Looking at Electric Releasers

[TapTapTap]

Does anyone have suggestions or comments on electric releasers? I'll have about 2,000 taps on this releaser. The unit will be conveniently located close to the sugarhouse so I can pump directly into the raw sap tank and power will be close by.

[Brian]

In the for sale in the classified posted 8/9/20 Lapierre Releaser / Extractor
posted by rsenesac

18x24 Lapierre Sap Releaser (2) 3” inlets 3ph Submersible pump - see pics 3PH pump runs off VFD (1ph in, 3Ph out) We have 2 of them .. consolidated our pump statio ... 18x24 Lapierre Sap Releaser (2) 3” inlets 3ph Submersible pump - see pics 3PH pump runs off VFD (1ph in, 3Ph out) We have 2 of them .. consolidated our pump stations .. $3000 each - complete set of releaser, pump, and drive Have a video of the operation - pls contact us and we can send .. Thx!
Keywords: giles bernard, sap, releaser, extractor, electric, submersible, pump, 3PH, VFD, drive

[JoeJ]

I have used one large CDL electric releaser for 2,300 taps for 6 seasons and 2 small Lapierre electric releasers for 2 seasons. I am very pleased with these electric releasers. I have had very few issues with the larger CDL releaser, mainly a couple early morning sap slush problems. The CDL releaser is in a heated room in the sap shed located at my remote woods.

I have had no issues with the smaller lapierre electric releasers. One is located 400' from the sugar house and the other one is at a remote tank 1,100 from the sugar house. Both are in small heated rooms. I had electricity at both locations already and the combination of the heated room and the electric releasers did away with all the issues associated with mechanical releasers in cold locations.

Joe

[TapTapTap]

Thanks for the responses guys. I PM'd the guy selling the one listed in classifieds. Waiting to see if he responds back.

[GeneralStark]

I suggest giving MES a call. https://www.mapleexperts.com/

[TapTapTap]

One more question:

Is freezing of the discharge line a problem? I will have a relatively short run (about 75 ft or less) to the raw sap tank with an uphill push of about 20 feet. The extractor will be installed in a small shelter that I can easily heat sufficiently to protect it from freezing. I'm planning to insulate the discharge line but that only goes so far.

Is this a problem? What are other people doing?

[Brian]

heat tape works great!!

[GeneralStark]

Yes freezing of the discharge line is an issue. There are a number of ways to deal with it. As Brian mentioned, heat tape or wire is one. There are also the "inside-pipe" heat wires that run internally and use less power to do the job. (https://www.emerson.com/en-us/catalog/easyheat-in-line-heater) Another option is to have your discharge line pump straight up out of your insulated shed and then slope it down to the tank so it will drain. Place the check valve you'll need on the discharge line at the highest point. Then you only need to insulate, heat tape the vertical section. If you have water available you can also make a water jacketed line (pipe in a pipe), 1" inside a 1.5" for instance. Insulate the whole thing. With water flowing through the outer pipe the inner pipe will never freeze.

[TapTapTap]

Yes freezing of the discharge line is an issue. There are a number of ways to deal with it. As Brian mentioned, heat tape or wire is one. There are also the "inside-pipe" heat wires that run internally and use less power to do the job. (https://www.emerson.com/en-us/catalog/easyheat-in-line-heater)

Interesting. I hadn't heard of this product.
Thanks

[Shaun]

If you run the first part vertical for 20 feet it is possible to install a T at the discharge of the releaser, add a valve and drain it into a bucket before a freeze up. I also use T's and valves to select different tanks and or pump the sap outside if it is the first sap after a few 70 degree days until the sap clears up some. This just gives you options, and the sap is not sitting in a warm heat traced environment for an extended period.

[JoeJ]

I was pretty interested in the Easy Heat in line heater to use on a 14' lift until I saw the price, $406. Guess that I will stick with heat tapes

Joe