Management of the Maple Sap Vacuum Collection System

Description

Maintenance and verification of the vacuum collection system; checking the vacuum pump, verifying the vacuum level during sap flow at the releasers, lateral tubes, fittings, and collector heads; exploring technological information systems for maple syrup automation.

Objectives

• Understand the repair procedures for the support spindles and collection and lateral tubes
  • Describe the procedure for repairing a broken support spindle
  • Describe the procedure for repairing a damaged collection tube
  • Describe the procedure for repairing a damaged lateral tube
• Understand the maintenance procedures for a vacuum pump or types of extractors or releasers
  • Describe the maintenance procedure for a vacuum pump
  • Describe the maintenance tasks for various types of extractors or releasers
• Understand the procedure for verifying vacuum levels (leaks) at different strategic points of the network during sap flow
  • Describe the method for checking vacuum levels at the releaser
  • Describe the method for checking vacuum levels at the lateral tubes
  • Describe the method for checking vacuum levels at the fittings and spouts
  • Describe the method for checking vacuum levels at the collector head (mainlines)
• Understand the components and functionality of the computerized automation system for the vacuum collection system and its operation
  • List the basic components of an automation system
  • Describe the installation procedure for communication gateways and repeaters
  • Describe the installation procedure for vacuum sensors
  • Describe the installation procedure for basin probes and pressure probes
  • Describe the installation procedure for flow meters
  • Describe the installation procedure for a multifunction controller or I/O module
  • Summarize the general visual interface of automation system applications
• Understand the procedures for cleaning, sanitizing, and rinsing the vacuum collection system
  • List approved and recommended cleaning and sanitizing products in the food industry
  • Describe the procedure for washing, sanitizing, and rinsing the tubing system at the end of the season
  • Describe the procedure for washing, sanitizing, and rinsing the releasers at the end of the season
  • Describe the procedure for washing, sanitizing, and rinsing the maple sap storage tanks at the end of the season

Content Overview

• Vacuum collection system repair: tensioners, splices, fittings ("unions"), etc.
• Vacuum pump maintenance
• Leak detection: manometer, leak sensors, flow patterns, detection techniques, etc.
• Automation system: control base ("server"), gateways, relays, vacuum sensors, basin probes, interface, etc.
• Washing, sanitizing, and rinsing: approved products, sponge method, suction method, backflow method, etc.