How much DE?

[goldnut]

I have a Darryl Sheets 5" filter press. Hand pump. How do I determine how much DE to mix in a batch of syrup? How often do I change the filters? Thanks Ken

[Chickenman]

http://mapletrader.com/community/showthread.php?11375-5-quot-Filter-Press-by-Daryl&highlight=inch+filter+press

Try this thread. I think you will find your answers. Lots of threads to sort through, but I think this is what you are looking for.

[goldnut]

Thanks CM! I will check it out. Ken

[maple flats]

Going by how much is used with a 7", I believe a 5 will use half the DE (25 sq " vs 49 Sq "). The basic factor is that you need to coat the papers with your initial batch you pump thru the filter. I will give my 7" experience, you likely need half. Your syrup batches may be smaller but the papers need coating to work properly.
I start with anything up to about 3 gal hot syrup in my mix tank. I add 1.5 cups DE and mix well. Then I pump it thru the filter and back into the mix tank. When the syrup coming from the filter sparkles, I then stop the pump, move the filter discharge to my bottler or a bulk container (a SS barrel in my case) and I filter syrup into that. If I have more to filter, a second batch (mine are then 6 gal batches) only gets about 1 cup DE and this time it goes directly to the bottler or barrel. Each subsequent batch is the same as long as the filter has not set unused for more that an hour and a half to two hours. The papers get changed either when it becomes hard to get syrup thru or at the end of that session. Each new day starts with new papers. The numbers as I say are for a 7" and the quantities were back when I had a short bank (3 pairs of plates) Your numbers should be at half. Just remember the first syrup thru a new set of papers is a smaller batch with 2x the DE to coat the papers. Then double the batches and use half the DE. Be sure to filter at a temperature at least 10 degrees F higher than you will bottle at. I filter at 205-210 and bottle at 185-187. Filtering at 10 above bottling temp helps remove more sugarsand so when the syrup is further heated to bottle you are less likely to see new sugarsand.
Remember, cut everything in half. Late in the season you will find you may need more DE, the numbers I gave are for early and mid season.
You could also get some info by calling Darryl, he can help with the numbers.

[3% Solution]

Hey goldnut …..
I have a Daryl Sheets press also …..
So this is what we do …..
We draw off in a 3/4 gallon pot …..
The first pot gets 3/4 cup of DE …..
Recirc until the syrup is clear … then into the canner ….
Each pot after gets 1/2 cup ….
If it starts to slow … add a bit more DE in the next pot …
We get 8.5 gallons of syrup before it plugs …. can't pump any more …
Hope this helps …

[goldnut]

Hi 3%, Thanks for the info on how you filter. I think I will give it a try. One question...you say if it starts to slow you add a bit more DE. Wouldnt that make it go slower? Sorry for the confusion. Ken

[3% Solution]

Hi 3%, Thanks for the info on how you filter. I think I will give it a try. One question...you say if it starts to slow you add a bit more DE. Wouldnt that make it go slower? Sorry for the confusion. Ken

Nope … picks it right back up …
The DE is the filter ….
Last year I thought less was better …. nope more
Thanks to Tim Perkins … Maple Flats and a few others they got us squared away ….
So see I wasn't without issues too …. LOL