Filter Press vs. orlon and pre-filters

[Cindee]

In preparation for next year what is everyone's opinion on the filter press. For example how much easier is it than the orlon and pre filters and how quickly does it filter?

[jrgagne99]

The question of filter-press vs. gravity filter setup (pre-filters with orlon) basically boils down to how quickly you produce syrup. When you have expanded your syrup-making capacity to the point when you can no longer keep up using gravity, then it is time for a filter press. Not before. In general, gravity setups are much easier to operate and maintain than a press. How much syrup do you make per hour? I would say if you make more than 3 gallons per hour, you are in the realm of the filter press.

[heus]

I filtered 248.5 gallons through orlon filters this past season in 5 gallon batches. Its doable but I would rather have a filter press.

[jrgagne99]

In an ideal setup, the filtering keeps up with production, so you can filter while the syrup is still hot, without having to reheat. I know someone that keeps up with his 2x8 Max flue (makes about 2 gallons per hour) with the standard 16"x16" gravity filter/canner unit.

Heus- Did you need to set your syrup aside in a large container, then re-heat before filtering?

[heus]

Once I got 5-6 gallons in my finisher I heated and thinned to proper density. Then I put that through 5 prefilters and an orlon filter in my canner. I bottled from there so I wouldnt have to reheat again.

[PerryW]

I run 2 gallons per hour through my 12x20" grimm filter/canner and never have a problem filtering. I use a single prefilter and filter, replace the prefilter after each takeoff and change the main filter after every 5 gallons of syrup. The filters and prefilters wash up easily, no power required and there's no papers or DE to buy.

[maple flats]

I like the perfect filtering I get using my filter press. However there is a certain production size you want to be at to use it. I do reheat even though I draw between 7-8 gal an hour. I run my draw off into a 15 gal draw tank. As that needs emptying I just pump it using the filter press pump into my finisher. When I get 20-24 gal in the finisher I heat it to 210-215, do a temperature corrected density test and then draw it off the finisher into a mixing tank, add the filter aid (FA), stir well, and then run the filter press again, recirculating to final blend and then open the filtering valve and closing a recirculating valve. I have high temperature tubing from each of these and control it with just 3 valves to move syrup from the evaporator to the pump t, the finisher, and then to filter it. I only need to move the recirculate discharge hose and the finished filtered syrup hose to where I want them to go.I can filter a 30 gal batch early to mid season on a set of papers, but only about half that on late season B to commercial syrup. I have had my filter press since 2005 and I have only used 600-650 papers in that time. I am only on the last of my second bag of DE. The syrup comes out crystal clear, it sparkles. I bought my filter press when I was at 325 taps on buckets and gravity tubing. I am now at 1250 taps all on vacuum. I started with a 7" short bank (3 sets of plates) and just added 2 more sets of plates this season, but only used 4 sets this year. I will use all 5 sets next year..
That being said, you should decide how big you are going to get. Flat filtering can be good and is less costly but it does take time. There are producers who make far more syrup than I do and they are using flat filters. I bought some equipment from a retired producer who made 6-700 gal a year and he used several filter racks with tanks, like about 6-8 at 24" square. Member "Mountainvan" makes LOTS of syrup and uses flat filters with FA.
There are smaller presses available too if you want the clarity and ease but don't plan to get large enough to realistically need a 7" press. Member "Daryl" I believe makes a hand pump 5" press, ideal for smaller operations. For those who do a lot using flat filters I question the economics since filter tanks and racks have a big cost too even if bought used to the point that a filter press would cost less than 6 racks /tanks but then those are likely bought 1 at a time as needed.

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

I run 2 gallons per hour through my 12x20" grimm filter/canner and never have a problem filtering. I use a single prefilter and filter, replace the prefilter after each takeoff and change the main filter after every 5 gallons of syrup. The filters and prefilters wash up easily, no power required and there's no papers or DE to buy.

What you waste in syrup in filters will more than pay for the paper filters and filter aid a press requires.

[super sappy]

I will pump some hot water thru the press at the end of the filtering and put it back into the flu pan. There is barely any syrup left in the press at all = makes clean up a snap -ss

[Gary R]

I hated the cone filters. I make mostly darker syrup and sometimes it filters harder. I make less than a gal. per hour. If you can afford it, an electric filter press is the way to go. Crystal clear and done fast.

How long do people go without sanitizing their wool and orlon filters? You would think bacteria would grow quickly.

[heus]

My filters get rinsed immediately. Before I use them the next time they are folded up and sitting in a basket on my syrup pan getting steam cleaned.