Preheater over pan type, does it need a vent?

[smokeyamber]

Hello, in the constant quest to improve my boil rates I have built a new pre-heater, it is the parallel tubing over the pan type, I know that the sap won't reach boiling point, does this type of setup have issues with vapor lock and does it need a vent? If so where is best? At the outlet or inlet to the pre-heater ?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[psparr]

Yes vent. Feed the sap at the low point and exit on the high side also vent at the high side.

[dcast99]

Vent needed. Don't forget a tray under it to collect the condensation that will form on the tubes.

[MT Pockets Producer]

I agree with psparr and dcast99. See the thread below for explanation.

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?27776-Copper-tubing-Pre-Heater-Question

[Sugarmaker]

Good to have a vent at the highest point. Put a valve there and make sure its safe, as hot sap may come out at anytime.
Do you have a hood?
Regards,
Chris

[smokeyamber]

Thanks for all the feedback, I will add a vent and point it somewhere safe :lol: I do not have a hood, but plan to slope the pre-heater heavily and hopefully the condensate will run down to a trough at the bottom. The design was gleaned from some builds I saw here. A hood may be in the future, but I like to see the pan so it may be a while.

Another questions is how do you clean the preheater ? It is freshly built so I plan to scrub it down on the outside and flush with hot water, should I soak it with something like a baking soda mixture as well ? I don't want to risk adding any taste:( to the sap/syrup.

Gotta get this thing installed since this weekend will be first boil ! :o