Cow Mattress Comfort Mat, 40 mm, with HRC Top Cover
DLG-APPROVED: "Deformability/Elasticity, Permanent Tread Load, Acid resistance"
A test mark „DLG-APPROVED for individual criteria“ is awarded for agricultural products which have successfully fulfilled a scope-reduced usability testing conducted by DLG according to independent and recognized evaluation criteria. The test is intended to highlight particular innovations and key criteria of the test object. The test may contain criteria from the DLG test scope for overall tests, or focus on other value-determining characteristics and properties of the test subject. The minimum requirements, test conditions and procedures as well as the evaluation bases of the test results will be specified in consultation with an expert group of DLG. They correspond to the recognized rules of technology, as well as scientific and agricultural knowledge and requirements. The successful testing is concluded with the publication of a test report, as well as the awarding of the test mark which is valid for five years from the date of awarding.
The DLG Approved Test “Deformability/Elasticity, Permanent Tread Load, Acid resistance” includes technical measurements on test stands of the DLG Test Center. The deformability and elasticity, the acid resistance, were measured and a permanent tread load was applied. The test was based on the DLG Testing Framework for elastic stable flooring, current as at April 2010. Other criteria were not investigated.
Assessment – Brief Summary
The Promat cow matress 40 mm Comfort Mat and HRC Top Cover tested here, an elastic floor for cubicles in cubicle houses, was investigated with regard to durability and comfort properties on test stands in the DLG Approved Test. The deformability and elasticity, the acid resistance, were measured and a permanent tread load was applied.
Table 1: Overview of results
| Test characteristic | Test result | Evaluation* |
|---|---|---|
| Deformability and elasticity | ||
| – in new condition | 28.0 mm, very good | + + |
| – following endurance test | 25.2 mm, very good | + + |
| Permanent tread load | ||
| no lasting deformation | + + | |
| no noticeable wear | + | |
| Acid resistance* | ||
| Feed acid mixture | resistant | + |
| Uric acid | resistant | + |
| Sulfurous acid | resistant | + |
| Ammonia solution | resistant | + |
| Disinfection liquid | resistant | + |
| Peracetic acid | resistant | + |
The Product
Description and specifications
The Promat cow mattress Pasture Mat with 40 mm Comfortpad and HRC Top Cover tested here, ist an elastic floor for cubicles in cubicle houses, thickness approx. 41 mm
- black polypropylene mat, thickness approx. 6 mm
- upper without structure
- underside felt
- mattress underlay made of green-white PU foam, approx. 35 mm thick, coverd with plastic film as moisture banner
- seamless installation
The Method
Deformability and elasticity
The deformability is measured in new condition and following permanent tread load with a round steel foot (diameter of 105 mm and therefore a contact area of 75 cm²) and a penetration force of 2,000 N (corresponding to approx. 200 kg).
Permanent tread load
The permanent tread load is carried out on a test stand with a round steel foot in the standard test programme with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N (corresponding to approx. 1000 kg). The steel foot is adapted to the natural conditions as an “artificial cow foot”. The foot has a diameter of 105 mm and therefore a contact area of 75 cm²; the carrying edge of the hoof is simulated by a 5 mm wide ring on the periphery of the sole that projects 1 mm above the rest of the surface.
Acid resistance
A permanent dipping test in accordance to DIN EN ISO 175:2000 (performance of synthetic material against liquid chemicals) was carried out. Test samples (size 30 mm x 30 mm) were completely dipped into different test liquids for 24 hours and 28 days (room temperature 20° Celsius). In the 28 days test the liquids were changed weekly. After the 28 days the samples were washed with distillate water and dried for 24 hours.
Before and after the dipping the weight, the dimensions and the shore hardness (shore A) of the test samples were measured. Additional visual evaluation was done for alterations like colour changing, swelling, destruction or crystallisation. All samples were evaluated in comparison to the standard water.
The Test Results in Detail
Deformability and elasticity
In the ball penetration tests in new condition with a calotte (r = 120 mm), penetration depth was 28.0 mm. The resulting calculated bearing pressure of 9.5 N/cm² indicates a very low load on the carpal joints when lying down and getting up.
Elasticity was measured following a permanent tread load exerted by a steel foot (contact area: 75 cm²) with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N. Following the endurance test, the penetration depth of the calotte increased from 28.0 mm to 25.2 mm. The bearing pressure decreased from 9.5 N/cm² to 10.5 N/cm² (see Fig. 2). This means that deformability and elasticity slightly decrease.
Permanent tread load
No noticeable wear on the surface or the foam of the mat was observed following exposure to permanent tread load on a test stand with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N. No lasting deformation was observed.
Acid resistance
The cover mat was resistant against the used test liquids. The differences in weight, thickness and Shore A hardness between the acid treated and not acid treated samples were minor and lay in the range of water as standard. Against the used liquids the rubber mat seems to be good suited for the described use. The results of the acid resistance test are shown in table 2.
Table 2: Test liquids and results acid resistance
| Test liquid | Concentration | Result after 24 hours residence time | Result after 28 days residence time | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feed acid mixture | ||||
| concentrate, pH 2 | no changing | no changing | resistant | |
| Excrement acids | ||||
| Uric acid | saturated urea solution (0,4%) | no changing | no changing | resistant |
| Sulfurous acid | 5-6% SO2 | no changing | no changing | resistant |
| Ammonia solution | 32% solution | no changing | no changing | resistant |
| Disinfection liquid | ||||
| Barn Disinfection liquid | 2%-solution of a product with formic acid and glyoxyl acid | no changing | no changing | resistant |
| Peracetic acid | 3000 ppm | no changing | no changing | resistant |
Summary
Based on test-stand investigations, the criteria tested in this DLG Approved Test evaluate the comfort and durability properties of the Promat cow mattress 40 mm Comfort Mat and HRC Top Cover for use in the resting area of high cubicles in cubicle houses.
The tested cow mattress met the requirements of the Testing Framework with respect to the investigated criteria.
Applicant and Test implementation
Manufacturer and Applicant
Promat Inc., 594711 County Rd. 59 South, Woodstock Ontario
Contact
Telephone +519 456 2284,
Fax +519 456 1458,
sales@promatinc.com
www.promatinc.com http://www.kraiburg-belmondo.de
http://www.delaval.com
Test implementation
DLG TestService GmbH, Gross-Umstadt location
The tests are conducted on behalf of DLG e.V.
DLG test framework
DLG Approved Test “Elastic Stable Flooring” (current as of 04/2010))
Department
Indoor operations
Head of Department
Dr. Michael Eise
Test engineer(s)
Dr. Harald Reubold *
* Author
Contact
DLG TestService GmbH - Groß-Umstadt location • Max-Eyth-Weg 1 64823 Groß-Umstadt Germany • Tel.: +49(0)69 24 788-611 • tech@DLG.org