How do you draw off to filter press tank/barrel without finishing

[doocat]

I know there are a lot of people out there that draw off to filter press tank and press directly into barrels. I was just looking to hear how everyone does it, check density, adjust density, etc. All opinions are welcome. I am looking for different option than what we are doing.

Thanks.

[kevinsnieder]

We use a Marcland automatic draw off to finish our syrup. I always like to run a little bit thick as it’s easier to adjust than to try and thicken it up. Just open the valve and let some thin syrup into the draw off tank. We test every 2-3 draws and adjust accordingly. When we get approximately 2-3 barrels in the draw off tank we run it through the press. We do have an agitator in the tank but always give it a good stir before testing.

Kevin


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[Walling's Maple Syrup]

Are you using a single drawoff tank? How much syrup do you make per hour? I started with a single 25 gallon drawoff tank, but found it was too hard to keep density adjusted right. I since have went to a double drawoff tank with each side holding 25 gallons. I fill one side (which takes about 25 minutes), then I switch drawoff to other side so that can start filling while I adjust density and start filtering first side. At this rate, syrup goes into the press right around 200 degrees. Works very well. Hope this helps.
Neil

[doocat]

We only make about 20 an hour or less. So use a single tank. Neil How do you adjust the density prior to filtering? And how do you check syrup when it is cooled?

[maple flats]

I draw off into a 28 gal draw tank, but since I only make about 8-9 gal/hr I pump it to my finisher. When I get about 30 gal in the finisher, I verify density and then send it to the filter press and directly to a 26.5 gal barrel. Before I filter I bring the temp up to 205-210F. When I light the finisher burners the temp. is usually at about 140-150.
The exception is if I'm sending syrup to my bottler, for that I density check in the draw tank after about 7-8 gal, adjust if necessary and the send it thru the filter press and to the WJ canner. Doing it that way I still have about 195-200F going to the filter.
I draw very slightly thick and then when I test density in the draw tank, if I need to adjust I just open the auto draw for a short time, stir and check. repeat as needed.

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

We only make about 20 an hour or less. So use a single tank. Neil How do you adjust the density prior to filtering? And how do you check syrup when it is cooled?
We have a thermometer clipped to the side of the drawoff tank so we always know temperature and as we're drawing I try to always draw a tad heavy(this will ensure we don't have under density syrup). When one side is full, I check temp., look at compensation chart, and check with hydrometer. If it is heavy, I add concentrate from flue pan to make density correct(I don't like stealing from syrup pan because it disrupts syrup flow). Typically, once we're up and running, syrup is always 195-200 degrees so it's pretty easy. I don't check density after it's cooled. The most accurate way to test is hot. When I bottle, I do test with hydrometer and misco refractometer. It is always in acceptable density range doing it this way.

[wiam]

When I had my 2x6 I used a single tank. When I went to 18% concentrate and was drawing faster I found a two tank setup much less stressful. Because with one I would get close to full then try to adjust and have more ready. Then I had to draw more as I was pumping.

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

When I had my 2x6 I used a single tank. When I went to 18% concentrate and was drawing faster I found a two tank setup much less stressful. Because with one I would get close to full then try to adjust and have more ready. Then I had to draw more as I was pumping.
Exactly what I experienced.

[Super Sapper]

I received and Email from Jim at Smokylake and they are coming out with a water jacketed draw off tank. They will be from 10 to 75 gallons. It will be heated with the condensate coming out of the hood. You will need a preheater to get enough condensate but it is supposed to keep the syrup at 200 degrees. I have other "toys" I need first but with the RO this year I can see where it might be nice for me so I can filter the syrup at the end of the day without having to reheat it.

[DizzyDave2]

Smoky Lake had one of the water jacketed draw off tanks at Lake Erie Maple Expo last month. It was a single tank, but I assume he could make a double. I didn't ask the price. Looked rather expensive. Very well made.

[McKenney Maples]

Interesting, I wonder how long before it shows up on his website.

[johnallin]

Smoky Lake had one of the water jacketed draw off tanks at Lake Erie Maple Expo last month. It was a single tank, but I assume he could make a double. I didn't ask the price. Looked rather expensive. Very well made.

Jim told me about his new WJ draw off tank in October. He was making some covers for my syrup pan and float boxes so I had him make me a tank.
The tank you saw at LEMA was mine. It's kind of different as I had Jim build a 10" wide reservoir on one side that will hold hot water for cleaning hydro,test cup etc.
A water jacket draw-off tank is an innovative idea and I'm pretty stoked to try it out. And yes, his workmanship is impressive.

[McKenney Maples]

Jim told me about his new WJ draw off tank in October. He was making some covers for my syrup pan and float boxes so I had him make me a tank.
The tank you saw at LEMA was mine. It's kind of different as I had Jim build a 10" wide reservoir on one side that will hold hot water for cleaning hydro,test cup etc.
A water jacket draw-off tank is an innovative idea and I'm pretty stoked to try it out. And yes, his workmanship is impressive.

Would you be willing to post a picture of the unit?