+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16

Thread: Number of Taps for 3/16 Gravity

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Granville, PA
    Posts
    403

    Default Number of Taps for 3/16 Gravity

    With the introduction of 3/16" tubing, and consequently the higher gravity vacuum levels in the tubing, has anyone looked at the number of taps per tree?

    I am planning a 3/16" gravity system that will have a minimum of 20' drop downward from the final tap on the shortest run before connecting to a main. Will this type system act more like a vacuum system whereas I should only install 1 tap per tree or should I treat it more like a gravity system and therefore install 1 tap up to 20" tree and 2 taps after that?
    Last edited by minehart gap; 05-31-2017 at 09:44 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Granville, PA
    Posts
    403

    Default

    I failed to mention, I plan to use Leader Check Valve Adapters with Stubby Spouts on 3/16" leaders to a 3/16" lateral. The shortest lateral will be about 400' with 12 trees (up to 18 taps if tree size is applicable) the longest being about 700 feet with 21 trees available (up to 35 taps if tree size is applicable)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    River Falls, WI
    Posts
    831

    Default

    I put one 5/16 tap in each tree on vacuum unless it's too big for me to reach around. My wingspan is about 6'4", so that means a tree I can't reach around is over 24" in diameter.

    They're your trees, so it's your decision to make. That's just what works for me.
    -Ryan


    Went off the deep end. Might be in over my head...

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Canton, Maine
    Posts
    67

    Default

    I put 2 in bigger trees with 3/16 gravity. I would also look at splitting your long run into 2 separate lines. I have a few lines we put put out this year with 30ish taps and they were overloaded. We'll be re-doing them aiming for about 20 taps per line so we don't overwhelm the smaller 3/16 line. Some 'experts' on 3/16 suggest 25 maximum for gravity.
    Road's End Farm - Starting small with no end in sight!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Granville, PA
    Posts
    403

    Default

    Roads End, if I were to separate the long lateral into 2 lines, the first would be around 400 feet but one of the lines would still be about 700 feet long only with less taps on it because that is how far it is from my tank to the furthest tree. Would that matter?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,080

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by minehart gap View Post
    Roads End, if I were to separate the long lateral into 2 lines, the first would be around 400 feet but one of the lines would still be about 700 feet long only with less taps on it because that is how far it is from my tank to the furthest tree. Would that matter?
    As long as you have the elevation drop that distance would not be a problem.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Granville, PA
    Posts
    403

    Default

    My original question was about the vacuum. Basically does a tree act differently as a reaction to natural vacuum caused by siphon as opposed to mechanical vacuum? As both have a suction action on the tap. I have read in multiple threads that there is not a benefit to multiple taps in one tree when using vacuum, but all of the posts that I read were referring to mechanical vacuum not vacuum from gravity. Possibly there is no difference.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Center, Underhill Ctr, VT
    Posts
    6,391

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by minehart gap View Post
    Will this type system act more like a vacuum system ...
    Vacuum is vacuum is vacuum. How it is generated is immaterial as far as tree sap flow is concerned.
    Dr. Tim Perkins
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Ctr
    http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc
    https://mapleresearch.org
    Timothy.Perkins@uvm.edu

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    poultney vermont
    Posts
    870

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by minehart gap View Post
    My original question was about the vacuum. Basically does a tree act differently as a reaction to natural vacuum caused by siphon as opposed to mechanical vacuum? As both have a suction action on the tap. I have read in multiple threads that there is not a benefit to multiple taps in one tree when using vacuum, but all of the posts that I read were referring to mechanical vacuum not vacuum from gravity. Possibly there is no difference.
    There is misleading information out there on additional taps per tree and will it help, I say more taps more sap, obviously no more than what's sustainable, I do not over tap my trees however nothing wrong with 2 taps in a 14-18" tree..

    Picture a five gallon bucket​ full of water and under pressure, obviously five holes will have, if at same height, one gallon of water a piece until the bucket is empty....you could accomplish this with one hole Right?? Under certain conditions, no. If the single hole froze when the bucket was half full due to a freeze up, remember the bucket is example for the tree, then the bucket was not exhausted of that liquid or sap run. If there was 5 holes the bucket would have emptied before it froze.

    To sum it up on short run days where the run only lasts a few hours you WILL get more sap out of a tree with more taps. However on a long run day of 12-24hrs+. The single tap per tree will give you the exact same available amount of sap as 2-3 taps.....the sap will find the hole if given enough free time.
    18x30 sugarshack
    5100 taps high vac
    3x10 inferno with steampan
    7'' wes fab filter press
    10'' cdl air filter press
    D&G 3 post reverse osmosis w/recirculation

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    poultney vermont
    Posts
    870

    Default

    This is why I believe going organic will reduce your GPT and the extra .15 does not make up the small loss in sap
    18x30 sugarshack
    5100 taps high vac
    3x10 inferno with steampan
    7'' wes fab filter press
    10'' cdl air filter press
    D&G 3 post reverse osmosis w/recirculation

+ Reply to Thread
Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts