Pryzmy

Pryzmy (Polish for piles or heaps) are outdoor accumulations of loose material laid on the ground to store, dry, or process it. They encompass a range of shapes, from elongated windrows to conical heaps, and are typically formed by layering material rather than placing it in a closed container. Pryzmy are used in several sectors, including agriculture, mining, construction, and waste management.

In agriculture, pryzmy store hay, straw, grain, or silage. They are designed to shed rain, allow airflow, and reduce spoilage. Properly sized and ventilated pryzmy aid drying and aging of crops, while incorrect moisture management can lead to mould, spoilage, or heating.

In mining and industry, pryzmy store bulk materials such as coal, ore, aggregates, wood chips, or other loose materials. Large stockpiles are built beside loading and processing facilities and rely on drainage, drainage control, and sometimes weather protection. Coal pryzmy can accumulate heat through oxidation, creating a risk of spontaneous combustion if not monitored and managed.

Environmental and safety considerations include moisture control, dust suppression, erosion prevention, and avoidance of groundwater contamination. Practices may involve drainage ditches, tarpaulins or covers, contouring, windbreaks, and periodic turning or sampling to monitor temperature and quality.

In modern operations, pryzmy are often supplemented or replaced by silos, bunkers, or covered stockyards, particularly for materials requiring strict moisture control or rapid handling. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with stockpile, though the latter can have broader, more formal usage in industry.