Newbie filter questions

[Cake O' Maple]

I'm using filters for the first time, and when the syrup slowed, I pulled out the top pre-filter, (flat filters), and poured out the syrup into the next filter. I didn't really see any sugar sand, certainly no build-up.

Will I see a build-up? Did I pull it too soon? Hind-sight tells me it could have been cooling off.

My filtering got interrupted due to my syrup cooling to much, and it being after 1 a.m. Now I have an orlon filter and 4 more pre's full of syrup, in a fry basket. Can I just stick it all in plastic to keep it moist, and use it again tomorrow? Please don't tell me I have to wash all that sugar down the sink...

If I can use it, do I need to do any more prep? Or use it as-is?

[DonMcJr]

I'm Boiling tomorrow for the first time so I can't answer your question but I have a question... What are Pre-Filters? Cheesecloth? I have Finishing filters from tapmytree.com but this is the 3rd time I have heard pre-filters and I am not sure what they are!

[GramaCindy]

Don, prefilters are a thinner paper type filter that you place inside your orlon or wool filter to get out the "majority" of the bigger sediment. Using them, greatly increases speed of filtering and success. Do just as you said Cake O Maple. One important thing tho', the filter needs to be **** when you use it or nothing will hardly ever get through. I will be waiting for an answer to your question of "Please don't tell me that I have to wash all of the syrup in the filters down the sink?" That is the part that I really hate. Especially being a small producer, any finished syrup going anywhere but INTO a bottle is disastrous in my mind.

[PerryW]

don't dump it. you have several options. You can pour off the unfiltered syrup into a clean, covered container and simply let it sit undisturbed for a few days and the sediment will settle out.

Or you can pour the unfiltered syrup into a pan, reheat to almost boiling and refilter using clean filters.

Or you can dump it back into the evaporator next time you are boiling. Just pour it in near the drawoff.

Even under the best conditions, some batches just have trouble passing through the filter, but having the syrup cool off is the biggest cause of filtering difficulty. If you are not using a filter-canner, try enlosing the filter setup in cardboard to help keep the heat in.

[maple flats]

When I used flat filters I had a line and good clamp directly over the filter rack. As a prefilter started to clog, I very slowly drained in into th next which transfered very little sugar sand and then I gathered the corners of the removed pre filter and hung it to drip into the next layer. After it quit dripping, I washed it and dried to be ready for the next use. Many do but I did not wet filter nor pre filter before use.

[PerryW]

When I used flat filters I had a line and good clamp directly over the filter rack. As a prefilter started to clog, I very slowly drained in into th next which transfered very little sugar sand and then I gathered the corners of the removed pre filter and hung it to drip into the next layer. After it quit dripping, I washed it and dried to be ready for the next use. Many do but I did not wet filter nor pre filter before use.

that's exactly what I do. I also have never wet my filters or prefilters.