Friday, 11 September 2015 11:00

Design with eye on volume, consistency

Written by 

The effluent collection infrastructure must be designed to handle the volume and consistency of effluent being produced, says DairyNZ. 

The system must be designed to handle the peak flow rate of effluent without blocking, overflowing, or leaking. Wash-down system 

A water supply is required for wash-down of the dairy shed and, periodically, for washing of other areas such as standoff areas and feed pads. 

Wash-water can form a large proportion of the total volume of FDE produced. Thus, it is important to determine the final specifications of the wash-water system prior to designing the rest of the collection and conveyance system. 

Wash-down water is usually supplied from clean bore or surface water. 

Consider any available alternative systems to minimise water use. For example, consider the use of recycled water, or harvested stormwater, for washing areas that do not require high quality water (eg feed pads, stand-off areas or animal housing areas).

Always check local regulatory requirements prior to designing systems that use recycled water. 

In addition to the general hydraulic design requirements, the collection infrastructure must be able to:

  •  handle the peak flow rate of FDE into the system
  •  collect material from all enclosed areas subjected to animal FDE
  •  avoid potential contamination of groundwater and surface water bodies 
  • comply with all regulatory requirements.

Initial collection may be by a number of different methods. Common effluent collection methods include: 

  • hose wash 
  • flood wash 
  • Scraping by chain in a groove in the floor, rubber backing gates or scraper attached to a farm vehicle.

More like this

Strong uptake of good wintering practices

DairyNZ has seen a significant increase in the number of farmers improving their wintering practices, which results in a higher standard of animal care and environmental protection.

Better animal genetic gain system

A governance group has been formed, following extensive sector consultation, to implement the recommendations from the Industry Working Group's (IWG) final report and is said to be forming a 'road map' for improving New Zealand's animal genetic gain system.

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of a major software project.

Musical chairs

OPINION: DairyNZ's director elections has seen scientist Jacqueline Rowarth re-elected for another three-year term.

Featured

Massey Research Field Day attracts huge interest

More than 200 people turned out on Thursday, November 21 to see what progress has been made on one of NZ's biggest and most comprehensive agriculture research programmes on regenerative agriculture.

Expo set to wow again

Stellar speakers, top-notch trade sites, innovation, technology and connections are all on offer at the 2025 East Coast Farming Expo being once again hosted in Wairoa in February.

A year of global challenges

As a guest of the Italian Trade Association, Rural News Group Machinery Editor Mark Daniel took the opportunity to make an early November dash to Bologna to the 46th EIMA exhibition.

National

OSPRI's costly software upgrade

Animal disease management agency OSPRI has announced sweeping governance changes as it seeks to recover from the expensive failure of…

Machinery & Products

BA Pumps expand

Cambridge based BA Pumps & Sprayers, specialists in New Zealand-made spraying equipment, has acquired Tokoroa Engineering’s product range, including the…

Entries open for innovation award

Fieldays and its renowned Innovation Awards are celebrating their 57th year, marking a longstanding tradition in the agricultural calendar, with…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Chinese strategy

OPINION: Fonterra may have sold its dairy farms in China but the appetite for collaboration with the country remains strong.

Not fair

OPINION: The Listener's latest piece on winter grazing among Southland dairy farmers leaves much to be desired.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter