wes fab 7" hand press Bladder burst!

[lafite]

After 10 years of use, the bladder burst on my wes fab 7" filter press. I have another 5 gallons to filter and it is protected in my fridge. I can't seem to find where to get a replacement. Should I upgrade the pump to electric?

I hope everyone is knee deep in sap!

[MISugarDaddy]

I suggest you upgrade to either electric or air diaphragm. Definitely going to be a lot easier on you.
Gary

[BAP]

If it is a Bosworth hand pump, they make replacement parts.
https://thebosworthco.com/products/replacement.php

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

Electric or air would be a big improvement. Just realize the electric pumps don’t have any warranty because they are being used over the specified temperature. When I contacted the manufacturer about it, they said they have not had any known issues but it does void the warranty.

[maple flats]

If you liked the performance of the hand powered diaphragm pump, find out who made it and order a diaphragm. However if you would like to make a huge upgrade, convert it to an air diaphragm pump. Then I suggest an oilless diaphragm pump. I use a 2 hp double pancake on a 5 bank 7" press. The compressor runs about 30% of the time I'm filtering. Even a smaller compressor would work OK. I do however suggest one that can cycle on and off, some of the smaller ones don't cycle, they must be turned on and off, but don't have the torque to restart until the air pressure is quite low.
I run my compressor at 100PSI, but I then have a mini regulator and ball valve just before it connects to the pump, there I regulate it to about 45-50PSI. My compressor is in my shop about 75' away, and I ran an air line in my trench when I ran power. That way I don't need to listen to the compressor. Since my sugarhouse i my power source, I can then turn the compressor on and off by flipping the main breaker going to the shop.

[lafite]

thank you all for the suggestions. Since I'm at the end of the season, I ordered a bladder from Bascom. I will be upgrading to an air pump for next season.

[Russell Lampron]

I had one of those presses and converted it to an air operated diaphragm pump. It worked well after I figured out how to set up the press to handle the extra pressure. The AOD pump is the best option for any press and worth the extra money. To set up the press wet the papers when you install them and put 2 papers on end plate. Then tighten the wing nuts with a pipe wrench. Operate the pump at the lowest speed possible and use DE the same way that you do now.