Is this normal?

[clw]

I experience 12-15 inches in length, maybe 1 inch deep, of rapid, roiling boil, at the draw off. The bubbles are extremely tiny, looks just like it should be syrup. It's almost like foam. I draw off per hydrometer test, sometimes temp will read 219 and sometimes 218 or even 217. This continues all day. Is this normal?

I have a 2 x 4 flat pan with 3 channels. I have used defoamer but the foam returns immediately. I have only been able to make dark syrup, even on the first day of the season.

I would appreciate any and all comments and advice.

Thanks

[WoznicaSyrup]

I have a similar sized evaporator. My finish pan takes up the front half over the fire box and in the back I have a 24" x 24" flue pan. I know that by my draw off point that syrup stays dark all day long with the bubbles varying in size and I keep my pans around the same depth. I would say its fairly normal at least in my non-expert hobbyist opinion.

[psparr]

Not sure how your using the defoamer, but you should put a drop or two of defoamer where you feed sap each time you fire. That will keep the foam to a minimum continually. The bubbles you describe are exactly what you want to see near the draw off. That just means you've got syrup where you want it.

[nymapleguy607]

Really small tight bubble usually mean the pan bottom is getting coated with sugar sand. I usually clean or reverse the flow in the pan when I see that.

[Sugarmaker]

Sounds to me like your making maple syrup! Good work! Yea its normal. You must be checking with a hydrometer which is good. Enjoy. Every evaporator boils a little different.
Regards,
Chris

[clw]

Thank you everyone for your comments.

I have always suspected the burnt sugar sand as being a factor in the appearance of the bubbles and erratic thermometer behavior. I do clean and reverse my pan periodically, but maybe that should be done after each boil.

Is there anything that can be done to minimize the sugar sand burning at the draw Off?