High vacuum in gravity tubing research

[DrTimPerkins]

Would love to hear if people think that this has large scale applications or if it fits just for the smaller guy. I havent heard of any of the big guys switching to this yet. Curious what Dr. Tim thinks on this one.

It has definitely shown promise in testing so far, as long as the proper conditions are met. You definitely need a good drop in elevation (so good slope). If you don't have that, don't bother. There is still a lot of work to be done to determine the proper and optimal layouts, and whether 3/16 can be used in a vacuum system. Unfortunately it will be a few more years before those answers are available. Tim Wilmot (UVM Maple Extension) is the 3/16" tubing guru.

[steve J]

I have all my supplies to start switching over some lines I am going to do at lease 60 taps and than decide rather to stop at that and test it out next spring or rather to do an additional 60 more. One question I have is I have plenty of drop ranging from 50 ft to probably around 75 ft. The section I am going to do this week starts on a shelf at the top of the hill probably 2 or 3 trees and than it starts its dive downward. Is it an issue if those first couple of trees have a min. slope? that run is probably going to have 15 taps.

[K.I. Joe]

So if you have good Slope, would you go with 5/16 on Vac or with 3/16th

[bowhunter]

That should be fine. If you have 75 feet of slope below those top couple of trees you should have very high vacuum at the top. The trees at the bottom of the run will have the least amount of vacuum.

[DrTimPerkins]

...starts on a shelf at the top of the hill probably 2 or 3 trees and than it starts its dive downward. Is it an issue if those first couple of trees have a min. slope? that run is probably going to have 15 taps.

No, that shouldn't negatively affect your vacuum. It is primarily the amount of elevation drop you have after your taps that is important. Ideal situation is to have taps at the top, then a good drop from there. If you had trees near the bottom, they would have minimal vacuum (if any).

[steve J]

I started installing 3/16 line yesterday And was pleased with how easy it is to work with that line I normally use 30P from leader. I also did what I saw recommended in article and cut a piece of 5/16ths in half that worked perfectly on the 2 hand line tool I bought I had never used a line tool before but other than being awkward to use in the woods they are slick. I am planning on using a stubby with a check valve and I am hopeful this will have me drowning in sap next spring!

[steve J]

I am curious based on Tims report the vacuum on 3/16 when installed on a steep hillside can hit 26 what is normal vacuum for a well designed 5/16 gravity line?

[psparr]

Anybody hear anything yet from maple suppliers on producing 3/16 equipment?

Was looking on mccaster-carr website, and all the "t's" say clamp required. Which ones have you purchased, and did they work?

Thanks.

[steve J]

Back on page 2 Doctor Tim listed the 2 reports the one done by Tim W. at the end he list all the part numbers for the fittings that you will need.

[psparr]

Back on page 2 Doctor Tim listed the 2 reports the one done by Tim W. at the end he list all the part numbers for the fittings that you will need.

Thanks so much!
Read just about every post in the thread, but just skimmed the articles last year.