Feed tank pump

[DaveB]

One of the issues I had last season was keeping my feed tank full. I had to constantly remember to check the level and add sap. It wasn't too much of a problem, but it did lead me to burning one of my pans slightly when the tank ran low on the last day. :cry:

I'd like to setup a pump that would fill the tank when it got low, but I'm not sure how to set that up. How do others handle keeping their feed tanks full? I was thinking of a sump pump, but they shut off when the level is low and turn on when the level is high which is the opposite of what I want to do. Has anyone ever reversed one of these?

Thanks,

Dave

[sapman]

Dave, you could still use a sump pump (submersible, I assume). You would need to get a "pump up" float switch, which has a mechanical "breaker" inside. Be sure it is for potable water. You would need to mount some kind of drop pipe into the feed tank to mount the float on. Simply take the two wires of the float to break one side of the power for the sump pump. Then bypass the pump's float. Often, they come with a special connector that lets you use, or not use, the pumps float.

I used to use a jet pump with a pressure tank, feeding through a brass mechanical float, which kept a constant level in the feed tank.

Tim

[brookledge]

Try a float switch like this
http://fluidswitch.com/
Click on sump switches and you should need a normally closed or a pump up switch to put into your feed tank. If the wire is not long enough you can use an extension cord to reach your pump. Also look to see what the rating is on your pump and make sure the switch is rated for the pump
Those type of switches are available in many places
Keith

[Grade "A"]

I use the same switch that Keith posted. It works great and all you do is plug it in. If it does mess up and you need sap just unplug the switch and plug your pump direct into the outlet or extention cord.

[Snow Hill Farm]

Here are links to the components I use, similar set up. The problems I have had that I can share with you are the pump slightly freezing (so un hook and drain and bring in the sugarhouse if it's going to be a hard freeze) and the float switch freezing in the sap if you leave your upper tank full. If it's just a mild freeze everything works great. I also mounted a green bulb in the sugarhouse that comes on when the pump is running so I'm aware of it and can have a quick look if it feels like it's been on too long. had an overflow once when the float switch got tied up in the cord (since fixed)!
http://www.flintandwallingpumps.com/zoellerfloatswitches.htm
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_792_792

[Dave Y]

I use a Wayne pressure booster pump with a reverse float switch, It is very reliable. I got the switch from Granger. was very inexpensive.

[DaveB]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions. I didn't know that reverse or pump up float switches existed and I think that is what I need. I found a switch here that has a plug already on it for $42:

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/alarm.html

I liked the sump pump suggestion found here:

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_792_792

Looks like for about $80 I can get the setup that I'm looking for. I figured there had to be a solution some how rather than manually pumping it when the tank got low.

I also liked the idea of hooking up a green light bulb to it as a sign that it's on. I should pick some up before they are illegal in 2012.

Thanks,

Dave

[danno]

I use a similar float switch to turn on a sump pump to fill my gravity tank that feeds my evaporator. Sump pump sits in my 600 gallon tank that sits next to my sugarhouse and float switch sits in my gravity tank above my evaporator - works great.

I do love sump pumps for sap - if you have electric, I believe they are the way to go - I'm sure some woul disagree, but I love them.

You may still want to add a sight tube on your gravity tank to keep an eye on sap level in the event there is a malfuntion somewhere.

[Dennis H.]

I would try to find a pump that is not oil filled though. I would hate to have a leak and ruin a lot of sap and then possibly alot of syrup

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

You can also install an alarm when the level drops below a certain level.

[tuckermtn]

question for folks who run RO's-

is there any difference in pump style or type when you are pumping concentrate, say up to 10% sugar. other pump maintence issues when pumping concentrate?