Questions

[MilesTeg]

Well now that the bulk of setting up tubing is done I'm onto the final plumbing of everything, so i have a few questions.

The main set of questions has to do with syrup manifolds. We bought and automatic draw off (I think Macwell/ the expensive one not knowing any better). So the first question is how do you guys mount your probes is it worth buying that bracket that clips to the side of your evaporator? I don't have access to a metal shop to make my own. The second what do your manifolds consist of parts wise and order? The third question is kinda a two parter, is it worth buying a second solenoid so that you dont have to change the manifold from side to side and just change the wires to the control box and if we dont buy a second solenoid is there a quick and easy way to switch the manifold?

Well besides the evaporator plumbing now all I have to do is plumb up the main lines to the releaser and the vacuum and hopefully well be ready to go for season. Thanks for the help and info!

[maple connection]

I am using a auto-matic drawoff and I am planning on putting a valve on each side of my pan. On the end of my valves I use a union, so I close the valve and unscrew the union and go to the other side. I am making the bracket for the temp. probe.

[MilesTeg]

Ya I was hoping that there maybe a v-band clamp like what I use to use at the farm out there so that it would be much quicker and easier. I'm thinking for a manifold have a tee with 2 shutoff valves on it one to draw off in case the auto drawoff fails and one horizontally to shutoff when I switch sides then into the selenoid thoughts?

[Haynes Forest Products]

Milesteg I would go with the triclover fittings there quick and fool proof and dont take up alot of space. How often do you clean your pans? Dont you take all the plumbing off when you do?

[MilesTeg]

Well that's a valid question the truth is I don't know this my first year with a real evaporator I hardly think a half pint counts any recommendations on a cleaning procedure/schedule?

[maple flats]

Can't help you. I just adjust the draw off to constant draw, if the temp rises a degree or 2, I open the valve a little and visa versa. My goal is to draw all the time, but I usually have to stop it at least once an hour to get to temp again, sometimes more. I don't think I would want an automatic draw.

[twofer]

Milesteg I would go with the triclover fittings there quick and fool proof and dont take up alot of space. How often do you clean your pans? Dont you take all the plumbing off when you do?

I'm new to all of this so take it with a grain of salt but this seems like the way to go. I use the tri-clovers on my brewing equipment and they are a breeze to use. If you need to change a connection, whether it's for cleaning or changing flow, it is merely a matter of losing the screw and moving it.