SteadyFlow measures liquid milk by mass as it moves into a tanker truck from either a direct-load application or a storage-based system. It records the transferred quantity, supports a documented loadout process, and can operate independently or integrate with an existing barn control system.
What Does NTEP Certification Mean for SteadyFlow?
For milk and other food products, NIST Handbook 44, Section 3.37 places mass flow meter applications in Accuracy Class 0.3. Table T.2 lists a 0.2% acceptance tolerance, a 0.3% maintenance tolerance, and a 0.5% special tolerance for this class.
During SteadyFlow's evaluation, testing included multiple load sizes, varying flow rates, at least seven repeatable loads, and a recorded physical or digital representation for each transferred load. The system demonstrated compliance with the required tolerance and repeatability standards.
This type evaluation provides an important basis for dairy custody transfer applications. It does not replace correct installation, commissioning, ongoing verification, or any additional state or local weights and measures requirements.
How Does SteadyFlow Measure a Milk Load?
- Milk is cooled. After collection, milk is cooled before storage or direct transfer.
- The transfer begins. Milk moves from a direct-load line, tank, or silo toward the transport trailer.
- SteadyFlow measures the load. The mass flow meter system captures the quantity transferred during loadout.
- The system records key information. Depending on the configured scope, SteadyFlow can support temperature monitoring, inline sampling, reporting, production metrics, and alarms for variables outside acceptable ranges.
- A load record is generated. At the end of the transfer, the system prints or generates a ticket for the driver and the operation's records.
What Operational Problems Does SteadyFlow Address?
- Custody transfer confidence: NTEP type evaluation supports the measurement requirements used in commercial transactions.
- Load quantity visibility: Accurate total measurement helps operators confirm when a trailer has received the intended load.
- Faster truck turnaround: A streamlined transfer and ticketing process can help reduce time between loads.
- Reduced dependence on vehicle-scale differences: Inline mass measurement gives operations an alternative to determining milk quantity only from truck-scale weights, which can be affected by external conditions such as snow or heavy rain.
- Consistent load records: Physical or digital tickets support traceability for each completed transfer.
- One control location: When integrated with a larger system, operators can view loadout information, alarms, and related barn controls through one centralized interface.
"SteadyFlow represents more than an accurate custody transfer system," said Dave Baxter, vice president of business development, Engineered Solutions, at Relevant Solutions. "It gives dairy producers a modern, fully integrated solution that simplifies operations, improves visibility, and provides the confidence that every load is measured accurately."
How Can SteadyFlow Fit Existing Dairy Automation?
Depending on the project scope, integrated capabilities can include remote access, reporting, production metrics, temperature monitoring, and real-time alarm notifications. Greater visibility into transferred volumes and operating conditions can also support milk pickup planning. We can customize the controls and operator interface around your dairy's existing equipment, operating practices, and support needs.
Who Is SteadyFlow Designed For?
- Dairy farm owners and managers
- Dairy operators and production teams
- Dairy service providers and equipment suppliers
- Milk distributors and cooperatives
- Milk processing facilities
- Direct-load and storage-based dairy operations
How Is SteadyFlow Installed, Commissioned, and Maintained?
The primary metrology-related maintenance need is meter verification and calibration when the system is found outside specification. Actual inspection, verification, and maintenance requirements may vary by installation, operating conditions, certificate terms, and the applicable state or local authority.
Frequently Asked Questions About SteadyFlow
What is SteadyFlow?
SteadyFlow is a milk mass flow meter system that measures the quantity of milk transferred into a transport trailer. It can support direct-load applications and transfers from tanks or silos, and it generates a recorded load ticket when the transfer is complete.
What is an NTEP Certificate of Conformance?
An NTEP Certificate of Conformance is issued by the National Council on Weights and Measures after successful evaluation of a commercial weighing or measuring device. It indicates that the device configuration described in the certificate is capable of meeting applicable NIST Handbook 44 requirements. SteadyFlow's Certificate of Conformance is No. 26-061.
Why is NTEP certification important for dairy custody transfer?
Dairy custody transfer uses a measured quantity to support a commercial transaction between a producer, hauler, cooperative, processor, or other party. NTEP evaluation provides a recognized basis for determining whether the certified system is capable of meeting the applicable commercial measurement requirements.
Does NTEP certification replace state or local approval?
No. NTEP certification confirms the type evaluation of the device configuration described in the certificate. State or local weights and measures authorities may still require field inspection, installation approval, verification, sealing, or other steps before the system is used in trade.
What accuracy tolerance applies to milk mass flow meters under Handbook 44?
NIST Handbook 44, Section 3.37, lists milk and other food products in Accuracy Class 0.3. The table specifies a 0.2% acceptance tolerance, a 0.3% maintenance tolerance, and a 0.5% special tolerance. The applicable tolerance depends on the type of test being performed.
Can SteadyFlow operate without an existing PLC system?
Yes. Our system can function independently when an existing PLC platform is not available. We can configure the operating environment around the needs of your dairy application.
Can SteadyFlow integrate with Allen-Bradley or Rockwell Automation controls?
Yes. We can integrate SteadyFlow with an existing barn control system or a broader Allen-Bradley or Rockwell Automation PLC and HMI platform. Depending on project scope, the integration can include remote access, reporting, metrics, temperature monitoring, alarm notifications, and visibility that supports milk pickup planning.
What maintenance does SteadyFlow require?
The primary metrology-related maintenance is verification and calibration if the system is found outside specification. Maintenance needs also depend on installation conditions, operating practices, component requirements, and local weights and measures rules.
Talk With Us About SteadyFlow
Contact our team to discuss your dairy process, integration requirements, commissioning plan, and long-term support needs
