What tubing type to use?

[ren46]

I'm thinking of switching out some of my buckets over to tubing to help speed up the gathering process. 5-6 taps on 5/16" tubing to a collection barrel. No vacuum system just gravity from the slope I would give the tubing. My 1st question is, what is the best type of tubing that would work for the drop lines and the line to the barrel? 2nd question is, what size for a collection tank/barrel? I was thinking at least 2 gallons per tap?

Ren

[maple flats]

How much drop will you be able to get? It is not a good idea to tap extra high, just go with the slope of the land basically. Next question, if you have over 10' of drop, can you go over 5-6 taps? Once we have those answers we can help you.

[NhShaun]

With 5/16 i to like use rigid for my lateral lines and semi-rigid for my drops. The braided rope from Bascoms works well to hold the end of the line where you buckets will be. I found the semi rigid was too flexible to keep it taught enough for my liking.

[ren46]

Dave - thanks for your reply. My trees are in an area that is mostly level with some spots maybe 1-2 feet lower than others. I was thinking maybe putting my collection tank in one of those areas. What minimum slope does the tubing need to work effectiely? You asked if I had over 10' of drop, I don't.

[VT_K9]

Before we had vacuum or a sap puller we have a few lower spots we used 5/16". We ran several tubing runs, probably about 50-100 feet with 10-15 taps. Each run entered a black poly pipe to head down to a 55 gallon drum. Some runs were low enough we had to put the drum on it's side. If you could connect multiple 5/16" lines to poly then you definitely can cut down on time gathering. We also pumped to the collection tank at the Sugar House from these pump stations. Keep the poly tight (read up on using wire and side ties or support stakes) and you will have good luck. Make sure you use at least 3/4" and possibly 1" (not much of a cost increase) to help with avoiding freezing. If you think slope maybe an issue, but the time savings is great you may want to try out a sap puller type pump. You can also walk the line just as things freeze to help avoid a larger amount of sap available to freeze solid in the line.

Mike