Vacuum transfer from mainline to lateral

[pdr]

Re: Attaching a lateral to a mainline using a saddle. I'm new at this, and I apologize in advance if I've missed the obvious. In all the setups I've seen, the lateral tubing slopes downhill to the hook on the mainline and then loops uphill to the saddle. Is the tree generated gas thus forced to bubble through the trapped sap? If so, doesn't this adversely affect vacuum transfer to the tap? Doesn't this also mean that the trapped sap is left to ferment until the next run - and that wash/rinse liquid is left in place at the end of the season? Any thoughts?

[DrTimPerkins]

In all the setups I've seen, the lateral tubing slopes downhill to the hook on the mainline and then loops uphill to the saddle.

The small upward half loop at the mainline is used to detect leaks (in addition to providing some tension relief). If you see gas bubbles traveling rapidly through that section, you have leaks. Makes it very easy to scan for leaks simply by walking up the mainline and looking at the saddles/loop as you walk past. If it is empty, you can easily depress the loop for a few seconds to see if it fills with sap, then let it back up to observe bubbles.

[3rdgen.maple]

Great tips Doc. I also might add that it is darn near impossible to get that half loop fromt he hook to the saddle to do anything else but go uphill. Seeing how the saddle connection sits a tad higher than the hook connection on the mainline it has no choice but to go uphill but thats not a bad thing as Dr. Tim has pointed out.

[D&D Maple]

coud you have loops on a gravity system? what would happen if you did?

[3rdgen.maple]

Having the loop is the only way I know how to take the tension off the saddle or ever heard of. As long as your laterals have good slope going to the mainline it shouldnt be a problem.

[Maple Hobo]

Having the loop is the only way I know how to take the tension off the saddle or ever heard of. As long as your laterals have good slope going to the mainline it shouldnt be a problem.

When the sap (blue) lines are running good they will often run solid full, the little loop at the end shouldn't be an issue as long as most of the line is higher then the top of the loop at the main line. They will spill over into the saddle, even under gravity.

Just make sure they don't let the hook slip and kink the loop to the saddle into the lateral or main line. Depending on your set up.