filter press dilemma

[vtmapleguy]

I am looking at getting a filterpress for my operation but not sure what size to get. I have about 600 taps and plan on expanding to no more than 1000 in years to come. Any insight on this topic would be great. I've been looking at a cdl 7 inch press but didn't know if it was big enough or if I should go with a 10 inch. Thanks for any help.

[jmayerl]

7 inch should work for you but it really depends more on how much syrup you finish at one time.

[vtmapleguy]

How many gallons do you think it will it be able to do before I would have to change filters?

[maple2]

we use a 7in press. we usually can get up to 70 gals. through it before changing papers. syrup temp. and the right amount of DE is key.

[maple flats]

7" or 7", that is the question. A short bank 7" (3 sets of plates) served me well until I passed 1000 taps Most of the time I got about 15-30 gal on a set of papers (more early in the season, less later on) 7' come in short bank and regular bank (7 or more sets of plates), more plates = more filtering on a set of papers.

[vtmapleguy]

Thanks for all the info. I guess a 7" short bank will work for me

[Millers Crossing]

Could I ask...how much DE is the right amount? I can only seem to get 20 gallons through our 7" press before it clogs up and goes to over 90psi.

I am filtering through paper filters off the finishing pan and then doing a more precise finish over propane.

I have been mixing in about 2cups DE to my first batch (2-5 gallons) and then adding 1 cup more for each ensuing batch...I am lucky to get through 2-3 batches....

Something just isn't right. I would love any thoughts...thanks

[JoeJ]

After fighting with a 7" short bank filter press for 8 seasons, I bought the extra plates this summer to make my filter press a full bank. With the short bank filter press, I was lucky to filter 7-8 gallons without changing the papers. I should have bought the extra plates 7 years ago. What a huge difference those extra plates make.
I put in 8 cups of DE in a 2 gallon pre-charge batch and can usually filter 30- 35 gallons without adding in any more DE.

[Hal]

I bought a full 7" press. Then once got experience with it, I made some spacers and set it up as a short bank . That way I can set it up long or short, depending on how much sap I have. If I misjudge and plug the short bank, I can substitute the unused plates in about a minute, and wash up later.

I also use it as a short bank when I re-filter my syrup before canning it.

[maple2]

we use 1 cup per 7gals. half in the 3gal. precharge, the rest in the finisher. heat to 200

[tuckermtn]

short bank 7" should be fine. IF you go with the CDL, get the papers in the white box from CDL- they fit their press better.