PLANNING OF THE TEST-ROOM AT DAIRY FACTORIES.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XL, Issue 6, 20 June 1930, Page 391

PLANNING OF THE TEST-ROOM AT DAIRY FACTORIES.

G. R. B. Boswell,

Testing Inspector, Dairy Division,

The writer has noticed in the course of his official travelling that in quite a number of comparatively new factories little thought has been given to the position or convenience of the test-room, especially to its lay-out. In the case of cheese-factories the tester has been placed on the open stage without hot or cold water nearer than the making-room," and where the operator has no control over temperatures, &c. In other cases the test-room has little or no drainage or is in conjunction with the starter-room, which is also in a bad position.

All test-rooms should have a suitable bath installed to read the tests from. This should have a steam-inlet to regulate temperature, and an overflow 5f in. from the bottom to ensure that the bottles cannot be submerged. Testers should be on a solid foundation, level concrete being the most satisfactory. If the concrete block is recessed this will provide a suitable cool and convenient place in which to keep the jar of acid that is in use. All test-rooms should be provided with an abundance of light.

Testing being a very important phase of the factory routine, the operator should have a test-room that is conducive to accuracy with the minimum of inconvenience. In the case of butter - factories the test-room should be as far as possible from churns, engines, &c., owing to vibration retarding or interfering with the sensitiveness of the delicate cream scales. If possible it is advisable to detach the test-room from the main building. ' With test - rooms of this description the operators find it better to carry the samples a greater distance than have their work retarded by noise of can-steaming, vibration of machinery, and incoming and outgoing of staff. It is not desirable that test-rooms be in conjunction with store-rooms, offices, &c.

It has been common in the past to place the tester in the corner of the test - room. This should be discouraged, owing to the small steam-pipes and nipples having to be replaced periodically. This work is much easier when the tester is in a central position, and in most cases it would be in a better light.

A satisfactory lay - out for the test-room from left to right is : (i) Sample-heating tubs; (2) scales; (3) burette for acid ; (4) tester (central position) ; (5) hot-water bath ; (6) washing-up tub, and rack for wet bottles. Composite sample-bottles,. after washing, can be stored on shelf under bench away from light and in a cool position.