Surflo questions and suggestions
How many taps do people run with surflo's? I have a 4008 and wondering about people's experience with other models. Has anyone ever run two pumps in parallel to increase capacity? I am jumping from 50 taps on surflo to 200+ all with good slope. Thoughts and suggestions appreciated.
It has been my experience that between 80 and 100 works best on a shurflo 4048.
I know of one user who does 120 with good success.
Camp Wokanda
Peoria Park District
2023 - 210 on 3/16 shurflo, sap storage shack w/ 1100 gallon tank - 123 gallons
2022 - 210 on 3/16 shurflo, homemade vac filter & water jacket canner - 104 gallons
2021 - 215 on 3/16 shurflo, added 2nd membrane to RO - 78 gallons
2020 - 210 on 3/16 shurflo, upgraded hp pump on RO - 66 gallons
2019 - 150 on 3/16 shurflo, Deer Run 125 dolly RO - 73 gallons
2018 - 120 on 3/16 shurflo, 2x6 raised flue w/hood, homemade arch w/ AUF & AOF - 34.5 gallons
Are you using 5/16" or 3/16" tubing? Do you have a mainline or do all your small lines come straight to the tank? 200 is probably more than the 4008 pump can handle and maintain 20+" of vacuum. However it will give you some level of vacuum that is more than no pump. I have around 90 taps on my setup with the 4008 Shurflo pump. I have 400' of 1/2" mainline and 5/16" tubing because I set it up before 3/16" came out. I usually maintain 21-22" of vacuum using a recirculation line from the tank.
Sugaring for 45+ years
New Sugarhouse 14'x32'
New to Me Algier 2'x8' wood fired evaporator
2022 added a used RB25 RO Bucket
250 mostly Sugar Maples, 15% Soft Maples. Currently,(110on 3/16" and 125 on Shurflo 4008 vacuum, 15 gravity), (16,000 before being disabled)
1947 Farmall H and Wagon with gathering tank
2012 Kubota with forks to move wood around
I am using 3/16 and a 3/4 mainline. I am going to add a recirculation line next year. Im thinking about using two pumps going off on a y for more capacity until I can find a good used sap sucker.
I run 2008's and have 95 on one and 150 on another and maintained 24 plus all season on both. I have all 3/16 going into a 3/4 inch main. On the 150 tap line most of the taps are on a level area or very little slope.
I had 265 taps on 3/16 laterals and a 170' long 1" mainline. When I didn't have leaks I had no problem maintaining 18" of vacuum in the mainline with a Shurflo 2028. 200 taps on the bigger Shurflo will be just fine.
-Ryan
Went off the deep end. Might be in over my head...
Thanks for the info, this is encouraging. Motowbrowne, do you have pictures of your pump intake set up? Im still working on mine. Thanks.
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