Working Principle And Core Components Of Milking Machinery

Milking equipment uses a vacuum device to simulate the sucking action of a calf, drawing out milk. Since mechanical milking replaced manual milking in the 19th century, milking equipment has gradually developed towards automation and intelligence, mainly going through six stages: manual cup-operated mechanical milking, manual cup-operated electrically controlled milking, manual cup-operated electronically controlled milking, cow data-assisted milking, cow data-driven intelligent milking, and robotic milking (automatic cup-operated).

A milking machine consists of a milk cup, a pulsator, and a milk collector. There are two-cycle and three-cycle milking cycles.

According to the ISO 6690 standard, pulsator performance is a key item in equipment testing, with important indicators including pulsation frequency and pulsation ratio. The standard requires that the pulsation frequency variation range be within ±5% (times/min) of the set value, and the pulsation ratio variation range be within ±5% of the set value. Simultaneously, the value of item B cannot be lower than 30%, the value of item D cannot be lower than 15%, and the pulsation asymmetry should be less than 5%. [12] The vacuum device provides a stable vacuum level to the milking machine to generate a suction effect. It consists of a vacuum pump, vacuum tank, vacuum regulator, vacuum instruments, and vacuum conduits.

The factors affecting the performance of milking equipment are vacuum level, pulsation frequency, and cycle ratio. The required vacuum level for milking is stable within the range of 43–53 kPa, with fluctuations not exceeding 2.5–4 kPa. Modern research and field experience show that at peak milking flow, the average working vacuum of the milk liner is 32–42 kPa, which ensures that most cows can be milked quickly, gently, and completely.

To ensure stable performance of milking equipment, protect the health of cows, and guarantee milk quality, milking equipment is generally tested periodically according to the ISO 6690 standard internationally. The test items cover more than ten aspects, including the vacuum system, pulsator performance, and the sealing of various connection points. Through system testing and maintenance, the normal and efficient operation of the milking equipment can be guaranteed.