Pipeline/valve Systems for Flushing Dairies

Valves are usually used in conjunction with large water-tower storage structures. Large pipes carry water from the storage tower to the flush gutter. Valves are used at appropriate locations in the pipeline to control flush water flow to individual gutters. Figure 1 is a schematic layout of a flush system using storage towers, pipelines and valves to flush several gutters. Use of multiple, interconnected storage towers provides more storage volume, and allows feeding of the pipeline from both ends to increase flow rate through individual valves. Advantages of tower/pipeline/valve systems include: • An ability to flush several gutters with one or two tanks; • Relatively high pressure heads are available with tall storage towers; • Flush volume can be varied depending on valveopen time, large flush volumes can be stored in the towers; • Valves can be rigged for automatic control. Disadvantages of the tower/pipeline/valve system include: • The amount of excavation involved; • The handling and installation of large diameter pipes; • Valves will require some maintenance. Storage towers are often recycled industrial steel tanks (fuel, petroleum, etc.), 25 feet or taller and 8 to 10 feet in diameter. The relatively large depth of such tanks provides the pressure head needed for adequate discharge rates in the pipeline/valve system.