recanning/ filter press DE amount?

[Ryan Mahar]

I know this topic has been discussed but I am trying to avoid cycling through all the threads to find it. I am going to start 're-canning' from 5 gallons containers into glass. I use to just do 1 one gallon at a time through a cone filter, but taking too long to do larger orders. Also was having some episodes of niter re-occurring. So I am trying to improve my efficiency by doing the larger batches. My question is: How many plates for 5-10 gallons on my 7 inch press? I am thinking 3 plates is enough and then just a few cups of DE???? Also I assume since using press, I can heat hotter than 185 now , would like to go to 205 or so to retain good temp throughout......
Thanks for any advice.......Ryan

[maple flats]

All syrup after in season packaging, as long as you filtered it when putting into bulk (5 gal. plastic up thru any larger size) should be reheated and filtered again if there is any hint of cloudiness in the product. If there is no cloudiness you can skip it, but I just do it as routine.
When I re-filter, I still use all of the plates (I only have 5 sets, 7" press), but I use less DE. I charge the filter with 1.5 cups in about 3 gal. Then I run about 5-6 gal batches with 1 cup DE per batch until all is filtered. To do this, I use my finisher, heat the whole barrel worth in that, then I draw off the initial 3 gal, 1.5 cups DE and run it. Then I draw in 5-6 gal batches, add 1 cup DE and run that, repeat as necessary.
If you are only doing 5 gal total, if you can heat that all at once, try 2 cups DE and run just as a single batch. If you need to do smaller lots adjust. Back when my filter press only had 3 sets of plates I ran about 1.25 cups for first batch, then about 3/4 cups after that per batch.
You can use just 3 plates if desired, I prefer using my full 5 because the pressure is easier to control and the job is done quicker.

[PerryFamily]

I heat 20 gallons in my finishing pan to 200degrees
Check density
I only use one plate on my full 10" press
Lighter syrup I've found needs very little de where darker syrup needs more
I use maybe 4-5 cups for the entire 20 gallons

[Ryan Mahar]

perfect, that's just what I needed to hear! Thanks!!