Flood Wash - Riser Systems

Description

Water delivered from large tank to risers placed at the top of the slope. Require large water volumes so need to re-use water.

Require 500L per metre width of yard. Design pipe sizes and placement, slope of yard important (see links). Can be retrofitted into existing yard but can be disruptive to cows entering the dairy whilst the yards are modified. 

Tips on Getting the Best Result

Need high head on water to get enough water out to form a wave. Fix grates over riser holes to prevent them becoming dislodged. 

Pros and Cons

Distributes water more evenly over yard width than with tank systems. Takes no time.Requires a single sloped yard and high capacity drainage and sump. Also requires manual / mechanical scraping of manure pads prior to washing and is difficult to reduce amount of water used when yard is relatively clean – still need sufficient volume to effect a good clean. 

Issues in Making it Happen

Labour

OH&S risks of releasing large volumes of wash water.

Environment

Effluent system needs to cope with large volumes of waste generated in a short time.