Popular images of dairy farming include bucolic green pastures and farmers rising at the crack of dawn to milk a trusted old heifer into a tin bucket. In reality, the vast majority of today’s dairy farming is as modern and industrialized as any other. That means dairy farmers need the right tools and the right technology to meet demand and stay competitive.
One essential set of tools for milking equipment and other dairy processing machines are float switches and other liquid level sensors. Keep reading to learn more.
Flow Sensors and Liquid Level Sensors for Automatic Milking Machines
Modern dairy farming is made possible largely by automated milking systems, which use robotic controls to maximize milk yield and efficiency while safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of cows. This involves flow level meters, to accurately measure the rate at which milk is being produced, as well as level sensors for storage tanks.
Without functional sensors, injurious strain could be put on cows being milked too fast. Alternately, milking that is too slow could result in cow discomfort and lost production for the farmer. Level sensors and float switches can prevent spillage and detect leaks by facilitating high-level cut-off and low-level alarm functions.
Liquid Level and Temperature Sensors for Milk Storage Tanks
On a more macro level, bulk milk storage tanks must be safeguarded against the same risks: leakage and overflow. Either vertically or horizontally mounted float switches can provide reliable low-level or high-level milk detection in large storage tanks. This protects both milk and the equipment that stores it.
In many (if not most) instances, milk stored in bulk tanks must also be kept at a specific temperature for sanitary reasons. In such a case, dual-function level and temperature sensors are an ideal 
solution, minimizing tank intrusion while serving two or more necessary functions.
Milking and Dairy Processing Equipment Sensors from SMD Fluid Controls
SMD Fluid Controls, a leader in the design and manufacture of float switches and other sensors, offers many standard sensors ideal for the dairy industry.
The FS21 vertically-mounted stainless steel float switch is available in both normally open and normally closed configurations for high-level or low-level detection, and is capable of withstanding high heat or washdown conditions.
The FM22 offers similar functionality, but has an integrated temperature sensor to combine functions within a streamlined, minimally invasive unit. For applications where only temperature sensing is called for, the FT20 custom temperature switch offers unrivaled quality and durability.