution page.
