Help setting up a Shurflo vacuum pump system

[Super Sapper]

If I were going to use a valve to open when the pump is not running, I would look into a timer to delay the opening to try and avoid back surging into the tap hole.

[Biz]

I tried the delay and it didn't work. Line held vacuum until valve opened and I never found a good way to bleed it down slowly. IMO it is better to use CV taps to prevent backflow into the taphole and deal with the quick vacuum drop. I open the bypass valve first and run the pump a few seconds to purge sap from the pump before shutting it down.

Dave

[Stiets]

So far all has gone well with the pump project. I have hit a snag and not sure why. When I power the pump I can't get it suck up anything. I am powering it off a 12v 10amp power adapter. Not sure if that is the issue or something else? Am I missing something?

I disconnected the manifold and used a piece of straight tubing and still nothing. I noticed that when the pump runs the green light on the power adapter flashes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0111A92BK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Mark B]

Wondering if you are under powered on your power supply. I bought a 21 amp led power supply for mine. I believe that the shurflow draws 6 to 7 amps while running, but I believe needs approximately 15 amps at startup. It may be that the pump never achieves startup.

[Stiets]

Wondering if you are under powered on your power supply. I bought a 21 amp led power supply for mine. I believe that the shurflow draws 6 to 7 amps while running, but I believe needs approximately 15 amps at startup. It may be that the pump never achieves startup.

Good point Mark. I will find a 12v battery to test it tomorrow and maybe work out a different power source.

[MapleCamp]

I run mine with deep cycle batteries and solar panels, I have quick connects on the pump to my 3/4 main line, have about 75 trees on each of 3 runs. The batteries will run the pumps, 4008's 24 hours. I bring the pumps in at night when flow stops or freezing threatens, and charge the batteries if needed. It sounds like a lot of work but since it used to be all buckets and pails and now comes right to the sugar shack I'm very happy and less sore.

[SeanD]

So far all has gone well with the pump project. I have hit a snag and not sure why. When I power the pump I can't get it suck up anything. I am powering it off a 12v 10amp power adapter. Not sure if that is the issue or something else? Am I missing something?

I disconnected the manifold and used a piece of straight tubing and still nothing. I noticed that when the pump runs the green light on the power adapter flashes.

I notice there aren't any clamp on those hoses. That could be your problem. My strainer has a threaded fitting, not a barbed fitting. If yours are threads, too then there's part of your problem.

Break it down to the pump by itself then add fittings and sections bit by bit. Even the tiniest least causes a total drop in vacuum.

I had a problem with one of mine and was just about to break it down and decided to snug up the cap on the filter. Boom. It shot to 9 inches dry.

[trevor47smith]

If I were going to use a valve to open when the pump is not running, I would look into a timer to delay the opening to try and avoid back surging into the tap hole.

Hello,

Understand this is an old post but was doing some reading and wanted to inquire regarding possible back flow into taps and running the pump for a period of time when opening the bypass valve.

Hope the link works as it is drawing of what I am thinking.

Temp Controller to be set +2C On / -1C Off open to suggestions if should be different
Bypass valve(NO) receives signal from Temp Controller - Closed @ +2C and Open @ -1C
Delay Timer Controller powers pump and trigger signal is sent from Temp Controller - Trigger High @ +2 and Trigger Low @ -1C
- This device has a mode that will hold with trigger High(pump runs) and when trigger is Low it will run the pump for a set programed time then shut off(2mins is what I was thinking)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/AMVYWaRNF4wyQLTC8

Looking for any feedback

[DRoseum]

I've built a couple of these and if I had to do it all over again, I'd probably simplify things even more and use more plug and play components vs custom building everything. On one unit I put in a parallel pump bypass line with an ultra low crack pressure check valve (0.3psi = 8 inch of water). If pump fails or shuts off while sap is still flowing it can naturally bypass the failed pump.


Temp controller that is pre-built on Amazon that has 2 independent sensors and outlets. This wasn't available when I built my units, but if it was, I would've tried it.

https://a.co/d/1fGQ4rm

This will let you plug the 12v transformer right into one outlet and control the pump. Then you can plug a 120v heater / seed germination mat in the other and set your temps for both.

Here is a good power supply for this setup
https://a.co/d/82m0HTp

Easy 120v heater that's 20W (search for one that's best size for your pump box
https://a.co/d/asaajfZ

If you have to transfer sap, use a level controller and a seperate pump / power supply
https://a.co/d/5zrJOWd

I use all push fit (john guest style) connectors so it's super compact and simple to assemble, disassemble, clean etc.

They make low pressure (0.3 psi) check valves in 1/4" that you could put on each line at the pump manifold to prevent backflow. They are kind of pricey if you have a lot of lines. I use CV spouts and haven't felt compelled to add these.
https://www.freshwatersystems.com/pr...k-pressure-red

[trevor47smith]

Howdy

This is great feedback simple = better

Will mention I will be off grid my sugar house is in the boonies but you have made me start searching different components as I will be also doing a separate transfer pump.

Any chance you are willing to draw out your basic plumbing that shows how you used that ultra low cracking check valve?

Another question... https://shorturl.at/aoQRU this level controller has the blue sensor as a ground. What happens it the fluid its touching freezes? Originally I was going to use a float style sump pump switch for my transfer pump.