Abstract: A vacuum control for milking systems includes a vacuum pump driven by an electric motor which is activated by a variable frequency drive (VFD). The VFD is controlled during a milking phase by plc programmable controller and a proportional/integral (PI) controller which respond to a vacuum feedback sensor connected to the milking system. The plc controller differentiates between milk and wash phases and also provides a fixed preset speed control for a washing phase for the milking system. The integrator interfaces between a milk/wash controller and the plc.

Abstract: A vacuum control for milking systems includes a vacuum pump driven by an electric motor which is activated by a variable frequency drive (VFD). The VFD is controlled during a milking phase by plc programmable controller and a proportional/integral (PI) controller which respond to a vacuum feedback sensor connected to the milking system. The plc controller differentiates between milk and wash phases and also provides a fixed preset speed control for a washing phase for the milking system. The integrator interfaces between a milk/wash controller and the plc.

Abstract: A low-energy-consuming apparatus and method for controlling vacuum levels in machine milking and other vacuum systems subject to air leakage utilizes in combination a high vacuum reserve, a low-vacuum end (pipelines), a dual vacuum controller positioned between the high-vacuum reserve and the low-vacuum end and an adjustable speed drive (ASD) motor on a vacuum pump to regulate the delivered air to match the air usage in the low-vacuum end. The dual vacuum controller senses vacuum disturbances in the low-vacuum end and adjusts the flow rate of air from the low-vacuum end to the high-vacuum reserve rather than using external air makeup, thus providing a controlled vacuum with minimum pressure variance and energy input. Energy savings and demand reduction of about 50 percent (50%) during milking are realized under the new system.

Abstract: A low-energy-consuming apparatus and method for controlling vacuum levels in machine milking and other vacuum systems subject to air leakage utilizes in combination a high vacuum reserve, a low-vacuum end (pipelines), a dual vacuum controller positioned between the high-vacuum reserve and the low-vacuum end and an adjustable speed drive (ASD) motor on a vacuum pump to regulate the delivered air to match the air usage in the low-vacuum end. The dual vacuum controller senses vacuum disturbances in the low-vacuum end and adjusts the flow rate of air from the low-vacuum end to the high-vacuum reserve rather than using external air makeup, thus providing a controlled vacuum with minimum pressure variance and energy input. Energy savings and demand reduction of about 50 percent (50%) during milking are realized under the new system.