What do high-tech membranes from Schreiner ProTech that are normally used in the automotive industry etc. have to do with fresh milk? Nothing, at first glance, but an application example from Switzerland shows where proper pressure compensation is crucial even in a cow barn.

WMB AG in Balgach (Switzerland) is the global leader in the development and production of milk meters. Their portable devices called LactoCorders measure various parameters such as milk flow, quantity, and temperature. These small meters are used with herds of cattle around the world—from the United States to Asia to Europe—helping to ensure precise data acquisition in the dairy farming sector. “LactoCorders provide essential data for analyzing animal health. For instance, they can identify inflammatory markers enabling fast responses to treat the animal,” explains Dr. Ansgar Andryani, product manager at WMB AG. “Another thing that plays an important role for our customers is the easy and, above all, reliable use of our devices.”

Among other things, the integration of a Pressure Compensation Seal (PCS) from Schreiner ProTech ensures perfect performance of the LactoCorders during the milking process. “Our Pressure Compensation Seal,” says Adrian Marggraf, the product manager for Pressure Compensation Seals at Schreiner ProTech, “has an oleophobic coating with a fluid-repelling effect while continuing to ensure venting of the membrane. In this specific case, the ingress of milk must be prevented that might damage the sensitive electronics inside the device.” Unfortunately, milk packs a punch not only in terms of calories: “If milk gets onto an oleophilic membrane the membrane will immediately become saturated. Neither must the milk be allowed to start drying because the lactose will cause the liquid to adhere to truly any structure and cause everything to stick together, inevitably leading to failure of the device,” adds Dr. Ansgar Andryani.

However, thanks to this knowledge, a special component inside the LactoCorder, and the Pressure Compensation Seal, customers can trust the reliability of the milk meters. Precision measuring technology from Switzerland paired with high-tech membranes from Oberschleissheim: this combination ensures that animal welfare and technology go hand in hand during the milking process.