filling a drum

[Fred Henderson]

My question is this. If I put 7 or 8 gallons of 180-90 temp syrup into a 15 gallon drum and plug it. Is it ok to open it and add more hot syrup to top it off, right on top of the cold that is already in it?

[maple flats]

I haven't tried it but my guess is that you would not be hot enough to sterilize on the second fill. I think NO.
Dave

[Fred Henderson]

I next ? is how do the big producers do it if they don't have enough to fill the barrel? I was at a big producers place last year and he had some in a barrel from the day before and he was adding to it. Maybe someone else will chime in with more answers. Thanks Dave. Did you ever get a barrels from Rutely Farms?

[Russell Lampron]

Fred,

I have done it before with 5 gallon containers but for temporary storage only. I can it up before it has time to spoil. If you want to store it for a long time you will have to reheat the cold stuff.

Russ

[maplehound]

Always mark those containers that you top off and use them first.

[802maple]

I have filled partial barrels for thirty years and I can't remember any of them spoiling, We sometimes keep them for 2 years. Remember packers open every barrel they buy and they don't lose many barrels of syrup over the year. The main reason that you lose syrup to spoilage is low density syrup or dirty barrels. I have done it in plastic and steel barrels, as long as they are clean in the first place you shouldn't have any problem.

[Fred Henderson]

Thanks for all the help and answers guys.

[brookledge]

I always pack my kegs 15.5 gal hot pack. The only time I do not is when i'm making C grade and plan on wholesaling it right away. I think alot of the large drums like 30 to 55 gal are not effected as much as smaller containers, however I have seen a 55 gallon barrel at Bascoms that was brought in by a producer and it was blown up like a balloon. They said it was from the syrup fermenting from not packaged properly. I didn't ask if it was from under cooking it or not hot packing but it sure looked funny.
Also most that open containers and then store it will refrigerate it
I would say that if you put in a few gallons and then put in more the next day it will not sterilize everything.
Keith

[802maple]

Most of the time it is under cooked and as far as I know Bascoms is the only refrigerated storage facility, I know Maple Grove doesn't and they buy in excess of 33,000 drums per year. I have done a lot of 5 gallon containers as that is all I used to put up and I made around 700 gallons a year when I diid use 5 gallon containers

[mapleman3]

I do it in 5 gal containers and only once did I have one that had a few "floaters" on the top of the syrup I just skimmed that off and then reheated for bottling... I have 2 stainless 15 gal beer kegs if anyone wants them. come get em I'll never use them. do they make 5 gal stainless drums? or just plastic and epoxy?

[Maple Hill Sugarhouse]

Send em' in the mail....

[mapleman3]

they're a little on the big side... but I did finally dig out you sap filter holder and will try to get to the Post office today... Did you start tapping yet???? I was up near Bascoms Sat so stopped in ... and they were 2/3s tapped... man what a setup

[Maple Hill Sugarhouse]

Maybe tap this weekend??

[maple flats]

I did a search and at least 1 co offers 5 gal with 2" and 3/4" bung. Here is the link: http://www.skolnik.com/ You might not like the price, these are new bbls. Just for $#its and giggles I just requested 5-10 and 16 gal prices bought in qtys of 5 and 10 each.

[maple flats]

Fred, In answer, I did not get any yet but am still considering some.

[802maple]

I used to get my 5 gallon containers at New England Resins in Woburn, Mass I don't have the phone number but they are good people to deal with.

[maple flats]

I got prices back today for 5-10-16gal ss barrels, new.
All are 304SS tight head, 2" & 3/4" bungs, 20/20/20 ga, palletized and shrink wrapped. Quantities of 5 to 10 each.
5gal $155, 10gal $185, 16gal $200 each. He said price drops considerably with larger quantities.
Dave

[lmathews]

I have app 8-30g galv drums.The question is they have some rust spots from the previous owner not storing them properlyor cleaning.Can I get the rust out should I try to trade the barrels or throw them out?Is there a place that can recoat the inside?I will need more storage if I have a good season.

[Fred Henderson]

Who on this site was selling the 5 gal soda containers?