Originally Posted by
DrTimPerkins
OK...I know I've said it many times, but things happen really quickly once you get close to syrup. Here is why...let's assume 4 gal/hr boil rate on a small rig.
To go from 2-5 Brix, you have to boil off 26.5 gal of water (6.3 hrs).
To go from 5-10 Brix, you boil another 8.8 gal water (2.2 hrs)
To go from 10-30, you boil off 5.9 gal water more. (1.5 hrs)
To go from 30-60 Brix (close to syrup), another 1.5 gal water (0.38 hrs or 22 min).
But to go from 60-67 Brix, you only need to boil off another 0.2 gal water (0.05 hrs or 3 min). Happens in the blink of an eye at the end there. Takes even less time to go from 67 Brix to black char. Kind of like a steam-roller rolling down a steep hill...except the steam-roller will eventually reach peak velocity (based upon the steepness of the hill and the friction with the road). The evaporator has no peak velocity...it just keeps going faster until it all turns black and the sugar catches fire.
So in that total of 10.4 hrs of boiling...not paying attention in the last 3 min can really turn things into a bad day quickly.
I have always understood the general concept, but it really drives it home when you put numbers to it! I didn’t realize it could happen that fast!
Thanks Dr. Tim!
2017 - 20ish taps on buckets, boiling outside in two baking pans
2018 - 70+ taps, 14-buckets, 50+ on tubing, homemade arch from oil tank in my barn, 17 gal syrup
2019 - same set up, 20 gal syrup
2020 - less taps, short season, but RO kit was fantastic! 6 gal syrup and a maple cat!
2021/22/23 - expanded into the neighbors yards! 50 taps on buckets and 40 taps on tubing