Sap Freezing in Flue Pan

[cfenton86]

I new to using a flue pan this year and have concerns about leaving sap in pans overnight. In the forecast for the next 2-3 days we have some pretty cold overnight lows in the lower teens. Do I need to drain my flue pan? Also should mention that my joints are soldered in my pans

[Ed R]

If it gets into the single digits I either drain my flue pan, put a heat lamp under the arch, or leave the sap level high and build a small fire each night its cold under the arch. It depends on the duration of the cold snap.

[Big_Eddy]

Options from least to most risky.

Drain into a stainless pail and then pour back into the pan before your next boil.
Place a 100w incandescent light bulb or small heater in the arch under the pan to keep the pan from freezing.
Light a small fire every day to keep the flues from freezing hard.
Let it freeze. (The more concentrated, the less solid it will freeze.)


It's up to you what level of risk you are comfortable with.

[cfenton86]

Thanks for the replies! I think I will drain it. Not feeling risky with the new pans

[wnybassman]

Raised flues are less of a concern than drop fluesfrom what I have heard. I have never drained my raised flue, but have put a heat lamp in the firebox during the extreme cold.

[Big_Eddy]

Raised flues are less of a concern than drop fluesfrom what I have heard. I have never drained my raised flue, but have put a heat lamp in the firebox during the extreme cold.
I can't think of any reason why that would be. If anything, I would think they would be worse, as the outside is exposed to the cold air, rather than being nestled inside the insulated and bricked arch. Even 24 hours later, there is some heat retained in the bricks. (unless there is a cold draft coming down the chimney)

Shape wise, both are about the same, and have the same space (or lack of space) for expansion.

It may just be a case of construction. Newer tig welded pans are a lot tougher than some of their older counterparts. I've never drained my pans either - I'll light a small fire every day if I need to. Just enough to thaw things out and get them steaming, without boiling off any sap.