Freezing Pulsators

cathalmac

As the title suggests we have problems with the pulsators and the cold weather. Any ideas/tips on how to keep them working?

Thanks in Advance!

bbam

what sort of system?

whelan1

we are leaving a superser on all night in parlour and have a fan heater , our problem is the big receiver jar at the top of parlour:mad: could you put a jumper over each of the pulsators

bbam

Covering pulsators is probably the best bet but with these temps you really need a heat source near by, I've seen standard bulbs (150w which I dont think you can get any more) and heat lamps rigged up close by to some success.. Also if they're old Alfa pulsators they have antifreeze in them, this may need replacing or worse it may have been replaced by standard water in the past which is a total killer in frost..
If it's a pneumatic relay type system make sure the plastic lines from the master to the relays has no condensation in it, they often have and this will freeze very easy, even inside relays above the diaphram can hold enough water to freeze and stop them...

@ Whelan1
Receiver jars are the typical problem... I've seen lots of things tried but no real winner.. I think I'd be trying something like this near the lid to keep the jar warm enough not to freeze..
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Reptile-Vivarium-Propagator-Heat-Cables-25W-5-metre-/400104693329
I'm sure if it was fitted tight enough with enough contact it would heat the receiver... Not having it on during milking of course, just between.

cathalmac

bbam wrote: »

Covering pulsators is probably the best bet but with these temps you really need a heat source near by, I've seen standard bulbs (150w which I dont think you can get any more) and heat lamps rigged up close by to some success.. Also if they're old Alfa pulsators they have antifreeze in them, this may need replacing or worse it may have been replaced by standard water in the past which is a total killer in frost..
If it's a pneumatic relay type system make sure the plastic lines from the master to the relays has no condensation in it, they often have and this will freeze very easy, even inside relays above the diaphram can hold enough water to freeze and stop them...

@ Whelan1
Receiver jars are the typical problem... I've seen lots of things tried but no real winner.. I think I'd be trying something like this near the lid to keep the jar warm enough not to freeze..
http://cgi.ebay.ie/Reptile-Vivarium-Propagator-Heat-Cables-25W-5-metre-/400104693329
I'm sure if it was fitted tight enough with enough contact it would heat the receiver... Not having it on during milking of course, just between.

Yeah I'm working with pneumatic pulsators. A right pain in this weather. thanks for the tips. Trying to keep them covered alright. Used a hairdryer this morning to get warm air around them. Seemed to work well for me!

centre 13

Lever valve top of vacuum line..pour in 3 or 4 litres of hot water at start of milking..guaranteed..we have nz parlour with no walls etc.