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Thread: Cleaning 3/16ths lines after the season

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Rupert, VT
    Posts
    54

    Default Cleaning 3/16ths lines after the season

    Our friend Art Kreuger in Shrewsbury, Vt. spent a lot of time this summer experimenting with the best ways to clean his 3/16ths tubing. For you 3/16ths folks, keeping lines clean is very important to get the same production in years two and three and beyond as you did in year one.

    Here's the video of Art sharing his thoughts on the matter:

    https://www.themaplenews.com/video/o...6ths-lines/63/
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Oneida NY
    Posts
    11,544

    Default

    Great video, thanks Peter. I will watch it a few times, and take notes as I do.
    Dave Klish, I recently ordered a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
    Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
    Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
    After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    South East Pennsylvania
    Posts
    34

    Default

    Agreed! Thanks for posting it here.

    I will definitely be using the pool shock ( calcium hypochlorite) rather than regular bleach for my tubing sanitizer after this season.
    Adam

    2016: 6 Taps and a propane turkey fryer
    2019: 51 Taps on 3/16 gravity tubing
    Homemade Oil Tank Evaporator
    Badgerland by Smokey Lake 2x4 divided pan

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Ogdensburg, NY
    Posts
    113

    Default

    Thank you. I have learned a lot about 3/16 tubing in the past year. Changing my ways, now, and still learning. Eventhough my maple thing is a small hobby, I still want to do things the best way possible and make the best syrup possible.
    2016 - helped at afriend with a small operation, 300+ taps. = hooked
    2017 - 20 taps @ home, 1 gal @ home on propane, then hauled to friends operation
    Bought a whole shack locally, with a Leader 1/2 Pint, moved it home
    2018 - 50 taps, 9 on 3/16 gravity and 41 pails -14 gallons of good sweet stuff
    2019 - 27 taps, 17 on 3/16 gravity and 10 on pails - 12-3/4 gallons of good sweet stuff (most fun I've had with this hobby)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Southern Ohio
    Posts
    1,349

    Default

    Hmmm something to think about. I used food grade Hydrogen peroxide last year after season. Dr. Tim, if you view this thread, what do you think of this method? I was also wondering if we should flush lines just before tapping with a solution like this?

    what are all the other 3/16th users doing.
    125-150 taps
    Smokey Lakes Full pint Hybrid pan
    Modified half pint arch
    Air over fire
    All 3/16 tubing
    Southern Ohio

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Covington, New York
    Posts
    1,680

    Default

    I have never heard of those wash bottles, and have already ordered a couple.
    Noel Good
    1998 to 2009: 15 taps on buckets, scavenged fire pit and pans
    2010: New 2x4 SS flat pan w/preheater
    2015: New to me Lapierre 18x60 raised flue, new shack, new everything!! 59 taps 23.75 gallons
    2016: 85 taps 19 gallons
    2017: Purchased 2.5 acres and tubed half with 3/16. 145 taps total 49.25 gallons
    2018: 200 taps (162 on 3/16ths 38 on buckets) New NextGen RO 63 gallons
    2019: 210 taps 73.5 gallons
    2023: 210 taps 89.75 gallons
    www.wnybass.com

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Oneida NY
    Posts
    11,544

    Default

    I ordered 3, 2 to use, one as a spare.
    Dave Klish, I recently ordered a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
    Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
    Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
    After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Lake County Ohio
    Posts
    1,628

    Default

    I've been using this sprayer to clean my 3/16 lines. Adjusted just right - it shoots at stream about 1-2 feet and the nozzle fits up tight into the 3/16 drop. A few pumps and it will send solution right on down the line. I use a diluted IPA solution - just like they do in Canada - my lines sparkle. ;)


    https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-32-o...3-21/205050147
    John Allin

    14x18 Hemlock Timber Frame Sugar House 2009
    Leader 2x6 w/Patriot Raised Flue Pan 2009
    Leader Steam Hood 2014 - Clear Filter Press 2015
    Leader Revolution Pan and SS Pre-Heater 2016
    CDL Hobby RO & Air Tech L25 Hi Vac Pump 2019
    06' Gator HPX to collect wood & sap
    14' Ski-Doo Tundra for winter work in the woods
    Great Family 3 grown kids+spouses and 7 grand kids who like the woods
    7th Gen Born in Canada - Raised in Chardon Ohio - Maple Capital of the World..<grin>.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Oneida NY
    Posts
    11,544

    Default

    It is illegal to use alcohol in the US, Canada is allowed to use it.
    Dave Klish, I recently ordered a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
    Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
    Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
    After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Western NY
    Posts
    293

    Default

    JohnAllin,
    How many seasons have you been using this method, and have you noticed the drop off in sap production after year 1 that many report with 3/16ths.

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