Expanding Oil Tank Evaporator- Question about pan levels

[deitzd]

I built a 2 x 4 oil tank evaporator and used it for 2 seasons. I need to increase the boiling rate so I'm adding AUF and adding pans to make it 2 x 9.5 feet.

I'm thinking of stepping each pan so that the 18 x 24 syrup pan would be 1/4 to 1/2 inch deeper than the 2 x 4 continuous flow pan which would also be 1/4 to 1/2 inch deeper than the 2 x 4 flat pan. I'm planning to put the syrup pan directly over the fire. My thought is that this set up would allow me to run pretty shallow in the flat pan while preventing burning the syrup pan.

Does anyone here have any experience or thoughts on this idea?

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[wiam]

I have seen 1/4" flat stock laid on the rail under a drop flue pan to run shallower in that pan. Worked ok.

[Sugarbush Ridge]

On my 2x8 Smoky lake with 6' flue pan. I put 1/2" flat stock under flue pan. I know that most would not do this but I haven't scorched a syrup pan since.

[whity]

How well insulated is the arch? Do you have a preheater? Adding AUF will help. But are you loosing heat out the sides? I have read people using soft copper tubing around the stack as a preheater. That will also help increase your boil rate by not adding cold sap to the pans

[deitzd]

The arch is lined with 1 inch ceramic blanket including the ramp. Also, the firebox is lined with 1.25 inch firebrick so I consider it to be pretty well insulated, except the vogelzang door. I don't use a sap preheater yet. It's something I'm considering for the future but I've read here that it's not as effective as other methods for increasing boiling rate.

[70 Buick]

Can't wait to see a finished picture of this road warrior LOL

[deitzd]

I only added the 18x24 syrup pan this year. It runs 1/4" deeper than the sap pan and it works great. I also put in AUF and I'm getting a good boil. I've got room to expand next year.
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