Description

This course will enable students to understand the installation of a complete vacuum maple water collection system. Additionally, students will be able to select the proper materials and equipment based on the number of taps per pumping station.

Objectives

• Plan the installation of a vacuum maple water collection system
  • Name the components of the vacuum maple water collection system
  • Describe the operation of the vacuum maple water collection system
  • Read a topographic map
  • Estimate the slope and length of the main collector tubes
  • Determine the diameter of the collector tubes based on the number of taps
  • Determine the location and spacing of the collector tubes
  • Estimate the length and position of lateral tubes (5/16 tubes)
  • Locate pumping stations according to the topography of the land
• Understand the process of installing collector and lateral tubes
  • Describe the installation procedure for support spindles, connection techniques, and tools or materials to be used
  • Describe the correct technique and equipment for guying
  • Recognize the dangers associated with tensioning the support spindle
  • Describe the process of securing the collector tube to the support spindle
  • Describe the techniques for connecting the collector tube
  • Recognize the devices and technologies available from manufacturers
  • Determine the correct lateral tube to use based on desired characteristics
  • Describe the correct technique for unwinding and positioning lateral tubes
  • Choose the correct end-of-line devices based on the producer's needs
  • Describe various solutions, technologies, and methods for connecting the lateral tube to the collector tube
  • Explain the usefulness and drawbacks of a slope enhancer
  • Describe the installation of different types of slope enhancers
  • Determine the appropriate bracing distance based on slope and collector tube diameter
  • Describe the bracing procedure
• Understand the manufacturing and installation of drops
  • Define the correct tube, devices, and drop length based on the producer’s preferences
  • Describe the proper installation of T-connectors, elbows, or adapters when making drops
  • Describe the proper location of drops during installation on the lateral tube
  • Describe the minimum diameter of maples that can be tapped according to legislation and the producer’s preferences
  • List the tools used for making and installing drops
• Understand the process of selecting and installing an extractor
  • Describe the different types of extractors and their features
  • Describe the correct installation of an extractor and its components
• Demonstrate the installation procedure for a tube and pump for transferring maple water
  • Describe the correct installation of an extractor and its components
  • Calculate the diameter of the tube and pump power required for water transfer
  • Describe the arrangement and proper installation of a pumping transfer system for maple water
• Understand the process of selecting and installing a vacuum pump
  • Describe the different types of vacuum pumps and their features
  • Determine the required pump power based on the number of taps, the extent of the tubing network, and the desired vacuum level
  • Describe the proper arrangement and installation of a vacuum pump and its components

Content Overview

• Planning tools: topographic maps, topo file, rangefinder, measuring tape
• Tools and materials for installing support spindles: wooden wedges, guying tubing, high-tension spindles, splicing rods, gripples, spindle tensioners, guying spindles, etc.
• Tools and materials for securing the collector tube to the support spindle: winding spindles, spindle benders, connectors (plastic, stainless steel, electrofusion), valves, etc.
• Lateral tubes: 5/16" tube and connectors
• Leveling the collector tube: braces, levels
• Connecting lateral tubes to the collector tube: punchers, saddle T’s, SpinSealMC, FLEXClipMD, etc.
• Making drops: 5/16" tube, T-connectors, elbows, and adapters
• Installing drops: connector pliers, pruners, measuring tape
• Types of extractors: horizontal, vertical, mechanical, electric, etc.
• Installing an extractor: placement, connections, etc.
• Maple water transfer tube and pump: tube type, pump power, pump connections
• Vacuum pump: types, power, connections, etc.