Upgrade milking equipment

[Craig M]

My current vacuum pump for my 20:20 Herringbone parlour is failing and has failed the vacuum tests and has a poor reserve. Dairy engineer can swap like for like for £1700 parts and fitting, or they have a second hand DVP 2300 Variable Speed Vacuum pump, yes this a bigger pump than I need, also would need an inverter as I'm only split phase, total cost of parts and fitting is £7,680 big difference in price. I'm wanting to know is it worth the upgrade and extra cost, I know it will save electric, reduced noise and maintenance costs, would it have any effect on milking or cooling performance. Also if ever upgraded to a larger parlour ill have the pump to do it.

I also asked for a price of a variable milk pump, this came in at £3,207.50 including parts and fitting. The dairy engineer recommended this the best option to save electric and improve cooling of the milk. Would like to know of any thoughts or other suggestions of what route I should take.

Look forward to hearing any suggestions thanks

 

[Case895]

Variable speed will only save money and make less noise. It won't change performance or milking times. If your milking is taking a long time it may be a good investment.
I don't see much point in variable speed milk pumps unless you milk pump is running constantly. With the amount of time mine is running I wouldn't think it would be a paying investment

 

[vantage]

My current vacuum pump for my 20:20 Herringbone parlour is failing and has failed the vacuum tests and has a poor reserve. Dairy engineer can swap like for like for £1700 parts and fitting, or they have a second hand DVP 2300 Variable Speed Vacuum pump, yes this a bigger pump than I need, also would need an inverter as I'm only split phase, total cost of parts and fitting is £7,680 big difference in price. I'm wanting to know is it worth the upgrade and extra cost, I know it will save electric, reduced noise and maintenance costs, would it have any effect on milking or cooling performance. Also if ever upgraded to a larger parlour ill have the pump to do it.

I also asked for a price of a variable milk pump, this came in at £3,207.50 including parts and fitting. The dairy engineer recommended this the best option to save electric and improve cooling of the milk. Would like to know of any thoughts or other suggestions of what route I should take.

Look forward to hearing any suggestions thanks

It’s unfortunate you don’t have 3 phase as it makes things easier and cheaper.
The milk pump will definitely save electricity and reduce the need for the tank to run so much. Don’t know the payback in your situation.
The vacuum pump looks strong money, probably because you’ll need an inverter to run it.

 

[vantage]

Variable speed will only save money and make less noise. It won't change performance or milking times. If your milking is taking a long time it may be a good investment.
I don't see much point in variable speed milk pumps unless you milk pump is running constantly. With the amount of time mine is running I wouldn't think it would be a paying investment

The point of a variable speed milk pump IS that it runs constantly, at a rate just enough to keep the receiver from over flowing, but pushing milk slowly and continuously through the plate cooler to maximise its cooling efficiency.

 

[jimmer]

New set of veins in pump be a lot cheaper
I apparently don't have enough reserve vacuum but have no milking issues, so if it ain't broke.....

 

[frederick]

New set of veins in pump be a lot cheaper
I apparently don't have enough reserve vacuum but have no milking issues, so if it ain't broke.....

Bulk of reserve is required for washing not milking.

 

[crashbox]

Do the maths on heat recovery, might save you more than changing to variable pumps.

Reliable too.

 

[jimmer]

Bulk of reserve is required for washing not milking.

That's what they say
Not what I need though