Depending on whether the tubing system will use natural or artificial vacuum, lateral lines will vary in the number of taps they carry. While producers are using larger mainlines, they are also reducing the number of taps in lateral lines. Natural vacuum systems require
Depending on whether the tubing system will use natural or artificial vacuum, lateral lines will vary in the number of taps they carry. While producers are using larger mainlines, they are also reducing the number of taps in lateral lines. Natural vacuum systems require more taps per lateral line to produce sufficient head pressure. It is important to remember that the number of taps per lateral line in a natural vacuum system depends on the slope percent.The slope of the lateral line must be a minimum of three to five percent. A practical maximum number of taps per lateral line is a natural vacuum system, based on the slope percent, ranges between 20-30 taps. Natural vacuum will only work in a tight, leak-free system. Sagging lateral lines restrict the flow of sap. The benefits of increased sap flow in natural vacuum systems are realized only during good sap flow periods.
The merits of vacuum pumping are several fold and should be considered over natural vacuum if at all possible. An artificial vacuum system requires a vacuum pump with a vacuum controller and a vacuum release unit. The vacuum pump is operated at all times when the air temperature is above freezing and there is potential for sap flow. Lateral lines in a artificial vacuum may have shallower slopes. Artificial vacuum is not a remedy for poorly designed or improperly installed tubing systems. A leak-free system substantially increase the volume of sap collected. The benefits of increased sap flow in a