Checking what VT sugar makers are doing

[GeneralStark]

I finished tapping last week. Just in time for some action. Sap ran a bit yesterday afternoon, and I was surprised to see it run a bit better today. Amazing what that sun can do... I haven't collected any sap yet but did get the releaser put back together and the vacuum pump running. Spent a couple hours today repairing leaks and got the vac from 6" to 26". Still a few small leaks out there which I hope to get to Saturday.

Now that the lines are rinsed I'm ready to close the valve on the sap tank and officially start the season. Time to get everything else ready to be able to boil...

[PARKER MAPLE]

Hi guys
Quick question for you. I’m running a new to me Busch mink 1142 this year. Great pump builds nice vac.
My question is, when I shut it down it seems to slow down like normal with the VFD. But when it stops it sounds like it starts turning backwards. I’ve had this happen before on other pumps. Can’t remember what I did to cure the problem. I was thinking a check valve between pump and releaser?
Any insight?
Thank you
PM

[blissville maples]

Just enough sap to tease in Underhill....murky and low sugar (1 Brix).

I guess I don't feel top bad, starting at 1.3 -4 here- not impressed hoping it's not another one of those years, what's the deal with the low sugar lately?!?

Pulled some junk out of lines Tuesday and wensday let that go and started filling tanks. What a battle getting the vaccum up everywhere! Just about everywhere starting at 0, porcupines, squirrel and coyotes! The price for head of squirrel around here is up to 5$!

Finally managed to get up to 27-28 on all but one, still some Walking to do, more sap flow would help, and half the leaks are iced so that doesn't help.

But we managed to get around 3800 gallons of sap. Probably do a first boil Saturday. Ro is rinsed, washing that today and will ro either tonight or in the morning.
Can't wait.

Haven't hears from one of the regulars on here, no word from spud this season??

[BAP]

Hi guys
Quick question for you. I’m running a new to me Busch mink 1142 this year. Great pump builds nice vac.
My question is, when I shut it down it seems to slow down like normal with the VFD. But when it stops it sounds like it starts turning backwards. I’ve had this happen before on other pumps. Can’t remember what I did to cure the problem. I was thinking a check valve between pump and releaser?
Any insight?
Thank you
PM

All vacuum pumps need a check valve between pump and releaser to keep them from running backwards at shutdown. Some pumps can be damaged by running backwards too many times.

[blissville maples]

.33 gpt in the last 24 hours testing 1.5%

Vt farmboy- is that your new install over in Castleon by the orchard and the old depot there?

[GeneralStark]

All vacuum pumps need a check valve between pump and releaser to keep them from running backwards at shutdown. Some pumps can be damaged by running backwards too many times.

Yes what he said. The check valve will also prevent any oil from making it into the releaser when the pump runs backwards...

Spud moved to Hawaii...

[VTfarmboy]

.25 gpt in the last 24hr now testing 2%......Blissville not sure who has the new install in ellis orchard all my taps on here on the farm

[PARKER MAPLE]

Yes what he said. The check valve will also prevent any oil from making it into the releaser when the pump runs backwards...

Spud moved to Hawaii...

No oil on these dry claw pumps. I have a MES protection valve. Thought that by shutting off the valve/ closing that would do the job. But it dosnt

[blissville maples]

Sap ran really hard yesterday for a few hours. Hoping to be closer to 2% after the freeze. Ro'd 2600 gallons last night so all set to rock and roll this weekend.

Oh ok, I guess there are more in the area than I know! You'll have that, good season to ya. You must be up there by Brian on east Hubbardton rd at the farm there.

[Ultimatetreehugger]

Sap is just starting to drizzle on top of the mountain.