VACUUM PROCEDURES

FARM NAME : .
DATE: .
Page # 1

SYSTEM VACUUM :
 There are multiple location to assure the overall system vacuum level. The object is to determine if the
inches of mercury ( Hg ) is stable and consistent. Regardless of the number of readings taken, there
should be NO MORE than 0.6” difference + or – in any of the tested locations. The number of test ports
required will differ from parlor to parlor. For consistency, I suggest installing the same style of test port
at each location. The following locations are suggested;
1) The vacuum pump inlet .
2) If there is a vacuum filter assembly in the system, before . and after .the filter chamber
3) At each moisture trap: #1: . #2: .
4) At the vacuum regulator location. .
5) At the farthest point of the vacuum system. This is normally at the far end of the pulsation line. This
may require to locations depending on the pulsation line plumbing. Location # 1: . # 2: .
 Are all locations within the preferred 0.6” Hg ? .
 NOTE : Post the idle HZ the RPM of the variable drive control if applicable. This information will be
used during the UNIT DROP TEST.
 SYSTEM IDLE HZ? . or RPM .

Observations / Recommendations :


UNIT DROP TEST:

 This procedure is designed to test for vacuum capacity, vacuum reserve, conventional vacuum regulator
or variable drive efficiency. This procedure is normally used in conjunction with using a flow meter to
determine vacuum cfm, true or effective reserve, etc. However, a considerable amount of time is
required along with precise test equipment.
 The procedure includes using the PtV and simulating milking machine fall off by allowing vacuum to
enter the claw, turning the claw upside down to assure full air entry, collecting / storing the data and
continuing to turn units upside down until the vacuum level falls to 0.5” below system vacuum level as
determined above.
 The suggested procedure is;
1) Attach to the test port and start PtV in the CONSTANT mode. Allow the data to be collected for near
10 seconds.
2) OPEN a unit on the opposite side of the parlor and turn upside down to allow for air entry into the
claw for near 10 seconds. ( simulated unit fall off )
3) Correct the loss by shutting the vacuum off.
4) Allow the vacuum to stabilize for near 10 seconds and stop / save the data collection. ( this allows the
system to return to the average system level. )
 If the VAC+ or VAC- is greater than 0.5” the test is concluded. If this is not the case, perform another
test as stated above except the number of units SIMULATING UNIT FALL OFF will be 2 rather than
1. Continue this procedure until the VAC+ or VAC- is greater than 0.5”
 The rule of thumb is if the parlor has
 32 units w/ 2 operator = 2 unit fall off minimum
 32+ units w/ 2+ operators = 3 unit fall off minimum
 VACUUM PROCEDURES
PAGE # 2

FARM NAME .
DATE: .

UNIT DROP TEST :

( CONTINUED )
 Results:
1) 1 UNIT DROP TEST VAC+ . VAC- .
Conventional regulation: Is air still entering regulator ? Y / N .
Variable drive: Hz ? 0 to 60 . RPM ? .

2) 2 UNIT DROP TEST VAC+ . VAC- .

Conventional regulation Is air still entering regulator ? Y / N .
Variable drive ; Hz 0 to 60 ? . RPM ? .

3) 3 UNIT DROP TEST VAC+ . VAC- .

Conventional regulator : Is air still entering regulator ? Y / N .
Variable drive : Hz 0 to 60 ? . RPM ? .

4) 4 UNIT DROP TEST VAC+ . VAC- .

Conventional regulation : Is air still entering regulator? Y / N .
Variable drive: Hz 0 to 60 ? . RPM? .

5) 5 UNIT DROP TEST VAC+ . VAC - .

Conventional regulation : Is air still entering regulator? Y / N .
Variable drive : Hz 0 to 60 ? . RPM? .

6) 6 UNIT DROP TEST VAC+ . VAC - .

Conventional regulation : Is air still entering the regulator? Y / N? .
Variable drive : Hz 0 to 60 ? . RPM? .

*** Perform as many unit drop test to make system fail. Document same information as above
For each unit dropped. ***

Observations / Recommendations
