Vacuum pump sizing

[lew]

If my memory serves me correctly, I would need 1 CFM per hundred taps plus 5 cfm's as a base. So, if I had 3500 taps, I would want a pump capable of 35 CFM plus 5 CFM for a total of 40 CFM minimum. Does this sound right.

[powerdub]

I had heard a good rule of thumb is one horsepower per thousand taps. I don't know how that translates to your figures but I figure rules are meant to be broken. I got a good deal on a used five horse vacuum pump and all I had was a thousand taps a the time. 8O

[Parker]

Yes that sounds right,,while on the maple tour this spring all the producers I talked too (the ones who had made half a gallon per tap) said you want to pull at least 20" of mercury and leave the pump on all the time unless it is way below freezing,,,I wonder if that is part of my problem,,I use old milker pumps that pull 15" or so and are run with gas moters that I have to start and stop,,,

[ennismaple]

lew,

What you've said is exactly what I've been told too.

[Maple Hill Sugarhouse]

post edited