get the following FAQ emailed to you, right now.

1. Where is the best location for a Sentinel Vacuum Controller?

For best performance, Sentinel Vacuum Controllers should be located:

  • as close to the milk trap, as possible, in a milking vacuum system or

  • as close to the system to be regulated in other types of applications.

2. When should I change the Top Dome Filter?

If removing the Top Dome Filter changes the vacuum more than 1/2 inch Hg, then the Top Dome Filter should be replaced.

3. Do I use the Filter Gauge and paper filter when I install a Sentinel Peacekeeper on either a Model 100, Model 350 or Model 500 Sentinel Vacuum Controller?

No.  When a Peacekeeper is installed on the above units, the Filter Gauge and paper filter (AP-58 or AP-107) are not used.

4.  Where can I purchase printer ribbons for my Digimet Printer?

The Digimet Printer uses an Epson HX-20 cartridge ribbon. Ask your STAPLES customer service representative for the following part number, EPS-H00CRBB.

5.  How can I make my vacuum system more efficient?

Several things can be done to make your vacuum system more efficient.  First, the vacuum controller should be properly and periodically maintained.  Second, the vacuum controller should be properly placed in the system.  If the controller is placed too far away from the milk trap or too far from the system which is to be regulated, then the controller may not respond properly to vacuum fluctuations.  Third, the vacuum pump should be the proper size for the system.

6.  How much quieter will a Peacekeeper make my Sentinel?

The Sentinel Peacekeeper will cut up to 15 decibels off your present noise level created by the Sentinel.

7.  Do I need to adjust the Sentinel Relief Valves?

Although the Sentinel Relief Valves (348-17 and RV-463) are set at the factory, they must be readjusted on the system that they are intended to be used on. This can simply be done by turning the inside screw-clockwise to increase the release point, counterclockwise to lower the release point.

8.  My Sentinel Relief Valve seems to leak some air, should this be happening?

The Sentinel Relief Valves will leak approximately 1 CFM in the closed state. This condition is inherent with spring-controlled valves utilizing a hard seal and is in no way detrimental to the performance of the system.   To the contrary, it provides a positive indication that the Relief Valve will perform properly if and when it is needed.

9. Is it important to put silicone sealant around the diaphragm bolt and retainer on the Model 350/500/100?

Yes. When replacing the diaphragm retainer (348-10) in the Model 350/500, first place a small amount of silicone sealant on the bottom edge of the retainer where it contacts the diaphragm back-up plate (348-16). Place a small amount of silicone sealant on the threads of the diaphragm bolt (348-30) and screw into the top of the shaft. On the Model 100 place just a small portion of sealant in order to seal the shoulder of the diaphragm bolt (353-10) to the back-up plate (353-07).

10. My vacuum controller seems to be oscillating.

To begin with, you need to determine whether or not it is truly oscillating. The best way to do that is turn the vacuum system on and leave the pulsators off. Now, open up a milk valve for about 1 or 2 seconds, then close the milk valve. If the controller is truly oscillating then the controller will take 15 to 30 seconds to settle down. If the controller responds to the leak quickly and maintains the set vacuum level then it is probably not oscillating. If the pulsators are running it is difficult to determine whether the controller is oscillating because the pulsation will cause the vacuum controller to operate by closing and opening, as it should and this movement might be misinterpreted as oscillation.

If it is oscillating then the first thing to do and in most cases the main reason for the oscillation is that the Mark II is not mounted on a two inch elbow or the Model 350/500 is mounted on something larger than a 3 inch elbow. It is important to have an elbow as mentioned above for the individual vacuum controllers in order that some back pressure is created and doesn't allow the controller to be too sensitive and thus oscillate.

The correct mounting procedures will be found in your parts and maintenance manual. But as a rule-of-thumb, always have a two inch 90 degree elbow at least 3 to 6 inches from the bottom of the Mark II and a three inch 90 degree elbow at least 3 to 6 inches from the bottom of the Model 350/500 Sentinel Vacuum Controller. 

11. Do the relief valves, 348-17 or RV-463, need to be set on a given system? I thought they were factory preset.

While it is true the relief valves are set at the factory it is dependant on the CFM of the vacuum system, so each relief valve should be set when put onto any vacuum system. The screw on the inside is turned clockwise to increase the release point and counter-clockwise to lower the release point.

12. What is the proper orientation of the poppet push-pin (406-07) and the rolling seal (406-14) when trying to assemble the two pieces properly?

Well, let's start with both parts:

The above rolling seal (406-14) is sitting on a table with what is called a square bead evident on the inside lip at the top of the seal. Now, let's look at the poppet push-pin below...

The next step is to insert the poppet push-pin (406-07) into the rolling seal (406-14) entering the rolling seal at the opposite end from the square bead. The square bead of the rolling seal will fit into the groove in the blue plastic part of the poppet push-pin, above. The result should look like the picture below:

13. Now that the poppet push-pin (406-07) and the rolling seal (406-14) are together properly, how is this assembly inserted into the flow ring (406-04L)?

First, the rolling seal (406-14) which is attached to the poppet push-pin must be flipped upwards like an umbrella that gets caught in a wind storm. Look below:

The above assembly now can be inserted into the flow ring (406-04L) and the square bead of the rolling seal which is now on the outside will fit the square cut out of the inside edge of the flow ring. See below:

Finally, the assembly should look as shown below:

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 Copyright© 2008 Western Dairy Research, Inc. All rights reserved. Revised: October 7, 2008