Simulating the Influence of a Flow-Through Device for Milk Quality Analysis on The Flow Rate in the Milking Machine

Abstract

The development of dairy farming proves to require technologies for rapid and non-destructive analysis of milk quality. It is noted that optical methods do not negatively affect dairy products. It is noted that farms may get the desired technology by upgrading milking machines with a flow-through device for milk quality express analysis. (Research purpose) To study the effect of upgrading the milking machine with a flow-through device for milk quality express analysis on the flow of the milk-air mixture in the milk hose. (Materials and methods) For this purpose the SolidWorks simulation modeling was used. Both the developed device and the simulation model are made in cylindrical geometry to ensure their compatibility with the milk hoses of 14 millimeters in diameter.  The measurement took into account the angular distribution of light scattered by milk flowing inside an optically transparent cylindrical glass tube. The flow of the milk-air mixture was affected only by a change in the inner diameter of the milk tubes. (Results and discussion) It is noted that the simulation model demonstrates an increase in the flow rate of the milk-air mixture in the areas of flow transition between the milk hose and the fitting (to a smaller internal diameter), as well as between the fitting and the measuring chamber of the device (to a larger internal diameter). The mirror result is recorded at the flow outlet from the measuring chamber to the nozzle and the transition from the nozzle to the milk hose. (Conclusions) It is found that the use of the device results in a 14 percent increase in the average flow rate of 0.3-0.7 meters per second. It is determined that due to the incomplete filling of the milk hose during milking, the difference in the flow rates of the milk-air mixture before and when applying the device does not have any adverse impact on the milking machine operation. The feasibility of upgrading the milking machine with a flow-through device for milk quality express analysis is proved.