Preheater

[theschist]

So, after seeing some pretty nice preheaters on here, I took some extra pieces of copper I had laying around and put together a preheater for my Mason 2X4XL. It sits on aluminum angle and c channel for drainage. I used 1/2" copper and was sure to make the inlet lower than the outlet. 9 pipes should give me a decent amount of heat increase. Now, I just have to try it!!
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[psparr]

Nice work! Do you have a hood for over it?

[theschist]

Sure do, with the preheater the hood won't sit flush on the pan. It shouldn't matter too much. It seems I can keep the hood off of the pan a few inches and still get all the steam.
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[dcast99]

Put the preheater in the hood so the U channels drain into your hood's drainage channels. The plastic zip ties will probably not last in the heat. If needed use SS or copper wire.

[theschist]

I thought about that, but then how do you get the sap from the feed tank to the preheater and still be able to raise and lower the hood? I like to be able to lift it to clean/prevent burns/etc.

[toquin]

My preheater has 4 legs and sits in the pan. Slot in back of pan to clear feed line for removal