Best way heat syrup before putting through filter press?

[seanbutler]

I'm investing in a filter press this winter, but am wondering what's the best way for me to make sure my syrup is hot enough before putting through the press. I've heard of people heating it up to boiling or near there over a propane burner. Is that really necessary? I produce on average about 7 gallons an hour. If my minimum batch size for filtering is 5 gallons, that means I might have syrup sitting for up to about 45 minutes before filtering. Would it cool down too much? I should mention I do have a cooler sugar shack, as one wall is completely open.

I don't love the idea of having propane too close to my wood fired evaporator. Does anyone use an electric burner? What about an insulated draw-off tank? I've never seen these in any maple equipment catalogues, but I've heard of them.

I've also heard of putting a heat lamp on your syrup. And on your press.

What approach have you found works for you?

Sean Butler
2500 taps (2200 on 3/16 lines)
4x14 wood fired evaporator
600 GPH RO

[wiam]

My first couple years I was not drawing any more than that. I would say it is not a problem with cooling too much. I would hold off till I had close to 5 gallons for the first run though the press each boil but after that I would run smaller batches. Why do you have a 5 gallon minimum?

[seanbutler]

5 gallons is just what I heard as a reasonable minimum. Good to hear that I could go with less.

[PerryFamily]

With my old 2x6 at 8-10% I would draw about 5 gallons an hour and I used a short bank 7" press it worked fine. I did try to keep the press warm though with a blue board insulated box I built for like 10 bucks. Worked good

[wiam]

I know some get concerned about the press cooling off. Now that I am running a full bank 10" I often let it set overnight if I don't think it is full and run it more the next day. I just run the air/diaphragm pump slow till it is warmed up and go.