Vacuum Monitoring

Last year we experimented with a handful of wireless vacuum sensors. With 22,000 taps, 110 miles of tubing, and 270 acres to cover, it can be difficult to find leaks in an efficient manner. Not only are leaks a concern, but frozen main lines as well. When a tree falls on a main line it creates a dip where sap can freeze, often blocking vacuum for hours in the morning while the sun works to melt the freeze. Sometimes these dips go unnoticed, not anymore! Last year we only had a dozen boxes, but they proved incredibly useful. This year we’ll have around 50 boxes in the woods, all sending back real time vacuum levels for 125+ mainlines. We’ll also have a dozen tank level sensors so we don’t accidentally spill sap. Finally, a box in each pumphouse will control our vacuum pumps, spinning them down when the temperature approaches freezing. More posts to come as we get these hooked up and running!