Bulk tank service technicians are telling me many bulk tanks are under big pressure now that cows are at peak production. They are very busy dealing with call-outs. The most common issue is insufficiently sized compressors for the amount of milk being cooled. The result is they are running for longer and motors and switches are getting burned out. They say the root of the problem is that insufficient electrical load with single-phase electricity is limiting the size of the compressors that can be installed. Long term, three-phase electricity should be considered, as this allows for larger loads, more capable of cooling milk efficiently, and extends the life of motors. Short term, using chillers will help to lower temperature before going into the tank. Plate coolers should be appropriately sized and operated with chilled water and not stored water.

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Dairy management notes: Profit monitor results