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Testing tapping depth vs. sap yield

Tim Wilmot |

Although it is one of the more significant factors controlling the amount of sap we collect, there is little current published information that examines the relationship between taphole depth and sap yield under vacuum conditions. [ MORE ]

Cloudiness’ affect on refractometer measurements

Mark Isselhardt and Timothy Perkins |

Accurately measuring density is critical to the production of pure maple syrup. Historically, sugarmakers have relied on thermometers and or hydrometers to determine when syrup has reached the desired density. These instruments remain valuable tools today. Refractometers are another tool that can be used to make precise density measurements. [ MORE ]

Using Smartrek vacuum monitoring system

By Timothy D. Perkins and Mark L. Isselhardt |

Four main factors influence sap yields from maple trees. First there is the tree resource itself. Secondly, weather conditions suitable for stimulating sap flow (freeze-thaw events) must occur to start the process. Thirdly, excellent spout and tubing sanitation practices. Finally, higher vacuum levels. [ MORE ]

Should droplines be replaced when using check valve adapters or spouts?

Timothy D. Perkins |

The Leader Check Valve Adapter (CVA) and Leader Clear Check Valve Spout (CVS) are designed to reduce the amount of sap backflow (sap movement back towards the taphole during pump shutdown, leaks, or releaser dumps). [ MORE ]

The ‘Jones Rule of 86’ revisited

Timothy Perkins and Mark Isselhardt |

The Jones “Rule of 86” was devised in 1946 by C.H. Jones, a scientist and educator at the University of Vermont.

Originally it was incorporated into a poem that taught several best management practices in a humorous way (see “The maple rule of eighty-six”, reprinted on pages 18-19 of the December 1967 edition of the “National Maple Digest” and pages 129-132 of Maple Sugarin’ in Vermont, by Betty Ann Lockard 2008). [ MORE ]

Proctor comes out with long awaited new tapping guidelines

By Abby van den Berg, Timothy Perkins, Timothy Wilmot, and Mark Isselhardt |

Each year, tapping for sap collection permanently removes a small portion of wood where the spout is inserted. The tree’s response to the wound also results in a column of wood extending above and below the taphole that remains permanently nonfunctional for water transport and future sap collection. Sap collection also removes a portion of the tree’s carbohydrate (sugar) reserves, which are important for supporting the tree’s growth and health. [ MORE ]

Gravity Tubing Experiments — April 2013

Tim Wilmot |

Year 4 of gravity tubing experiments in Underhill, Vermont. This line of 3/16 tubing has 37 taps. [ MORE ]

Exciting new spout research at Proctor continues this season

Timothy Perkins |

Researchers at the UVM Proctor Maple Research Center are working on a prototype spout and stubby combination designed to separate the sap from the gases released by the tree in order to maintain a high level of vacuum at the taphole. [ MORE ]