frozen sap in evaporator

[jakecode]

i boiled about 75 gallons in my 2x8 evaporator, it is not even close to syrup yet, because of time constraints at the time, my question is (this sap is now frozen), will it do any damage to my pans?
they are raised flues

[mapleack]

It depends on how sweet it is, there's a chance that 75 gal might not have been enough. If you can I'd put a small electric heater in the firebox on low to prevent a solid freeze up.

[vtmapleman]

During a 'cold' snap I will start up my evaporator (oil fired) for a short period of time to melt the ice...you do have to be careful in that your have sap over your flues. Not sure that it would split the flues but I don't like taking a chance.

[jakecode]

thank you guys, this is a new arch for me, brand new second hand as a friend would say, i am going to start a small fire tonight to get some more water out of it

[StayinLowTech]

Also if you have a large several day candle you might put that in the evaporator during cold snaps.

[Waynehere]

I usually throw a 100 watt bulb in under the sap pan. Usually just enough to keep from freezing. Of course you will need a little electric..... :)

[Dill]

I tossed a work light into the arch the couple early freezes we had this season. The only thing that got a skim of ice was the float box, and it got down to 8.

[jakecode]

thanks everyone, i went with the drop light, (great idea)