5/16" on top where flat to 3/16" down steep ridge?

[john henry]

I have a question for an area currently on buckets. I have a hollow with 3/16" tubing and 5/16" drops that has performed well over several seasons seems way better than my areas that had/have all 3/16" tubing. This area has plenty of drop to the tank. On one side of that hollow there is a flat on top with around 60 taps currently on buckets. My question is this - if I were to string up 4 - 5 runs of 5/16" tubing to serve these trees on the flat could I then convert each one to 3/16" tubing going down the side of the hollow to the tank? I like the idea of having all 5/16" tubing on the flat for easier cleaning and to minimize sap pull back. From the edge of the flat down the hill to the tank is likely @ 200' with probably @ 40' - 50' elevation drop. Please let me know if you think this will work or whether I should do it with 3/16" tubing and 5/16" drops or other opinions are welcome too, thanks!

[DrTimPerkins]

That would be the optimal approach.

[john henry]

Wow was not expecting to get a reply from Dr. Tim! Thanks a lot - hate to ask but I want to be sure I understand your answer. The optimal approach for this particular spot would be 5/16" tubing on the flat converted to 3/16" on the steep hill?

[DrTimPerkins]

Wow was not expecting to get a reply from Dr. Tim! Thanks a lot - hate to ask but I want to be sure I understand your answer. The optimal approach for this particular spot would be 5/16" tubing on the flat converted to 3/16" on the steep hill?

That is correct. The best approach would be 5/16" on the flat top area (to reduce frictional losses on flat ground), transitioning to 3/16" on the slope (to generate natural vacuum).

[john henry]

Thanks Dr. Tim for your time in answering this question.