Depth in raised flue back pan

[ascutneymaple]

How deep to you run your levels in a raised flue back pan? I know you can make syrup lighter and faster by running lower in the finishing pan but is there an advantage to running it lower in the back or is it okay to fill it up a few inches above the flues?

[MilesTeg]

I was just getting ready to ask that question we did our test boil yesterday and and ran the level just above the cross over tubes and I didn't know if that was correct.

[Maplewalnut]

I run mine about an inch over my flues. I would recommend starting higher until you are comfortable with your rig and floats. I know my floats catch up pretty quickly if it drops down a little so I don't worry too much. I have three lines on my site glass: one high line to flood to during shutdown, one line in the middle that I operate at and one line in red, that is the oh crap, grab the emergency sap bucket and open the hood!

[MilesTeg]

After this weekend me and my father were kicking around the idea of installing a sight glass for the ease and quick piece of mind. Anyone have cheap place to pick them up I would be installing them on a leader Max pans I don't know if that makes a difference.

[Haynes Forest Products]

Yes Surplus center The Phone number is 1-800 488-3407 They have a nice site glass that is well protected. Its 1/2 NPT and is all brass. I got a few for this season they are about $17.00 complete:)

[MilesTeg]

Ok thanks Haynes!

[maplwrks]

I start my evaporator with the flues covered and work it down to 1/2" below the flues. I can get away with thuis on an oil fired rig---constant heat.

[nymapleguy607]

I start my evaporator with the flues covered and work it down to 1/2" below the flues. I can get away with thuis on an oil fired rig---constant heat.

Know you have me confussed. How do you do this without the pans warping?

[maplwrks]

The key is to keep them boiling--splashing over the flues will keep them from warping.

[maple flats]

If I have help I run about 1/2" and when alone 1". If I have visitors I run about 1.5" My cross over pipes are 2"

[3rdgen.maple]

I run the sap just barely covering the flues maybe 1/4 inch. When i let my dad take over I reset it for atleast an inch. I like fast hard boils and he likes loooong lazy never drawoff boils lol.

[802maple]

I usually start with a quarter inch and then when it is boiling I drop it to the top of the flues.

[Haynes Forest Products]

I haven changed my float levels in 6 years of running the rig. Im to busy multi tasking:emb: