Covered Draw-Off Tank for auto draw-off?

[johnallin]

I got an H20 Even Flo auto draw-off this year and am stoked at the thought of not having to juggle firing and drawing off at the same time, but wondering if anyone has a method/system that allows the draw-off tank to be covered. Do you pipe the spigot into the top of the tank?

Currently when I have a draw I just pull the stainless cover off the tank, draw off, check density and cover it back up. With the auto draw, I have no notice when a draw is coming.

If I was oil-fired it would undoubtedly be a cleaner operation, but I fire with wood so there's always dust and dirt floating around when we load the arch, load the wood cart or have the sugar house door open. I think the less crap I allow into the syrup, be it dust, ash or whatever the less chance I have to adversely affect taste.

I thought possibly a filter on a screen with some DE but that doesn't keep anything from falling onto the filter and syrup is still going to pass through - and pick up - whatever is in/on the filter.

Maybe I'm being too fussy but I'd like to keep it as closed a system as I can. Any ideas? Thanks John

[MapleMike]

Hi John,
I use a 10 gallon cone filter tank as my draw off tank, it has a cover and I’m able use the cover while drawing off, I cone filter off the evaporator, it has a spout at the bottom that I use to transfer it to 5 gallon jugs then I run it through the filter press when I’m ready to bottle it. I know I’ll need a bigger tank some day but it works pretty well right now.
Mike

[maple flats]

My 25-28 gal draw off tank has a full cover. The tank is on wheels and I can roll it back and forth the short ways I need to and I have a male adapter on the auto draw valve and move the tank right or left depending on which direction the flow is in my same side draw syrup pan, I then slide the cover up against that male adapter, which extends about 2" into the tank so the opening is only the width of the male adapter.

[johnallin]

Thanks for sending Dave,

So assuming it's not round, the opening is the width of the tank by the dia of the pipe off the valve? I should have thought of that...I can close the rest off with a towel.
Good luck with whatever you venture into by the way. Been reading your posts regarding leaving maple and it's a sobering thought. God willing, I hope to have another 20 years in me...I'll be 68 in May.

[johnallin]

Hi John,
I use a 10 gallon cone filter tank as my draw off tank, it has a cover and I’m able use the cover while drawing off, I cone filter off the evaporator, it has a spout at the bottom that I use to transfer it to 5 gallon jugs then I run it through the filter press when I’m ready to bottle it. I know I’ll need a bigger tank some day but it works pretty well right now.
Mike

Thank you Mike. Excuse my rudeness...should have replied to you ahead of Maple flats. Using phone with small screen..missed your reply

[TapTapTap]

I hadn't thought of a cover for my draw-off tank. I have a round bottom SS on casters. I'm not really worried about dust and stuff since it's not too different than the uncovered syrup pan and it's usually heading straight over to the filter press. Covering for me could have the advantage of keeping more heat in the syrup before it goes to the press.

[johnallin]

I've been keeping my tank (on a wheeled cart) covered unless I'm drawing of. The cover came off only when I needed to pull syrup. and yes, it does help keep heat in.

With the auto draw, I have no control as to when draws are made and when to remove and then replace a cover. Trying to come up with a system to solve that issue.

[Sugarmaker]

I keep mine open at the draw off station. The filter press is going to remove any particles from the syrup any way, and it doesnt set there very long as I want to get it filtered while its hot.
I have a 7+ gallon draw off container. I do have a lid but never use it.
https://i.imgur.com/5HkzK3c.jpg
Yes wood fired too.
Regards,
Chris