Abstract: The invention relates to a method in a milking system for creating a required vacuum level, the milking system comprising at least two variable speed vacuum pumps P1, P2. The method comprises the steps of: utilizing a first variable speed vacuum pump P1 for creating the required vacuum level within the milking system; monitoring the vacuum level requirement within the milking system, and when the vacuum level requirement of the milking system is such that the speed of the first variable speed vacuum pump P1 reaches a first speed threshold then: starting a second variable speed vacuum pump P2, and running the first and second variable speed vacuum pumps P1, P2 in parallel for creating the required vacuum level. The invention also relates to computer program products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum regulator (1) for maintaining a substantially constant vacuum in a vacuum system (2). The vacuum regulator (1) includes a main valve arranged to control a supply of air to the vacuum system (2). The main valve includes a valve seat (3) defining a passage (4) arranged to lead air to the vacuum system (2) and a valve body (5) moveably arranged in a direction between a closed position and a maximally open position in order to regulate the size of a minimum flow area (18) between the valve seat (3) and the valve body (5). A force (19) caused by the vacuum acts on the valve body (5) in a direction towards the closed position. The valve seat (3) and the valve body (5) have such a design, that the value of the force (19), in a continuous way, increases with the degree of opening of the valve body (5).