tubing question

[Doran Maple]

I have never used tubing before. I've got about 20 taps that are in a difficult spot to get to and is a real pain to collect buckets. My question is if i ran that few taps on tubing would i need to run a main line or could i get away with just using tubing?

[spud]

You do not need mainline for 20 taps. You could buy 3/16 tubing and get some natural Vacuum.

Spud

[rhwells2003]

He can only get that natural vacuum with the right amount of elevation change, I believe 20-25' of drop from the last tap. But yes you can run tubing to those trees. Either 3/16 (if you have the elevation), or 5/16", and bring it to a collection barrel or something. This would be a decent situation for one of those shurflow diaphragm pumps.

[BreezyHill]

30' of drop after the last tap for max natural vac on a 3/16 run.

sureflowon20taps will be a major investment per tap.

3/16 to the collection tank will likely be the most cost affective route. 15" of vac is a 151% increase in production over no vac. 3-5% increase in sap for every inch of vac over 15" is what the data has shown.

[billyinvt]

Question on drop for maximum natural vac. Is there any advantage to a really steep drop over a gradual one? Should I be thinking about climbing ladders to get a steep drop to a collection point, or is it just the total number of feet that matters?

[psparr]

Only the drop matters, unless it will take a mile or so to get it. 😄

[BreezyHill]

Question on drop for maximum natural vac. Is there any advantage to a really steep drop over a gradual one? Should I be thinking about climbing ladders to get a steep drop to a collection point, or is it just the total number of feet that matters?

The shorter the distance the better due to frictional loses over distance. double the length you double the friction area thus reducing vacuum potential.

[sugarsand]

I haven't tested it personally, but some fellow tree squezzers in our area that are very up on 3/16 told me that a long straight drop didn't work as well as a more gradual slope. There may have been some other factors in play that I dont know about, we dont have slope steep enough to test it.

sugarsand

[Doran Maple]

Thanks guys.