Is it necessary to have a separate float box hang off the side of the pan? Can I just add a float valve directly to the back of my pan opposite of the draw off valve?
Float Box
Is it necessary to have a separate float box hang off the side of the pan? Can I just add a float valve directly to the back of my pan opposite of the draw off valve?
You can but it won’t give you as consistent level as an exterior float. The motion of the sap will be a factor.
first year 2012 50 taps late season made 2 1/2 gals.
2013 2x6 homemade arch 180 taps. 20 Gals.
2014 40 on 3/16 gravity 160 on buckets.
http://omasranch.wix.com/omasmaple
If its your only option then I would do it. You don't mention if you have dividers or its an open flat pan. psparr is correct on the wave action causing the float to fluctuate but its doable. I would make the float large enough so it doesn't boob around like a cork. The larger surface will help it average out the small rippling waves. You can also isolate it from the rest of the pan with a baffle. Keeping the surface of the boiling sap from surging against the float will help it be more constant. Plus with the incoming sap being cold that corner section of the pan usually is the calmest.
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