UVM Spout and fittings

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

Very interesting for sure. Does UVM have a waiting list cause you might need one??!!

[collinsmapleman2012]

so what's the timeline on production/availability to producers?

[DrTimPerkins]

so what's the timeline on production/availability to producers?

They should be available to producers later this summer or early-fall directly from Middle Valley Maple or participating maple equipment suppliers.

[PCFarms]

I think that the barbed spouts is a great idea - its encouraging that the yields are showing that indeed improved yields are possible.

I however suspect that the arc connections and external barbs are not going to result in a noticeable increase in yields. The friction loss across these fittings is miniscule to start with (I did some simple calculations to check), so there would be not much of an opportunity to improve. Friction loss would only really come close to significant figures with many dozens of tap's worth of sap flow.

Did you do any tests with only barb spouts and not arc connectors so that you can determine from which innovation the improved yields come from?

[DrTimPerkins]

The Barb-spout incorporates a curved tubing connection by design. I agree that the overall impact of the arc is likely be small (and our calculations indicate that as well), but if it’s adds even a tiny amount then why not do it? More importantly, that small effect is additive, so having several small increases can begin to add up at peak sap flow rates.

The barbs on the proximal end (tip of the barrel) are necessary to keep the spout from heaving out given the shortened contact area of the spout with the inside of the taphole.

[PCFarms]

I guess my only thought would be that it might be easier to sell if people aren't worried about the arc making the spout more difficult to install, or if the arc somehow adds to the manufacturing cost making it more expensive to the customer (me! - count me in once these are available!)

[DrTimPerkins]

…if the arc somehow adds to the manufacturing cost making it more expensive to the customer (me! - count me in once these are available!)

Neither of those should be a concern. The arc is a bit more complex tooling, but not substantially more expensive.

Installation takes a little getting used to, but after you’ve done a few it is simple. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TQIACHdXb_A

[jakeleveto]

I'm just about to finish my early order for the 2024 season, I couldn't find any contact info for Middle Valley Maple to try these spouts, do you have any info (phone, website, email) for them?

[DrTimPerkins]

The UVM PMRC report on the Barb Spout results is at: https://www.themaplenews.com/story/p...t-results/473/

Briefly, in our research we found a 12.2% increase with the Barb Spout in one study and a 10.3% increase in the other compared to control spouts. A cooperating maple producer and equipment supplier in Ohio (where they had very good conditions this year) had a 36% increase with the Barb Spout.

The Middle Valley Maple website isn't quite ready yet.

In the meantime, you can order by emailing bob@middlevalleymaple.com

or by calling Bob Carpenter at:
802-433-1563 Ext 120 - Work
802-431-3472 - Cell

[Pdiamond]

Dr. Perkins do you know the price that Middle Valley Maple is charging for the spouts?