Delmer Automatic Livestock Sorting Gate with 3 Photoelectric Sensors

The Delmer Automatic Sorting Gate is designed to direct identified animals into a selected pen or passage according to configured herd-management rules. It can be installed at a milking-parlour exit or in a suitable livestock handling race where animals pass through one at a time. The current listed configuration includes three photoelectric sensor cells and supports integration with DelFlow II herd-management workflows.

Important configuration note: Gate geometry, controller I/O, actuator type, electrical ratings, air requirements, communications protocol and species-specific dimensions must be confirmed for the supplied configuration and site layout before ordering. Values for competitor equipment are not Delmer specifications.

How the sorting system works

1. Animal approaches: An upstream photoelectric sensor detects presence/entry and helps the controller establish that an animal is entering the sorting zone.
2. Position tracking: The additional photoelectric cells provide passage and occupancy events. The controller can use the event sequence to determine whether the animal has reached or cleared the decision point, subject to the final sensor layout and commissioning.
3. Animal identification and decision: A compatible identification source—such as an electronic identification (EID/RFID) reader, the configured cattle pedometer/ID system, or an external herd-management/scale controller—supplies the animal ID or sorting instruction. Photoelectric cells detect presence and position; they do not read an animal's identity.
4. Gate actuation: The controller commands the configured electro-pneumatic or other supplied actuator to route the animal to the selected outlet. The number of destinations and actuator sequence depend on the installed gate arrangement.
5. Exit confirmation and reset: Downstream sensor events can confirm that the passage has cleared before the controller returns to its ready state. The exact logic must be verified during installation.

Photoelectric sensor functions

Three photo cells can be arranged as entry, decision-zone/occupancy and exit-clear sensors, or another sequence suited to the mechanical layout. The final allocation is set at commissioning. Properly sequenced sensors help prevent a gate movement while an animal is in an unsafe position, reduce duplicate passage triggers, detect a blocked or occupied race, and provide a repeatable reset sequence.

• Entry detection: signals that an animal has entered the sorting zone.
• Position/occupancy detection: helps establish when the animal is aligned at the decision point and whether the gate path is occupied.
• Exit/clear detection: helps confirm that the animal has passed through and the zone is clear for the next cycle.
• Commissioning checks: sensor alignment, response to dust and water, cable protection, detection of animals with different body profiles, and correct operation under the site's lighting and cleaning conditions.

Sensor model, sensing mode (through-beam, retro-reflective or diffuse), range, supply voltage, output type, IP rating and response time must be confirmed from the actual sensor part number. Do not assume an industrial sensor's generic specifications apply to this supplied unit.

Controller and control logic

• Sequence control: coordinates photo-cell events, identity/sort decision, gate command, exit-clear confirmation and reset.
• Sorting rules: configurable to an agreed workflow, for example animal ID lists, treatment/veterinary checks, insemination, pregnancy checks, group allocation or external scale/management-system criteria when the compatible interface is provided.
• Manual operation: manual override and maintenance/jog controls should be specified for the ordered version and used only by trained operators from a safe position.
• Fault handling: the commissioning specification should define behaviour for a sensor fault, communication loss, air/power failure, gate obstruction or contradictory sensor sequence. The final design should not command a hazardous gate movement when the animal's position is uncertain.
• Integration: DelFlow II integration is listed for this product. Compatibility with a third-party RFID reader, weighing indicator or herd software depends on the reader/controller model and available interface/protocol; written confirmation is required before promising plug-and-play connectivity.

Typical sorting applications

• Separate animals on a pre-defined ID list for veterinary examination or treatment.
• Route animals for insemination, pregnancy checks, hoof care or other scheduled handling.
• Allocate animals to management groups, subject to available ID and software data.
• Support data-driven sorting using weight or other criteria when a compatible scale/management system supplies the decision.
• Reduce repetitive manual gate handling and improve consistency of routine livestock movement.

Species suitability and indicative race dimensions

These are preliminary layout reference ranges for the single-file approach/race, not confirmed dimensions of the Delmer gate itself. Final dimensions depend on breed, age, body size, horns, animal throughput, the gate mechanism and the destination lanes. Measure the largest animals and review the layout before fabrication or installation.

These reference dimensions describe the race/chute, not a guaranteed clear width, overall footprint or gate opening for the Delmer product. A cattle configuration should not be represented as suitable for sheep, goats or pigs without confirming the frame, opening, actuator force, sensor geometry and control sequence for that species. Separate species-specific versions or change parts may be required.

Technical specification summary

Installation and site planning

• Use a level, well-drained, non-slip approach and exit lane with no sharp edges or trapping points.
• Plan adequate single-file approach length so animals do not bunch up at the decision point; provide enough clear exit lane for the animal to move fully beyond the gate.
• Protect cables, sensors and pneumatic lines from impact, manure, washdown and moving parts. Install and test the sensor brackets so the beams remain aligned.
• Provide safe operator access and keep people clear of gate pivots, pinch points and the animal's path. Install suitable guarding and emergency isolation as required by the site risk assessment and applicable local rules.
• Commission with the intended species and range of animal sizes. Test normal passage, missing/invalid identification, consecutive animals, sensor blockage, manual override and loss of power/air before routine use.

What to confirm before ordering or integrating an external reader

Please provide the RFID/EID reader make and model, communication interface (for example serial, Ethernet or another documented connection), protocol/command documentation, herd-management software name/version, and the sorting output or API available from that system. Delmer can then confirm the integration approach and identify any interface hardware or software changes required.

Benefits for livestock operations

• More consistent routing for animals on pre-defined handling lists.
• Less repetitive manual gate operation for routine farm-management tasks.
• Sensor-assisted animal passage sequencing when correctly installed and commissioned.
• Potential integration with identification and herd-management data for traceable sorting workflows.
• Layout can be engineered around the milking parlour or livestock handling facility, subject to a site survey.

Custom configuration: Contact Delmer with the target species, breed/size range, required number of destinations, race dimensions, daily throughput, ID reader model and software details. A final technical drawing and integration confirmation should be approved before manufacture.