Any forward thinking maple producer has to include an RO machine into their plans. The energy savings alone will pay for it in a very short time. It is important to make all of the little changes that will make your evaporator more efficient. When it comes to big ticket items like a steamaway it is better to spend a little more money and buy an RO.
With an RO if you concentrate to 8% you will remove 3/4 of the water before it gets to the evaporator. That also means that you will use 3/4 less fuel in your evaporator. My RO uses less electricity and filters etc in a season than what a cord of wood sells for.
Russ