I used it today fo the first time...
I cone filter off my evaporator and about 7F above boil.
I then pool batches and bring up to density on the stove in 2.5 gallon batches (my tests told me 2.5 gallons was far enough below the vac port to not pull anything into through the vac).
The first batch had 1 cup DE in 2.5 gallons and it pulled and cleared very well through the filter.
I changed prefilters.
The second batch was pulled through just the pre filter and orlan filter without DE. It was slower to clear and noticeably more cloudy than the first batch.
The third batch got DE as above and cleared perfectly through the vac filter.
SO, it seems that DE helps the filtration efficiency and quality.
I'll try repeated 2.5 gallon batches all with DE and no prefilter changes on my next bottling day. I'm curious how many gallons I can pull through before things gum up.
I used DE from Bascom.
Build quality was decent. Steel was heavy gauge and hefty. Weld quality was okay, but nothing to write home about.
No real complaints yet other than capacity.
2024 - 160 taps, Shurflo 4048. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 Raised Flue. 5x400 RO.
2023 - 121 taps. Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 20 gallons.
2022 - 103 taps. Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 23 gallons.
2021 - 77 taps on Shurflo 4008. Sap Sucker 4-D. Mason 2x4 XL, 4x150 RO. 22 gallons.
2020 - 70ish taps on Shurflo 4008. Mason 2x4 XL. DIY R.O. ~24 gallons.
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Trout Brook Valley
Weston, CT