Getting the pulsation settings right is essential for milking liners to perform at their best. With Silclear silicone liners and shells, correct pulsation ensures smooth milk flow, healthy teat condition and consistent results in the parlour. While many systems run efficiently without adjustment, fine-tuning pulsation settings can make all the difference when optimising liner performance.
If cows are milking out slowly, or if flow seems inconsistent, pulsation settings are often the key. This guide explains why pulsation matters, how to test it and what to look for when fine-tuning your system. (Download the PDF guide)
Static vs Dynamic Testing
When parlours are serviced, engineers typically carry out a static test (a ‘dry’ check of the equipment with no milk running through the system). This test is useful for confirming basic setup, but it doesn’t reflect the conditions during actual milking.
For a true picture, a dynamic test is needed. This measures vacuum and pulsation while cows are being milked, showing how the system behaves under real conditions. The results of a dynamic test are especially valuable when optimising Silclear liners and shells.
Understanding Pulsation
Pulsation controls the opening and closing of the liner around the teat. The balance of these phases directly affects cow comfort, milking speed and liner performance.
During a dynamic test, engineers look at the pulsation graph showing the A, B, C, and D phases, alongside vacuum readings. For Silclear liners, the collapse force is approximately 7 kPa when new and 5 kPa after some use, and this figure should be entered into the tester before starting.
General Guide to Optimum Ranges
While values can vary between parlours, the following ranges are a useful guide when testing with Silclear liners:
- Pulsations per minute (PPM): 50–65
- Milk % : 500–750 ms (lower = too slow, higher = too aggressive)
- Rest % : 200–350 ms
- A phase: 120–180 ms
- B phase: 450–500 ms
- C phase: 150 ms
- D phase: 240 ms
- Teat end vacuum: 37–44 kPa
- Pulse line vacuum: 0–10 kPa above teat end vacuum level
These figures provide a benchmark. The key is not just hitting the numbers, but ensuring stable vacuum levels and smooth liner action.
Resolving Liner Slip and Flow Issues
- Liner slip from the cow
- Often linked to instability in teat-end vacuum.
- Dynamic testing helps identify the cause so the setup can be corrected.
- Liner slipping from the claw
- Usually a sizing or cleaning issue.
- GRIPPAs or liner sleeves can resolve sizing mismatches.
- Fat and grease build-up can reduce adhesion. Reconditioning the silicone and reviewing cleaning routines will restore grip.
Find out more – Switching to Silclear Silicone Liners & Shells: Guidance for a Smooth Transition
Why Pulsation Matters
Correct pulsation is central to:
- Smooth, efficient milk flow.
- Healthy teat condition with less stress on the udder.
- Long-term liner performance and cow comfort.
By ensuring pulsation settings are properly optimised, farmers can unlock the full benefits of Silclear silicone liners; gentle, efficient milking that improves herd welfare and supports a consistent routine.
Further Guidance
For practical advice on fit, vacuum and helping cows adapt, see: Switching to Silclear Silicone Liners & Shells: Guidance for a Smooth Transition.
If you would like further support, Silclear’s team is always available to provide advice. Contact us at info@silclear.com or +44 (0)1425 610700.
