This may be accomplished with water wasted from waterers in the building, or may have to be added to the gutters. Outlets that allow wastes to rapidly exit the building will keep more solids suspended in the waste flow. Keep outlet plumbing clear of debris and settled solids. In addition, if several gutters drain into the same outlet pipe, drain one gutter at a time to maintain a high flow rate of wastes leaving the gutter. Summary Hairpin gutters are a convenient, low cost way to transport manure out of swine production facilities.
Hairpin gutters require no energy inputs or large dilution volumes to operate properly.
However, hairpin gutters must be designed, built, and managed correctly in order to operate properly. Contact your local Extension agent for more information on the design and management of hairpins or other gravity drain gutters. References Meyer, Daniel J., Gravity Drain Gutter Systems, PIH-95. Pork Industry Handbook. Meyer, Vernon M., Flat Bottom Gravity Drain Gutter for Swine Manure, Pm-1377.