Leader clear 5 plate press

Yes, we learned to let the syrup cool for a few minutes so that the DE does not foam it up. As stated, we have no problem with the syrup going thru the press. Last year we had problems with the recommended 2/3 cups per gal for the first 3 gal and 1/4 cup for each additional gal (2 3/4 cups total). The syrup was too dirty and would not go thru the press. We now use 5 - 6 cups initially and 2 cup each batch thereafter. The other day we ran 3 batches thru the press and the total DE build up in the voids was maybe 5/16". The voids a 1" wide so we are far from filling up the press. Under DEing the syrup WILL block the filtering process and cause pressure problems.

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Originally Posted by dcast99

Last year we had problems with the recommended 2/3 cups per gal for the first 3 gal and 1/4 cup for each additional gal (2 3/4 cups total). The syrup was too dirty and would not go thru the press. We now use 5 - 6 cups initially and 2 cup each batch thereafter. The other day we ran 3 batches thru the press and the total DE build up in the voids was maybe 5/16". The voids a 1" wide so we are far from filling up the press. Under DEing the syrup WILL block the filtering process and cause pressure problems.

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You should not have any problems passing raw syrup without DE through the press. I can't imagine that your syrup is too dirty to pass. Adding DE should not help syrup flow. I can only imagine a problem pumping dirty syrup if it is so laden with niter plates that it won't pass through the lines which you could be correcting by simply breaking up the niter plates by the action of stirring in the DE. But at the point of that much niter you would likely not even be able to drawoff.

This seems totally off from how I would expect the press to work.

I also need to ask - are you using maple approved DE from your Leader/H2O dealer? I've heard of problems with non maple DE.

Good Luck

Ken

I've been following this with curiosity. I wish I could nail a solution, though my hunch is some type of minute imperfection in a plate or two that when assembled in a certain way, the imperfections marry and you get a tight seal then when the plates are in a different order, the imperfection(s) don't match up and you get a sliver of space where the syrup can spurt out. i think numbering your plates could rule that idea in or out.

I don't think the amount of DE you use is going to be the issue, especially if you have a gauge on the press and nothing is happening there. Each manufacturer has their own formulas. My CDL recommends charging with 4 cups of DE with 3 gallons then 1 cup per 5 gallons after.

The only thing that caught my attention, but is unlikely the source of your problem, is the boiling of the finished syrup. My press doesn't work as well when the syrup is close to boiling. I've found that 200-203F is a sweet spot of hot enough to get 185-190F output into a keg. If I've gotten distracted and the pot of unfiltered syrup climbs into the 212-215 range, the pumps starts to surge and labor. That's likely not your issue if you are letting the syrup cool, though.

The DE is from Leader.

SeanD - Your line of thinking is what we are working on by numbering the plates. We noted exactly where the last leak/drip was and the next time we will see if it is at the same spot. After adjusting density and adding DE, I'm sure the syrup has cooled to the 200 to 205 range.

TapTap - The DE is the filter media. Any niter will instantly clog the papers. The papers just hold the DE in place. Not enough DE and the niter will clog the DE. The only problem with using too much DE is that the void plates will fill up before you are done processing all of your syrup.

This is now a trial and error process. If a problem exists in the exact same spot, we know we have a problem with that plate. I think we can remove 1 plate and run the press. The amount we are filtering at one time does not max out the capacity of the press.
We'll see what happens.

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Originally Posted by dcast99

The DE is from Leader.
.....This is now a trial and error process. If a problem exists in the exact same spot, we know we have a problem with that plate. I think we can remove 1 plate and run the press. The amount we are filtering at one time does not max out the capacity of the press.
We'll see what happens.

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As long as you have 3 plates, that should work ...I run my press with 3 out of the 5 plates it came with and it's fine for the 5-8 gal we filter.
I found some 1/2" ID x 1.25" HDPE spacers at McMaster Carr to slide over the threaded rod to take place of the spacer.
Good luck and hope you get the problem solved.