Does DE Effect the Density of Syrup

[sapman]

I tried adding a LOT of DE a couple weeks ago as I've been having problems with filtering. It definitely did increase the density reading on my hydro. But I put a ton in. With residual syrup/DE in your draw off tank unless you have a lot left in there I don't think it would throw it off enough to be an issue.

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

I use a double-sided drawoff tank. Each side holds 25 gallons. I fill one side, then alternate to the other. When one side is full, I adjust batch to right on syrup, add DE, then run through filter press. Today, when boiling, I got a 25 gallon batch right on syrup, then added DE. I checked it again after I had added DE. It raised the reading almost 2 full brix. It reads higher on the hydro with DE mixed in.
Neil

[sugarsand]

Neil, after you added the DE, did happen to notice wheather or not your syrup temp dropped? I've never checked on ours, but I'm thinking that after adding realitivally cold DE then stirring it, that you may lose a few degrees which would make a higher density read. We have along boiling day and nite ahead of us so I mite have time to check it out.
What kind of season are you getting down there in Norwich?

Sugarsand

[Walling's Maple Syrup]

[QUOTE=sugarsand;279292]Neil, after you added the DE, did happen to notice wheather or not your syrup temp dropped? I've never checked on ours, but I'm thinking that after adding realitivally cold DE then stirring it, that you may lose a few degrees which would make a higher density read. We have along boiling day and nite ahead of us so I mite have time to check it out.
What kind of season are you getting down there in Norwich?

I have the thermometer in the syrup all the time. It does not change the temp. more than a couple degrees. It takes a lot to lower the temp of 25 gal. at 200+ degrees. Not a good year down here at all. First it doesn't get above freezing at all, then we cant get a freezing night. 30% crop. We will have a little over 1000 gallons of finished syrup after today.
Neil

[DrTimPerkins]

Theoretically, adding DE to syrup should NOT alter the density because DE is inert and does not dissolve in the liquid. However, we tested this several times so far this season by measuring the syrup density with a hydrometer, adding DE to the liquid, then measuring the density with the same hydrometer at the same (hot line) temperature. Every time the "apparent" density AFTER adding DE was about 0.75-1.0 point heavier with DE than it was before we added the DE. Your mileage may vary. My recommendation is to measure/correct the density BEFORE you add DE.

We have also measured density with a Misco refractometer, and there was no change to that reading after adding DE.