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Thread: Bernard Single Mechanical Releaser Issue

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Canaan NH
    Posts
    373

    Default Bernard Single Mechanical Releaser Issue

    I have a problem with my Bernard Single Mechanical Releaser. For reference, I use small 3.5 cfm rotary vane vacuum pump on my 150 taps. I can usually get 26", but things must be tight. For example, if one tap pulls out, I'm down to 10".

    The problem I have faced this year is that often, in the lead-up to an impending release, the plexiglass guillotine raises up only part-way. It doesn't go up quite far enough for the follower-wheel to engage it into the dump position spot. When there is a ton of sap coming in, this isn't a big deal because within 30 seconds, enough additional sap flows in to lift the float the rest of the way to initiate the dump. But during slow-to-moderate runs, it poses a problem because the small o-ring that the float-rod goes through tends to ride up with the rod when it begins to lift. Just enough to create a small leak. When this leak starts, vacuum level starts to drop, sap stops coming in and the releaser stalls out. During the stall, the vacuum can drop from my usual 26" down to 15"-range (over about a 10-minute period) before that last little bit of sap can flow comes in to finally trigger a release. The problem isn't help by the fact that my Reds NEED good vacuum to run well. 15 inches doesn't cut it.

    Has anybody seen this behavior before and how did you solve it?
    Thanks in advance!
    Boulder Trail Sugaring
    150 Taps on Vacuum
    Homemade 20"x40" Hybrid Pan - 15 gph
    Homemade Steamaway - 10 gph
    Waterguys single-post RO

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Columbiana, OH
    Posts
    27

    Default

    I have the same releaser. I added a couple 1/4" washers as weight to hold the o ring down. Also check the springs. There is one on the wheel lever that will cause that if it is not adjusted right.
    2024 1520 taps Deer Run 500 RO with extra CDL post, Becker and CDL vac pumps. CDL Deluxe 3' x 12' oil fired
    2023. 1300 taps Deer Run 500 RO, Becker vac pump, 2 Airtech vac pump, CDL Deluxe 3' x 12' oil fired
    2022 1200 taps, Deer Run 500 RO, Becker vac pump, 2 Airtech vac pump
    2021 650 taps, Deer Run 500 RO, 2 Airtech vac pump
    2020 250 taps Airtech Vac pump

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Columbiana, OH
    Posts
    27

    Default

    The follower wheel needs to have enough tension on it to keep the float down until enough pressure build up to push rapidly up to the dump notch. Make sense?
    2024 1520 taps Deer Run 500 RO with extra CDL post, Becker and CDL vac pumps. CDL Deluxe 3' x 12' oil fired
    2023. 1300 taps Deer Run 500 RO, Becker vac pump, 2 Airtech vac pump, CDL Deluxe 3' x 12' oil fired
    2022 1200 taps, Deer Run 500 RO, Becker vac pump, 2 Airtech vac pump
    2021 650 taps, Deer Run 500 RO, 2 Airtech vac pump
    2020 250 taps Airtech Vac pump

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Canaan NH
    Posts
    373

    Default

    How do I adjust the tension on the follower wheel? It seems like it maybe has too much downward force on it right now, so that the wheel can't quite get over the hump on the first try. Do just straighten out the spring-wire a little bit?
    Boulder Trail Sugaring
    150 Taps on Vacuum
    Homemade 20"x40" Hybrid Pan - 15 gph
    Homemade Steamaway - 10 gph
    Waterguys single-post RO

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Columbiana, OH
    Posts
    27

    Default

    Yes that's right. Just bend the spring wire to adjust how much tension it puts on the notches in the lever. From what you had described, I thought it sounded like it needed more tension. The other spring that is part of that equation is the one on the float rod that pushes up as well. Just make sure that one is present and not broken as well.
    2024 1520 taps Deer Run 500 RO with extra CDL post, Becker and CDL vac pumps. CDL Deluxe 3' x 12' oil fired
    2023. 1300 taps Deer Run 500 RO, Becker vac pump, 2 Airtech vac pump, CDL Deluxe 3' x 12' oil fired
    2022 1200 taps, Deer Run 500 RO, Becker vac pump, 2 Airtech vac pump
    2021 650 taps, Deer Run 500 RO, 2 Airtech vac pump
    2020 250 taps Airtech Vac pump

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Northeast Vermont
    Posts
    649

    Default

    there should be a little spring on the fallower wheel that can be tightened and loosened. also, check the little nut that holds on the arm the spring is on. i had a similar issue and it turned out that, that nut was a hair to tight. loosened it up a hair and it was fixed. also, you may need a new "o" ring... the one the rod slides up and down on.
    Awfully thankful for an understanding wife!

    “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
    - Vincent “Vince” Lombardi

    Good luck to all!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Center, Underhill Ctr, VT
    Posts
    6,393

    Default

    Keep the rod lightly greased. Apply food grade grease to the entire rod, then wipe off with a clean cloth. All you need is a very light film.
    Dr. Tim Perkins
    UVM Proctor Maple Research Ctr
    http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc
    https://mapleresearch.org
    Timothy.Perkins@uvm.edu

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