Very interesting for sure. Does UVM have a waiting list cause you might need one??!!
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Very interesting for sure. Does UVM have a waiting list cause you might need one??!!
so what's the timeline on production/availability to producers?
They should be available to producers later this summer or early-fall directly from Middle Valley Maple or participating maple equipment suppliers.Quote:
Originally Posted by collinsmapleman2012
I think that the barbed spouts is a great idea - its encouraging that the yields are showing that indeed improved yields are possible.
I however suspect that the arc connections and external barbs are not going to result in a noticeable increase in yields. The friction loss across these fittings is miniscule to start with (I did some simple calculations to check), so there would be not much of an opportunity to improve. Friction loss would only really come close to significant figures with many dozens of tap's worth of sap flow.
Did you do any tests with only barb spouts and not arc connectors so that you can determine from which innovation the improved yields come from?
The Barb-spout incorporates a curved tubing connection by design. I agree that the overall impact of the arc is likely be small (and our calculations indicate that as well), but if it’s adds even a tiny amount then why not do it? More importantly, that small effect is additive, so having several small increases can begin to add up at peak sap flow rates.
The barbs on the proximal end (tip of the barrel) are necessary to keep the spout from heaving out given the shortened contact area of the spout with the inside of the taphole.
I guess my only thought would be that it might be easier to sell if people aren't worried about the arc making the spout more difficult to install, or if the arc somehow adds to the manufacturing cost making it more expensive to the customer (me! - count me in once these are available!)
Neither of those should be a concern. The arc is a bit more complex tooling, but not substantially more expensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by PCFarms
Installation takes a little getting used to, but after you’ve done a few it is simple. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TQIACHdXb_A
I'm just about to finish my early order for the 2024 season, I couldn't find any contact info for Middle Valley Maple to try these spouts, do you have any info (phone, website, email) for them?
The UVM PMRC report on the Barb Spout results is at: https://www.themaplenews.com/story/p...t-results/473/
Briefly, in our research we found a 12.2% increase with the Barb Spout in one study and a 10.3% increase in the other compared to control spouts. A cooperating maple producer and equipment supplier in Ohio (where they had very good conditions this year) had a 36% increase with the Barb Spout.
The Middle Valley Maple website isn't quite ready yet.
In the meantime, you can order by emailing bob@middlevalleymaple.com
or by calling Bob Carpenter at:
802-433-1563 Ext 120 - Work
802-431-3472 - Cell
Dr. Perkins do you know the price that Middle Valley Maple is charging for the spouts?
Thanks, Voicemail leftQuote:
Originally Posted by DrTimPerkins
No, but it will be in the ballpark of most regular single-use plastic spouts. It isn’t any more complicated to produce than a standard spout.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pdiamond
When you tap in the barbed spout, do you still hear the change in tapping sounds, when you get to the right spot?
I may be wrong, but I believe they have a mark on them to indicate the depth they should be set to.Quote:
Originally Posted by Swingpure
Yes, the sound change is normal as is the hammer bounce. The Barb Spout does take a little more "precision" during tapping. You want to hit it squarely, otherwise it has a slight tendency to shift from side-side as it goes in. Nothing major, but it is noticeable at time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Swingpure
The video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL16D9bAbIk give a bit of information.
People have also asked if it is difficult to put Arc-Flow fittings on tubing. It is not much different than a standard fitting. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQIACHdXb_A
Lastly, when these spouts are pulled, they will often pull away some bark with them. While it may be unsightly and may appear to be of concern to some folks, it should be noted that BARK is totally dead, so you're not damaging any living part of the tree. We've monitored taphole closure, and there is no difference between standard spouts and Barb Spouts. More realistically, it's a good indicator that as long as they are put in properly they do NOT come out of the taphole...that was one of the design features after all. Even though the spout barrel is shorter, they stay in the tree.
Thank you Dr. Perkins, and as a side note welcome to Michigan., when you arrive.
Thanks. Moving into our new place in South Lyon in mid-June.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pdiamond