Originally Posted by
vach50
I have a 2x6 homemade evaporator with a rectangular chimney that I would like to solder 3/4" copper pipe with elbows to wrap the pipe around the chimney for a preheater. Anyone else try this? Any idea how much pipe will be needed to preheat cold sap to 170-200 degrees F? For my setup this is a better option than a hood and preheater. Thanks.
vach50,
I have a 2x5.333 homemade evaporator and been using a copper tubing preheater around the chimney pipe for several seasons; brings 40F sap to 160F; I could increase the output temperature but wanted to see results of the initial build before I started tweaking. Haven't had any vapor lock or scorching problems so far. I have a length of tubing coming off horizontally that swivels so I can swing that arm to divert hot sap into another container when we remove the pan. You and I are in the same town so if you want to stop out sometime let me know.
2010 - 12 taps, turkey fryer, 4 quarts
2011 - 24 taps, homemade arch from old water tank, 16"x24" flat pan, 16+ quarts
2012 - 9 taps, 3 pints, what a season
2013 - 60 taps, homemade oil tank arch with 2'x4' flat pan, 16"x24" finishing pan on electric range, 55 quarts
2014 - 80 taps, homemade oil tank arch with 2'x4' flat pan, 16"x24" finishing pan on electric range, 40 quarts
2015 - 100 taps, 15 gallons
2016 - 115 taps, 13.5 gallons
2017 - 120 taps, 13 gallons
2018 - 130 taps, 11 gallons