New associate director for DairyNZ
After 20 years of milking cows, Northland farmer Greg Collins is ready to step into the governance side of dairy.
In a dairy shed, milk quality depends in part on the cleanliness of the bulk milk tank says DairyNZ.
Using a tank cleaning system tailored to the bulk milk tank size, configuration and other available resources (water volume and quality) will minimise the need to climb inside the tank and scrub the surfaces by hand.
Automation of bulk milk tank cleaning can enable the tank to be cleaned immediately after emptying, reducing the risk of milk residues settling on the tank surfaces, and so limiting the opportunity for bacterial growth.
The benefits of selecting the right cleaning system include:
Different methods of cleaning the bulk milk tank require varying labour inputs and offer varying scope for automation.
Manual cleaning involves cleaning of the bulk milk tank using buckets and brushes. It is limited to small lidded tanks because good access to all internal surfaces is needed.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Manual cleaning in place (CIP) involves the fitting of a spray ball or similar device at the top of a bulk milk tank.
The spray ball distributes cleaning solutions to all internal surfaces. Pump sizes, spray ball design and water volumes need to be matched to provide good cleaning.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Limited contact time of detergents if the water is not recirculated.
Optionally, automatic cleaning in place (CIP) has distinct advantages, and some disadvantages.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Do your homework
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