Pump to sit in a Releaser

[miohman]

I am looking to build an electric releaser. I was wondering what pumps people have found to be the best? Has any one found and electric float switch that works well?

[unc23win]

There is a link to a you tube video of an electric releaser build in this thread. http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?24273-Uniseal

[Moser's Maple]

here's another link also for you to look at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l4hQHhjG9k

and on the sugarbush.info there is a thread
http://www.sugarbush.info/forums/home-built-maple-equipment/2507-electric-releaser-build.html

[Amber Gold]

I put one together last year. I just bought a Lapierre vertical electric releaser so I didn't have to both building a manifold or figuring out float switches. I could've done it, but sometimes just easier to spend a few extra bucks. I will say, I love the submersible pump inside a releaser setup...works great.

[GeneralStark]

Josh - Are you using a Sta Rite pump?

[DoubleBrookMaple]

I am looking to build an electric releaser. I was wondering what pumps people have found to be the best? Has any one found and electric float switch that works well?

Here is what I am using, as a result of my hours of research. Both are used by the guys who have built there's and had success.
1. Pump...
You need a good reliable pump. A submersible, as that will be inside the vacuum chamber. It must be a good powerful pump to overcome the vacuum. You cannot go wrong with a well pump. They come in many sizes and power requirements. You can find them new anywhere from $140 on ebay or Amazon, to $400-$600 for high end quality and reliability, support, etc. as in a Goulds. I was planning on using this pump, a 1/2 HP 115V unit. They are available on Amazon for $138.75 shipped to my door with Amazon Prime. They at least have a website with some "support". I came along a new free Dayton, so I did not buy it.
Hallmark site.. http://www.hallmarkind.com/pumps.php
Amazon site..
http://www.amazon.com/Hallmark-Industries-MA0343X-4-Submersible-Stainless/dp/B00NTT2JSU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1420559184&sr=8-2&keywords=submersible+well+pump
I am installing my pump in a 6" diameter remote sap chamber, horizontal, just below the horizontal 10" diameter vacuum sap chamber, interconnected with a 1" line, and a 1" outlet to my check valve, and sap tank.

2. Electric float switch...
Not a huge selection for some reason, and since this one has been used with success before I have ordered mine and it is on the way. I ordered it direct from the company here... I had it on my Amazon wishlist, but they are out of stock now. http://www.washerwatcher.com/Hi_Lo_Controller.htm

Have fun, and good luck!

[Mark]

Does that pump have oil in it? I am looking for one my self that does not have oil because at some point oil will end up in the sap.

[GeneralStark]

Does that pump have oil in it? I am looking for one my self that does not have oil because at some point oil will end up in the sap.

That's a good question and many of these submersibles do have a mechanical seal that incorporates an "oil chamber". Quickly reading the specs. of that pump (hallmark), it is tough to say.

The ideal scenario with this style of electric releaser is a 3-phase deep well pump powered by a vfd, and controlled by a float switch. This allows the pump to run according to sap flow and minimize the on/off cycling of the pump.

This thread has more info.

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?23910-Electric-sap-releaser-question&highlight=submersible

Grainger has good quality float switches for many applications.

[DoubleBrookMaple]

Does that pump have oil in it? I am looking for one my self that does not have oil because at some point oil will end up in the sap.

This is why I said to stay with a well pump...
Well pumps, to my knowledge, do not have oil... People would not appreciate oil in their drinking water.

[DoubleBrookMaple]

Here's one for ya!

http://www.grainger.com/product/FRANKLIN-Subm-Pump-Mtr-1CXE9?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/1CXD8_AS01?$smthumb$

[Amber Gold]

G.S. Yes it's a sta-rite. Got it from Webb. Guessing on price, but maybe $200. Don't really remember.

Make sure when you build it, you make it easy to take apart. The screens on the pump will plug up during the season, particularly early season when the lines are flushing out. Also, drill a couple really small holes on the discharge line just off the pump and before the check valve. The pump can air lock and the pin holes keeps liquid moving.

[GeneralStark]

This is why I said to stay with a well pump...
Well pumps, to my knowledge, do not have oil... People would not appreciate oil in their drinking water.

There are several drinking water submersible pumps that have oil in their mechanical seal. The suggested issue with these is that under high vac. and constant turning on and off, this mechanical seal could fail.

It seems that high head, multi stage, deep well submersibles generally do not have an oil seal, but just because a pump is rated for potable water use, this does not mean it doesn't.

[PARKER MAPLE]

Hallmark site suggest it a hermitcally sealed motor, so I'm assuming that means no oils, and lubircated by the water/sap

[Super Sapper]

The oil used in a potable water pump is usually mineral oil.

[wiam]

The oil used in a potable water pump is usually mineral oil.

Still a contamant. Would make the syrup illegal to sell in most states.

[Shaun]

I was looking at goulds 10GSO4 style pumps. These have a check built in, would this be an issue for air locking?