Ice In Milk Coolers Getting Lifted By Sap,Lifting Plungers Letting Sap Go

[Bruce L]

Has anyone ever had this problem? Found one tank today that the ice had floated up and lifted the plunger,allowing sap to go out on the ground,plastic cap had also split from the cold weather,so backup didn't work either. Went to rob a metal cap from another tank,same problem with ice lifting the plunger. Will be sure to find some more metal caps for used milk coolers before next season

[Clinkis]

I feel your pain. One of my bulk tanks is sunk about 2' into the ground to help compensate for lack of slope. The hole ends up with water in it which freezes and the ice managed to swing open the gate valve (don't ask how!) and break the cap as well so water was getting into the sap. Had to do a lot of smashing and chipping to get through ice to resolve the issue. Also had my releaser freeze up really bad because it didn't drain for some reason. Ended up disconnecting it and bringing back to sugar house to run hot water through it so it could be dismantled and ice removed. luckily there was no perminant damage but I lost 2-3 hours of running time. Where was all this cold back in January and February?

[Bruce L]

Clinkis,how did you get a gate valve onto the tank? Is there a conversion kit for tank threads to pipe threads? If so I'll take 4 so I can get ball valves for all of the tanks

[maple flats]

I've had ice lift the dip stick in the past, as sap runs and the ice floats on top. I then removed the dip stick and stuck it in backwards so it is up in the air. You could also plug that hole and not use the dip stick.
For valves, most are available from aftermarket sources. You can also get adapters changing from most types of connections to another, even to NPT. What does your tank connection look like now? a picture may help. Also include a ruler in close proximity to the fitting for reference. With that one of us will likely be able to give you an answer.
I have 7 tanks and only 3 came with the valves but I now have SS butterfly valves on all. A butterfly valve is a type that will not self destruct if it freezes but you need to thaw one before you turn the handle or you will damage the seal.

[Clinkis]

Clinkis,how did you get a gate valve onto the tank? Is there a conversion kit for tank threads to pipe threads? If so I'll take 4 so I can get ball valves for all of the tanks

This particular cooler had a factory issued swing gate valve (not a ball valve) which is why I think the ice pushed it open. I just bought another cooler and it came with a nice heavy duty stainless ball valve on it from de Laval. Can't see ice opening it. Should be able to purchase them from a dairy supply place but I would suspect they are not cheap.

[Spanielslovesappin]

Maple Flats is spot on about ball valve vs butterfly valve. The sap in the ball can freeze and burst the valve body.

I found affordable SS import Tri-Clamp butterfly valve and fittings @ http://texasprocesstechnologies.com.

[maple flats]

Here's the one I order from, prices might be lower. Didn't compare shipping. https://www.brewershardware.com/Sanitary-Fittings/Tri-Clover-Valves/Tri-Clover-Butterfly-Valves/

[mellondome]

Milk tanks use a butterfly style or recessed plunger style valves due to sanitary reasons. They do not have ball valves. But all of them are acme fittings on the hose connection end. You can buy connections for hose online for these. Either in 1.5in or 2in. Depending on the tank valve size.

[DocsMapleSyrup]

So how do you get from a threaded end on the bulk tank to a sanitary fitting for the butterfly valve?

[mellondome]

http://hambydairysupply.com/xcart/home.php?cat=267&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&objects_per_page=50
Or
http://www.partsdeptonline.com/Tank-Valves/products/84/

[Bruce L]

http://hambydairysupply.com/xcart/home.php?cat=267&sort=orderby&sort_direction=0&objects_per_page=50
Or
http://www.partsdeptonline.com/Tank-Valves/products/84/
Thanks,just the link I needed,although pretty pricey for 5 tanks!