FULL STEAM TABLE conversion?

[zandstrafarms]

hi guys, we are looking at a new evaporator for this season, and upgrading from our oil barrel evaporator from last year. We are looking to run about 200 taps this year and I want my boiling rate to be somewhere around 30 or 40 gallons per hour. I came across a full buffet steam table on Craigslist, and had originally thought about using it similar to the oil barrel evaporators. However, when I really looked at the photos, I realized I might be able to use those coils that would normally boil water to boil maple sap instead. Has anyone else ever tried this how efficient would it be or should I just scrap that part out and turn the rest of it into a big arch with the pans?

The lines run gas... hopefully propane as that's all I have! 125131251412515

[Bucket Head]

The coil or the four pans won't get 30-40 gph. That's what a standard 2x6 with a flue pan should do.

I guess all that stainless would be a good start to an arch. Heck, most the users on here have seen pics of gutted washing machines and file cabinets used as an arch!

Good luck. Post pics of what you build out of it.

[optionguru]

My old evaporator was an oil tank with 4 steam table pans and the best I ever got out of it was about 8gph. Probably could have been insulated better and a few other tweaks might have gotten up to 10gph but nowhere near what you're looking for.

[zandstrafarms]

Sorry, I did reply sooner but apparently it neve fully posted. Anyway, our old burner was a double 55 barrel and got 14 gph, coyld have gotten near 20 had it been sealed along pans, bricked and added a blower and a,sap warmer.

At the very least it will make a lovely 2x5 arch and we can upgrade pans in a year :)

[red dorakeen]

While I was looking for steam table pans I skimmed thru an article about steam table usage in restaurants.

The gist of what I recall was that steam tables were for maintaining a safe serving temperature but not for actual cooking.

Perhaps the steam table could be adapted with higher BTU burners or for all I know it might work as is.

Just thought I'ld mention it.

My disclaimer- this is my first year tapping so ...

[zandstrafarms]

Yeah I checked the btus, and no where close to what gas powered evap. Units produce. Ran across a few posts on gas powered units and cost is quite high.

So my next question is about pans. See new post