I start on a new set of papers in early and mid season (7" 5 bank) using 1.5 cups in 2-3 gal of syrup at just over 200F. I filter back into the mixing tank until the syrup out of the filter discharge sparkles. Then it gets sent to either my bottler or to a barrel. Then on each additional batch of about 6 gal, I mix in about 1 cup and filter it. I repeat until the barrel is full.
You do not want the plates full, that is when the press needs to get a new set of papers.
Later in the season I use more DE.
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.