Anyone have a 9" CDL vacuum filter?

[canaanmaple]

After 8 gallons of syrup, I still haven't figured out how to use this contraption. I'm looking for someone who has used one of the new 9" models.

-How much DE are you using?
-Are you using the finish filter + 3 prefilters?
-Do you run the shop vac the entire time syrup is in the top?

I have one and use it at a bottler mainly. I cone filter off the evaporator pretty much as syrup. Bring back to temp to check with hydrometer, and then run through filter press/canner. Just did 15 gallons and never had to clean pre-filter even. Only problem is it's too small, but again, I cone filter off the evaporator first. I think if anyone does that very simple step also, they will never have an issue with that unit.

[bryankloos]

I used it today fo the first time...
I cone filter off my evaporator and about 7F above boil.
I then pool batches and bring up to density on the stove in 2.5 gallon batches (my tests told me 2.5 gallons was far enough below the vac port to not pull anything into through the vac).
The first batch had 1 cup DE in 2.5 gallons and it pulled and cleared very well through the filter.
I changed prefilters.
The second batch was pulled through just the pre filter and orlan filter without DE. It was slower to clear and noticeably more cloudy than the first batch.
The third batch got DE as above and cleared perfectly through the vac filter.
SO, it seems that DE helps the filtration efficiency and quality.

I'll try repeated 2.5 gallon batches all with DE and no prefilter changes on my next bottling day. I'm curious how many gallons I can pull through before things gum up.

I used DE from Bascom.

Build quality was decent. Steel was heavy gauge and hefty. Weld quality was okay, but nothing to write home about.

No real complaints yet other than capacity.

[jdircksen]

Great feedback. So just one prefilter? What kind of shop vac are you using?

[bryankloos]

Just one pre filter.
I used my larger 6 ho shop vac.

[heus]

My dealer allowed me to exchange the 9" (I never used it) for a 12". Sorry I wont be able to test the 9" version. I started a thread on my 12" filter.