GB2361543A

GB2361543A - In-line flow measurement of milking jars

Info

Publication number: GB2361543A
Application number: GB0009764A
Authority: GB
Inventors: L K Singh
Original assignee: BEYA Ltd
Current assignee: BEYA Ltd
Priority date: 2000-04-19
Filing date: 2000-04-19
Publication date: 2001-10-24
Also published as: GB0009764D0

Abstract

An in-line electronic measuring device capable of measuring the flow of milk from a milking jar 1 during the milking operation of a cow. A cow is milked into milking jars 1, after completion of milking the operator will switch transfer valve 9, milk will then flow and cause the impeller of the flow sensor 7 to rotate producing electronic signals proportional to the mass of milk passing through the measuring device. The signals are used to drive an electronic display 10 and can be downloaded to a computer to indicate milk volume. On finishing the milking process vacuum is shut off by a ball valve 4 settling at the bottom of the jar. (Samples of milk may be drawn from the jar for analysis/test by way of tap 2.) During a wash cycle the ball valve 4 may by lifted by turning lever 3.

Description

2361543 IN-LINE FLOW MEASUREMENT OF MILKING JARS This invention relates to

measuring milk volume from a milking jar using an in-line flow measurement.

Milking of cows into holding jars is common in dairy farms. The milk volume is usually read by the dairyman, off a graduated scale printed on the side of the jars.

There are methods of measuring the volume of milk using weigh scales or probes protruding into the milk to produce an electronic readout. These methods are however relatively expensive as well as being unreliable.

This invention utilises an impeller flow sensor that records the milk as it is discharged from the jar and produces a signal to an electronic display showing the volume.

The milk is released manually or electronically with a transfer valve as normal. As the milk flows out of the jar through the flow sensor, an electronic signal from the flow sensor drives a display unit to show the volume of milk from the jar.

Figure 1 shows the in-line flow measuring device connected to a milking jar at the completion of milking of a cow.

Referring to the drawing in Figure 1, milk is collected in the milking jar I during the cow milking operation. On completion of milking the operator will switch on the transfer valve 9. which allows milk to be transferred from the jar to a holding container (not shown) in the direction of arrow 11. Milk flows out of the jar via the rubber or silicon 'T' piece 5, causing the impeller of the flow sensor 7 to rotate. The flow sensor produces electronic signals proportional to the mass passing through the unit, which drives an electronic display 10 for visual confirmation of milk volume being measured.

When the jar is empty the ball valve 4 settles at the bottom of the jar to shut off the vacuum used to operate the milk transfer process. The impeller rotation on flow sensor 7 then ceases causing the electronic display 10 to stop its measurement and display final milk volume measurement or down load to a computer (not shown). A tap 2 is fitted to the'T' piece 5 to allow samples of milk to be drawn from the jar for analysis & test purposes. Lever 3 is used to lift the ball valve 4 during washing cycles. The flow sensor is assembled into the system using rubber parts 6 & 8.

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Claims

1. An in-line flow measurement device with electronic readout for use on cow milking jars, utilising the principle of an impeller flow sensor with electronic output.

2. An in-line flow measurement device with easy assembly and low cost maintenance.

3. An in-line flow measurement device with in-place cleaning after milking by passing through wash water.

4. An in-line flow measurement device with visual indication of operation of the impeller blades rotating correctly.

5. An in-line flow measurement device for measuring milk from milking jars as described here-in with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawing.

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