Tubing runs on level ground

[Cedar Eater]

I will probably be moving to another property that I already own in the next few years and I have some maples there that I want to tap. I want to learn how to get the advantages of tubing so that I can minimize collection points. I have several areas on the property where 10-20 trees are in close enough proximity that I think I can benefit from tubing, but there isn't really any slope to the ground. I'm thinking that I could set up vacuum at these sites with a Shurflo 4008 and deep cycle battery. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to do route tubing and add vacuum on level sites with a low tree count. Here's a pic of the general conditions.

15761

Thanks in advance.

[maple flats]

This year for the first time I am experimenting with 3/16 on flat ground using vacuum. So far I like it. However you need to realize this is not a scientific study. I just had 3 or 4 laterals where the slope was either zero or even slightly negative (max maybe 3' lift). Since the sap does not pass under the air in a 3/16 I tried it and tied those laterals into my vacuum mains. The vacuum to the end of the mains stays at 21-23" with the vacuum pump running at 24-26" (I lose 2-3" after 2 sap ladders, getting to those laterals). I am not using a diaphragm pump but rather an old piston dairy pump, but the results should be the same (without sap ladders) if the vacuum is the same. If you go with long 3/16 to get to a single collection point you can pull the sap up a rise as long as it is not too high. If you lift with a 3/16 line, you would lose vacuum similar to what you would gain if it was downhill plus the friction loss too.

[Cedar Eater]

So one long 3/16" line zigzagging from tree to tree like a natural gravity run? By long, I mean less than 200 yds. If so, that's encouraging. I would not have the 3' rise you have. I think I could tap all of the trees at around 5' up and have a slightly sloped line below the taps from one end to the other.

[Super Sapper]

I use shurflo pumps and find the same as maple flats. I loose about 2 inches of vacuum in 300 to 400 feet of 3/16 with up to 22 taps on the line. This is on flat ground just running from tree to tree without worrying about sloping the line so it goes up and down without a problem.

[Cedar Eater]

I use shurflo pumps and find the same as maple flats. I loose about 2 inches of vacuum in 300 to 400 feet of 3/16 with up to 22 taps on the line. This is on flat ground just running from tree to tree without worrying about sloping the line so it goes up and down without a problem.

Thanks. I built the run today and tied in eight more trees for a total of 28. It was draining into a 48 qt cooler when I left. I don't have the Shurflo yet, so I will see how it does without.