Raised Flue operation

[325abn]

So I have my 2 X 4 Small Bro "lightning" raised flue SS pan with a 30" flue section and a 18" 2 section syrup pan. There are valves on both sides of the flue pan that feed the syrup pan.

I have never used anything other than a non divided flat pan so I am unsure how to operate this new rig.

I am guessing at the start of the boil I will feed sap into the whole pan to a certain level. The sap level in the flue pan will be maintained via the float box valve. Then the boiling sap from the flue pan will automaticly migrate to the syrup pan via the two valves that will be left open at all times during the boil. Then the syrup will be drawn out of the syrup pan via the draw off valve on either side of the syrup pan.

Is this a correct explanation?

[chipa]

if its a raised flue, there will be a second float box for the front pan.

[325abn]

It is a raised flue and there is not a float for flow to the syrup section of the pan. Just a valve on both sides of the flue section of the pan.

[Fred Henderson]

The valves on the side are probably for reverseing flow.

[mountainvan]

Is this a used or new evaporator? The lightnings I boiled on, 2x6 and 3x8, had a float with a z-arm for the front pan for reversing the flow, and a pipe and plug on the preheater box to reverse the flow in the flue pan. If both valves are open to the front pan you'll end up making syrup in the middle partitions.

[325abn]

I bought the pan used from a guy who purchased it new 2 years ago. The pan only has one float that is used for sap flow into the flue pan from the feed tank.

I will post some pics later.

[325abn]

Here are some shots of the pan. The feed tank float is removed.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/reagantrooper/Evaporator/8-06067.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/reagantrooper/Evaporator/8-06065.jpg

[Russell Lampron]

325abn,

When you are ready to boil you need to decide which side of the front pan you want to draw off from (I start on the left side). On the side you decide to draw off from you will close the valve that feeds the front pan. Then you will crack the valve on the other side to maintain a sap depth of about 1 inch. You may want to run it alittle deeper at first to get used to it. The next time you boil switch sides, this helps cut down on the sugar sand build up.

Russ

[325abn]

OK now I get it. :D

Thanks!

[Russell Lampron]

325abn,

It looks like the flue pan has a divider in it. You want to set it up so the cold sap goes in on the side you draw off of the front pan on so that the sap has to go around the divider to the other side. This gets the sugar content up as much as possible. Change this each time you boil as well. Maintain a sap depth that keeps the flues covered while you are boiling.

Russ

[325abn]

Thanks, the feed tank valve does swing between each side.

What are some thoughts on how this pan could perform? Is 30GPH out of the question? The burner has a 1.5GPH nozzel on it.

[Russell Lampron]

325abn,

I think 20gph is a more reasonable expectation. A stock older style 2x6 was rated at 25gph.

Russ