filter tank use?

[Zamkev]

I am using a 5 gallon filter tank for the first time this year along with the orlon cone filter and pre-filters. I just placed the cone filter in the unit for fun, as I'm not at that stage yet, and didn't expect it to reach almost to the bottom of the tank. Ideally, I'd like to save, finish and filter around 4 gallons to bottle at one time which has me scratching my head a little with regard to the depth of the cone filter in the tank. By the time I bottle 2 gallons (perhaps even less) I can envision the syrup cooling off too much to pass through the filter - even if it is wet and hot - not to mention that the syrup will be just sitting in and around the filter in the tank. Am I missing something with my thought process here? I understand that I could have someone hold the filter up and not use the ring provided with the tank (to secure the filter), but I kind of thought, and was hoping, that this would be a one-person operation.

Any thoughts, suggestions or experience out there with the best way to approach this?

Thanks.

[Bobby]

Hi there, I might suggest a propane burner to keep the temp at around 180 deg. Or just put in what you have till you get to 4 gallons and then re-heat using a burner. Should continue to filter as you are bottling as long as you have the temp hot enough. I have a leader 10 gallon cone filter tank and sometimes I fill it up enough so it is at a level inside the filter but haven't had a problem as long as it it hot. Just make sure the filter isn't touching the bottom of the tank if you use a burner, hate to burn the filter. Hope this helps, let us know how it works out for you.

[Zamkev]

Thanks Bobby.

I was hoping that I could finish on the burner (in a different pan), filter into the filter tank and then bottle right away. I hadn't thought of putting the filter tank on the burner to keep it hot as I had expected that the volume of syrup would maintain its heat - or at least enough to be over the 180 degree mark. If I did put the filter tank on the burner, am I not risking the possibility of more sugar sand?....or will maintain the temp at a minimum of 180 be fairly safe?

Thanks.

[Bobby]

OK I see now, yes it should hold the heat well enough if you pour all 4 gallons in right after finishing. Mine will hold a temp of over 190 for a good 10 minutes. I have to wait for quite a while for mine to cool before bottling. And yes if you maintain a heat of 180-185 no new sugar sand should arise. But if you pour all 4 gallons of finish syrup right in the filter you shouldnt have a problem. Sometimes this even happens with my Leader One cone filter tank, and havent had a problem with it going through.

[Zamkev]

OK great - thanks a lot.

Couple follow-up questions..

- when you say that you "have to wait quite a while for mine to cool before bottling" - are you saying that it is better to let the temp go down a little as opposed to reaching optimal temp/brix and then getting it in the filter tank ASAP and bottling? I was kind of under the impression that I shouldn't be delaying the transfer from finishing pan to filter tank and into bottles.

- some people wet their orlon filter. Do you also do this? If so I assume it is wet, but drip dry?

Thanks again.

[Bobby]

I have a thermometer in the filter tank and the syrup wil stay pretty hot while inside the filter tank (upwards of 200 degrees) therefore I wait for it to cool before bottling, Ill start bottling when I see the temp drop to around 185 degrees. I get the brix correct while on the turkey fryer and as soon as it is 59 brix I kill the heat and straight into the filter, but for a good bottling temp, it should cool to aroud 180. I do wet my filter, I will dip it in some sap and Ill hang it up for a little till it stops dripping, but if you were to put it in while it is still dripping it shouldnt hurt anything, (as long as it isnt dripping like a full stream). I hope this helps and not too confusing :) Let me know if you have any further questions or need further explaination, ill do my best to help.

[Zamkev]

Thanks for the further explanation.

- why only 59 brix?
- Why wait until the temp drops? Is this because you are using plastic, or does it have something to do with syrup consistency? (I'm using glass bottles btw)

[Bobby]

59 brix at 211 degrees. while on the turkry fryer i take a scoop with the hydrometer cup and put the hydrometer right in it, by my experience it will be fairly close to 211 while in the hydrometer cup. Yes I do use plastic, if you are using glass you could probly bottle hotter. Havent ever bottled any glass so im not to sure on temp for those, i dont think it would hurt to bottle hotter.

[Zamkev]

sorry for asking Bobby, but I just want to be clear...

Are you saying that the temp drops from around 219 or so to 211 once it goes in the hydrometer cup? Shouldn't it still read ~66brix when ready?

[Bobby]

That is correct, the syrup will cool fairly quickly when you take a scoop with the hydrometer cup, and you will have to check your hydrometer, but there should be two red lines on it. The top line is for a hot test which is taken at 211 degrees and the bottom red line which is for a cold test which is 60 degrees. The hot test at 211 degrees should read 59 brix and the cold test at 60 degrees should be 66 brix but just check your hydrometer, should be the same.