Coil around stack

[Wood burn]

I'm thinking of putting 25 feet of 1/2 copper around the stack as a preheater that will drip into my 2x4 flat pan . Is it worth it and second what about when I've got no more sap left do I run water in it so that it won't burn ? Thx

[bowhunter]

I know a lot of people have done this with mixed results. I do it and it works well for me. I have a 1/2 pint which is 24 x 33 and it's boils about 6.5 to 7 gallons per hour. I have 7 full coils (about 11 feet) of 3/8 copper around the 6 inch flue pipe. I used some thin wire to pull the coil tight against the pipe. I average 130- 165 F out of the coil. I flush out the coil with permeate water after I stop sap flow and I only see a slight bit of brown sap when I restart the sap flow. I feed the pan from my RO system so I pump into the coil continuously as long as the RO is running. I've been doing this all season with no ill affects.

[325abn]

I suggest using 3/8, make sure you put a vent in the top. I used insulation and sheet metal on the outside. I am sure I posted some pictures.

[TerryEspo]

I did the copper tubing around the stack last year. I am looking to change it this year though.
I maybe am to blame as my bucket that fed the coil was only a 5 gallon pail with a spout at the bottom, many times it would run dry and sap would not be in the coil.
So, when I r- filled the 5 gallon bucket it would hiss and steam, black burnt sap would exit first for 5-8 seconds which I would catch and toss out. If I had a larger container and it never ran empty, maybe I would keep that system.

I just didn't like the copper against the pipe with no sap running through it. Wish it was removable. There is a member here that has a system with springs and removable, that I like.

[Wood burn]

What do you know about this removable system how is it built ? I'm running a oil tank evaporator with a 2x4 flat pan in the back and a 1x2 in the front I hope to get a gph of about 12+.

[TerryEspo]

Let me check some of my earlier posts. It will be there, cant remember the name of the person off hand.

BRB with their name.

[TerryEspo]

Hey Woodburn. I cant find the post with the name, darn.
Anyway, his design is copper coil but not the way around the pipe maybe 3/4 way around, then downward, then 3/4 around etc,,, then used springs to keep it tight where it didn't come around. When he was done giving new sap, off came the springs and he removes the copper coil away from the stack.
Maybe someone here knows who I am talking about. He has pics of his set up and looks real good.

Hope that helps some.

[SeanD]

It's Johnny Cuervo. Not sure if he is Jose's brother. Anyway, I couldn't find the thread with a quick search just now, but it's there somewhere. I was just looking at it a couple of months ago.

Sean

[TerryEspo]

Yes, Thanks SeanD,

I found his pics below in his signature. I hope this link works to his pics.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57535094@N00/1168552077/in/set-72157601539320490

Great idea !!

[325abn]

Here are a few shots of mine.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/reagantrooper/DSCN3145_zps25333b0c.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/reagantrooper/media/DSCN3145_zps25333b0c.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/reagantrooper/DSCN3147_zpsce6dc74f.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/reagantrooper/media/DSCN3147_zpsce6dc74f.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/reagantrooper/DSCN3214_zpsf4b2a2a4.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/reagantrooper/media/DSCN3214_zpsf4b2a2a4.jpg.html)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/reagantrooper/DSCN3212_zps86e74697.jpg (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/reagantrooper/media/DSCN3212_zps86e74697.jpg.html)

[325abn]

I adjusted that feed pipe so all the condensate stays out of my pan!

[TerryEspo]

Hi 325,

Allow me to ask what happens when you let the sap sit in the copper with no flow? Does the first sap come out black ?
It looks great whatever happens, lol.

Thanks for sharing.

[325abn]

I don't let raw sap sit in the line.
Thanks, it could work much better but every little bit helps.