Drum over flow control/valve

[Randle]

Looking to buy a drum over flow control. We want to "connect" two barrels in serial so after one is full syrup from the press will flow to the second.

I've seen two models available at Bascom's and not sure of the pros/cons of each.


What are you all using ?

[maple flats]

I use one that is made by Lapierre, it works good. I don't see why they are so pricey but they work. I think either will do fine, just get the cheaper one. Mine is the one they label DOFC but when I got it the price was only $125 which still seemed too high. It does prevent lots of messes and you don't need to keep checking how full the barrel is while filling. I run the overflow J bend into a 4 or 5 gal SS pot on top of the drum because I don't want to fill a second barrel in a row very often. While filtering I just glance at the overflow hose to know when the barrel is full. Syrup in that hose means barrel full. Simple, and keeps the syrup where you want it, not all over the top of the drum or on the floor. The other one Bascom shows looks like it should work too, but all barrels must have the bung at the outer edge of the drum. Mine do, but I've seen many that aren't, they are in the center.
With mine, when the barrel is full I just shut off the pump on the filter press. Then I release the cam lock and lift slowly so I don't have drips falling off the longer tube into the barrel. I then use a dish or cup or bowl to catch the last few drips as it is lifted, for a totally clean barrel top with no lost syrup.

[Randle]

The DOFC is the one I was leaning toward. I also don't understand why they are over $200. I looked all over the internet for something similiar that wasn't made for the maple industry hoping I'd find it for under $50 but can't find anything similar anywhere.

[mellondome]

Get a replacement bung or a 2" threaded pipe plug and drill 2 holes in it the same size as the metal tubing on the end if your hose. Or thread it to accept short piece of pipe and barbs to fit your hose.

[Shaun]

Does anyone use these on stainless kegs? These kegs are not modified, I seal them with a sanitary cap and gasket. The inside diameter is 1 7/8" on the keg. Not sure if it will work?