INTERNAL ROTARY

Introduction

The Internal Rotary is when the milking operator is on inside of the rotating platform to put cups on and remove from udders. The cows face outwards and when finished milking can walk frontward off the platform in the direction of the dairy exit - as in a herringbone set-up.

See Rotary Systems for a general description of both external and internal rotary systems.

Key benefits of the Internal Rotary are:

• all cup clusters visible to the operator;

• this dairy system system can be operated by one person with automatic cup removers installed;

• construction cost per bail is usually less than a similar External Rotary because there is no need for a drench platform or stainless steel skirt around the platform perimeter.

Dairy Tech's design has distinctive standout features, as described below:

Quick notes:

• Bail angle allows higher percentage of cows on the available platform area;

• quiet operation due to concrete platform on nylon rollers;

• strength and durability - concrete over steel.

Deck

The platform of 40MPA (industrial strength) concrete averages 100mm thick and its construction and shape make it extremely strong. It is broom finished to provide a non-slip surface and shaped so that an outwards slope takes water and waste away from the operator and allows for easier cleaning. The platform is engineered and poured on top of boxing sheets in situ (in place).

Bails

 The bails are made of hot-dip galvanised steel pipe, as are the RHS steel posts also manufactured by Dairy Tech. The angle of the bails relative to the platform allows for a higher percentage of cows on the available platform area. An overhead bail wash system is part of the standard set-up .

Pipework

The perimeter has a fixed breast rail supported from the floor while a fixed head rail is supported from the roof.

Support for platform

Nylon rollers especially manufactured to Dairy Tech specifications allow for high impact forces ... quietly.

Platform Rotation

Rotation is set clockwise or anticlockwise to suit the building site and required cow flow. The platform drive unit is provided by one to three electric motors depending on platform size.  A dual or triple motor system offers back-up to keep the platform operating should a single motor fail.

Access

Access for the operator to the 'pit' is either by walking between the bails and across the platform or through an optional under-platform walkway.

The cows’ access to a bail and positioning is similar to a herringbone layout. The cows walk into the bail by taking two or three steps sideways and do not have to back out to exit - they walk forward towards a controlled exit gate.

Safety

An emergency stop button is beside the operator on the console. Dairy Tech adheres rigidly to OSH requirements such as the gap tolerance between the bail and perimeter rail and other structure clearances. Dairy Tech has made industry representations and consulted in detail with OSH to ensure workable regulations and guidelines that effectively provide for a safe environment for dairy operators, visitors and livestock.

Console

A stainless steel waterproof console has platform forward, stop and reverse buttons, a speed control button, drafting gate buttons and automation options when fitted.

Gate entry and exit

Dairy Tech designed the twice-round arm the can be pneumatically raised and lowered to keep a cow on the platform for a repeat round. The operator also controls from the central console an arm to stop a particular cow entering any bail.

Options

Automatic cup removers, individual animal ID electronic tag or collar reader, leg spreaders, access gallery, drench boom systems, cup wash sprays and additional water points, teat spray systems at exit race and other efficiency aids are available.

UPGRADES - INTERNAL

Platform upgrades apply to internal dairy rotary platforms and a common upgrade is to replace a steel platform with Dairy Tech's own design of concrete platform.

Common reasons to upgrade are:

• to install a larger platform for a bigger herd;

• to save on the cost of replacing the whole dairy;

• to replace a platform at the end of its economic life.

Upgrade options do depend on existing facilities, such as whether the dairy building is big enough in area. Upgrades that allow for a realignment of bails can accommodate more cows - about 22% more cows on average - without having to install a bigger platform.

Dairy Tech upgrades offer reliability, a  maintenance service and a platform design allowing more bails than other rotaries of similar size.

Dairy Tech upgrades usually extend to the whole dairy system, including drive motors, milking machinery and plant without being tied to any brand.

Automation is also an option if new cables can be run through the existing dairy.

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