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Thread: How much sap above the flues?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2021
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    NY
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    Default How much sap above the flues?

    3x8 leader drop flue evaporator with steam hood/preheater. How much sap do I need in the rear pan? Don't know where to set the float.

  2. #2
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    Northwest PA
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    If you only have one float box 1 1/2” because that one float box sets level for both pans.
    12 x 16 Sugarhouse, 12 x 16 Woodshed
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    Leader oil fired arch, Dallaire raised flue, Smoky Lake syrup pan and hoods with pre-heater
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2021
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    NY
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    Yes, one float box. Thanks for the info.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mowin View Post
    3x8 leader drop flue evaporator with steam hood/preheater. How much sap do I need in the rear pan? Don't know where to set the float.
    We have a 2nd float between the flue pan and syrup pan so that allows us to set the flue pan 1" above the flues and 2" in the syrup pan. Every evaporator is different and the shallower you can "safely" run the pans the faster the boil you will get.
    4,600 Taps on vacuum
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  5. #5
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    Feb 2017
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    Richmond NH
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    I don't take any chances. I run my drop flue at 2" to start the season. If I feel like pushing it I'll go to 1.5 after my first couple boils. Honestly I've never seen that huge of an improvement to warrant always being on the verge of scorching a pan. You may get a few more gph but I'd rather keep my pans looking pristine.
    Jake
    smoky lake 2x6 drop flue SSR on homemade arch
    235 taps on 2 gast 1550s and lappiere releasers
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  6. #6
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    Jan 2020
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    Stirling ontario
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    I agree, it's like your car. Sure it will do over a hundred but the ride is more comfortable and enjoyable at 70!
    Actually i don't operate anything wide open continuously.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2021
    Location
    NY
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    Quote Originally Posted by raptorfan85 View Post
    I don't take any chances. I run my drop flue at 2" to start the season. If I feel like pushing it I'll go to 1.5 after my first couple boils. Honestly I've never seen that huge of an improvement to warrant always being on the verge of scorching a pan. You may get a few more gph but I'd rather keep my pans looking pristine.
    Were running the syrup pan at 2". Seems to be working well.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2019
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    Nashville, MI
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    I have always run mine at closer to 2 inches maybe a little. i guess I am over cautious.
    2004 - 2012 2x3 flat pan 25 to 60 taps
    2012 2x3 new divided pan w/draw off 55 taps
    2018 - didn't boil surgery - bought new evaporator
    2019 new SML 2x4 raised flue high output evap. 65 taps
    made 17 gal. syrup
    2020 - only put out 53 taps - made 16.25 ga.l syrup
    2021 - Didn't work out
    2022 - 25 taps on bags / 8 taps on 3/16's line - late start

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