Can you change defoamers mid boil?

[Bruce L]

I use Atmos 300 defoamer in the flue pan,seems to be the only one that will work to keep the foam down with the roaring boil that goes on there,sometimes,especially later on in the season,the syrup pan requires defoamer. Could I use milk in the syrup pan instead ,really don't like adding the Atmos to the syrup pan that close to coming off into the filter?

[sugarman3]

milk will be a waste of time,using atmos properly will not affect your syrup,4-5 drops each firing will help foam down plus don't put it in the partition closes to draw off.

[psparr]

Not if you intend to sell it. If it's for personal use, you can sling a piece of bacon over the divider.

Personally I would start adding a little Atmos in the flue pan before adding it in the syrup pan.

[maple flats]

If you put the right amount of Atmos in the flue pan you won't need any in the syrup pan. So if you ever do see a need in the syrup pan, add some there but also increase what you are putting in the flue pan.

[Sugarmaker]

Just a drop or two will do it. With all the allergy issues I would not use any dairy either. We used to years ago, not any more.
I really don't think the drop of Atmos defoamer at the draw off point is going to cause you a concern in the syrup. But that's my opinion. Maybe Dr. Tim will chime in here.
Regards,
Chris

[wiam]

Just a drop or two will do it. With all the allergy issues I would not use any dairy either. We used to years ago, not any more.
I really don't think the drop of Atmos defoamer at the draw off point is going to cause you a concern in the syrup. But that's my opinion. Maybe Dr. Tim will chime in here.
Regards,
Chris

I have never noticed a taste even when it is needed right near draw off.

[Bruce L]

When we first got the new evaporator and pans,I believe Bruce told me to put three drops in the flue pan every fire,sometimes increase that to as much as 5 or 6 drops,and later in the season still have to knock the syrup pan down,or it will boil over the dividers and of course mix for bigger batches. Now with the steam away the manual says 3-4 drops in every fire,will also be adding into the flue pan where the hot sap will be entering from the steam away,may have to throttle back on the auf to slow the syrup pan's boil down. I bought a gallon of the defoamer several years ago at the open house,keeping it in the freezer until needed,then thaw it out to refill the small bottle. Tried sunflower oil when I ran out one time,wouldn't even begin to control the boil.

[DrTimPerkins]

Don't use dairy, pork, or anything similar if you are selling syrup.

Most of the time defoamer should be added to the backpan where the sap enters the pan. Setting up a routine such as after each fire is not a bad idea at all. Just a few drops of commercial defoamers such as Atmos are needed. With organic oils, more is needed. Many larger producers use automatic drippers (oilers) and adjust periodically as needed. Typically the first boil of the season, the first boil of the day, and towards the end of the season require more defoamer. Organic producers sometimes have to switch to conventional defoamers (and "decertify" any syrup made after that point) at the end of the season due to excessive defoaming.

Using a small amount of Atmos right near the drawoff is not a problem for taste as long as it is done sparingly. It shouldn't be used elsewhere in the front (syrup) pan unless it is a real emergency as using it in other partitions will disrupt the gradient for a while and lead to massive batches and possible scorching. Never put and dispense defoamer from a spray bottle as this spreads it out too much. A small dropper bottle is enough.