Tap Track Simplifies Syrup Harvesting
Apr-03-14
The Tap Track adds a bit of useful tech to maple syrup harvesting by monitoring the flow of sap to identify optimal flow as well as leaks and clogs.Today, most maple syrup harvesting is done using vacuum tubing, which is more efficient than the traditional spout-and-bucket method. However, these tubes can become blocked or damaged by animals, and the systems must be checked individually by the syrup harvesters.
To help save time during the short syrup-harvesting months, Jason Grange created the Tap Track system—a wireless system able to monitor flow pressure in the tubes. The system is solar-powered, and features a radio unit that can be attached to trees and monitor the pressure in several different, nearby lines. The collected information is then sent to a smartphone, indicating potential leaks as well as where the sap is flowing well. According to Grange, a testing site of 20,000 taps using the system showed a 5 percent sap-harvest increase—an amount worth $15,000.
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