The benefits of selecting the right cleaning system include:
- Increased milking efficiency: installing a well designed system will ensure efficient operation.
- Reduced costs: installing the right system will keep operating costs to a minimum.
Automation of the cleaning process can be advantageous as it provides consistency of operation, eliminates human error, and prevents health and safety issues associated with handling strong chemicals and hot water.
If the cleaning process is automated the operator needs to periodically check the automation to ensure the plant is cleaning properly.
Machine cleaning requirements
An easy-to-operate method of cleaning the pit and milking platform is essential. Some larger dairies are installing automatic washing systems on their milking platforms. This is especially useful if the dairy is used for long periods of time.
Bulk milk tank cleaning systems
Automation of bulk milk tank cleaning can enable the tank to be cleaned immediately after emptying, reducing the risk of milk residues setting on the tank surfaces, and therefore limiting the opportunity for bacterial growth.
Different methods of cleaning the bulk milk tank require varying labour inputs and offer varying scope for automation.
Summary:
- Check that your machine cleaning routine suits the system.
- Check the milk dockets and if any bacterial alerts/grades show on the docket then complete a full plant/vat inspection.
- Perform a monthly check on your machine cleaning system to make sure it is working correctly.
- Use any spare time while the wash is going through to:
- Check that all of the clusters have water going through them.
- Check the wash line injector or flushing pulsator is working (you should be able to see turbulence in the receiving can).
- Time the recycle time of the alkaline washes on the plant and vat and ensure the washes are being recycled for at least 5mins.
- Check initial hot water wash temps are 80-85°C in the tub and when recycling the wash solution ensure it is dumped before it reaches 55°C.
- Check that the chiller in the milk silo is on and working.
- Hose the dairy and yard areas.
- Update animal health records and transfer any information from whiteboards etc.
- Plan the effluent irrigator runs and update records
- When installing a system consider the costs involved and the labour input required.
- Beware: bulk milk tank cleaning requires the use of concentrated chemicals and/or large volumes of hot water. Health and safety issues arise from this practice. Many tanks are ‘confined spaces’ and entering them can have fatal consequences from asphyxiation. Always remove the silo door when you enter.
- Never stand in a confined space where acid and alkaline cleaners mix e.g. at the bottom of the bulk milk tank.