A milk flow device which includes a conduit for transporting a
substantially continuous milk flow varying in height up to a maximum
height wherein the maximum height is less than a fluid height which would
occlude the conduit and interrupt the vacuum level is shown. A first
sensor determines the height of a selected section of the substantially
continuous milk flow. The first sensor has a predetermined
cross-sectional area and defines an opening for passing a milk flow
therethrough. The first sensor is located at a predetermined location in
the conduit. A second sensor having a cross-sectional area substantially
equal to the cross sectional area of the first sensor is spaced within
the conduit in a selected direction and a known distance from the first
sensor. The second sensor determines that the selected section of the
continuous milk flow has traversed the known distance. A conductivity
sensor measures the conductivity of the milk. A processing device derives
the cross-sectional area of a milk flow from the height of the selected
section of the milk flow, determines the elapsed time for the selected
section of the milk flow to traverse the known distance and calculates
milk flow through the conduit.