3/16 or 5/16 on 3/16 gravity?
I thought I saw somewhere the research on whether to use 5/16 or 3/16 drops on 3/16 lines on gravity, but now I can’t find it. My average slope is 5-10%. I’m going to be replacing quite a bit of line this year, and I’m wanting to maximize production. Does anyone know where the article is? Or remember the best setup for this situation? Thanks
Now I have an outdoor hobby for all 12 months. Like I need anything more to do
About 1000 taps on gravity tubing, MicRO2 RO, 2.5 X 8 Leader King, and a 1953 Willys Jeep to run around the maple woods with.
http://www.gihringfamilyfarm.com/
I have this same question about 5/16 drops on 3/16 line and don't see any research to support the practice one way or the other. I just did my fittings and tubing inventory this AM and am torn between which way to go when expanding my bush this winter. Anyone?
Thanks
You want to use 5/16 drops with 3/16 laterals. The reason is when the tree freezes at night it will suck sap back into the tap hole. This shuttling of sap in and out of the spout and tap hole causes bacteria to grow and sap production will go down. There is less of an effect with 5/16 versus 3/16 drops. Natural vacuum is not affected.
First introduced to making maple syrup in 1969
Making syrup every year since 1979
3 x 10 oil fired
Revolution syrup and max flue pan
Almost 1300 taps total with 900 on high vacuum
Bought first Marcland drawoff in 1997, still going strong.
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