Galvanized coated tanks/etc

[ProBoot]

I know what you're thinking, NO Way to galvanized.

I agree
BUT!!!

I have 2 tanks that are free to me already sitting around, clean, clear and ready to use.

My question is this:
1. If I used a product like an epoxy coating on the inside can these then be considered to be used for Sap collection?
2. If I use a polypropylene or similar product liner(like a pond liner) can I use these tanks?

Its 2 tanks, each with about a 100 Gallons capacity and would be used for either collection at an end line or in the trailer for transport from collection point to sugar shack.

Thoughts?
I already have a 300 gallon stainless bulk tank to hold the sap while awaiting boiling so these would be for limited time use.

I can pick up local food grad 55gallon drums for about $40ec and that's my back up but I already have these tanks available to me for zero cost.

[Brian]

This crap is why all the states and fda are having a field day with us sugarmaker. This is why they are coming up with all the rules and regulation. follow the rules and you will be fine. No galvanized anything, buckets, tanks or spouts, pipe fittings ect.

[johnallin]

I know what you're thinking, NO Way to galvanized.

I agree
BUT!!!

I have 2 tanks that are free to me already sitting around, clean, clear and ready to use.

My question is this:
1. If I used a product like an epoxy coating on the inside can these then be considered to be used for Sap collection?
2. If I use a polypropylene or similar product liner(like a pond liner) can I use these tanks?

Its 2 tanks, each with about a 100 Gallons capacity and would be used for either collection at an end line or in the trailer for transport from collection point to sugar shack.

Thoughts?
I already have a 300 gallon stainless bulk tank to hold the sap while awaiting boiling so these would be for limited time use.

I can pick up local food grad 55gallon drums for about $40ec and that's my back up but I already have these tanks available to me for zero cost.

This crap is why all the states and fda are having a field day with us sugarmaker. This is why they are coming up with all the rules and regulation. follow the rules and you will be fine. No galvanized anything, buckets, tanks or spouts, pipe fittings ect.

Couldn't agree more...No Galvanized means just that..."No galvanized".
Forget about coating and the fact that they're "free" and stop trying to cut corners.

[TapTapTap]

I believe that a properly lined container should be acceptable so long as the sap is completely separated from the galvanization and you can convincingly argue that the isolation is robust and failsafe. Additionally, the liner should be food grade.

That said, I think it's a bad idea that will cost you more than other types of acceptable containers. And since you think it would be reasonable to line these tanks then I assume they are open top which raises another concern.

I also agree with Brian that having any galvanized equipment raises issues that aren't good for our industry, even if you can show you've taken hidden measures to stay aligned with best practices.

[BAP]

This crap is why all the states and fda are having a field day with us sugarmaker. This is why they are coming up with all the rules and regulation. follow the rules and you will be fine. No galvanized anything, buckets, tanks or spouts, pipe fittings ect.

Why give someone Crap for asking an honest question. That’s just being Snobby. They asked a question to be better informed, not to promote the use of it. The fact of the matter is, everyone has become so scared and and afraid that some minuscule thing is going to kill them, that by living in bubbles and not exposing themselves to various things they are going to kill themselves by having poorly developed immune systems. We are living in a world where regulations are driving people out of business and gearing everything towards large producers with millions of dollars to invest or write off.

[Brian]

I was not being rude!! stating the facts!! All of this stuff has cost me alot of money to play too. But I don't want this to ruin it for the sugar makers that are doing it right. By the first post, this person already knows it is wrong.

[amasonry]

I don't know the laws in Canada, but they still sell bucket barriers in the US. It's not that different. plus did anyone ask if the op is selling syrup. if he is not doesn't matter. I say line them.

way to be Bap, no need for maple shamming

[Andy VT]

This is a tangential question, but what is the concern with an open top tank?

[ProBoot]

What about Plastic? The micro plastics are a real concern too.

I don't beleive tha hype around it at all.

I have live stock. You know what they drink out of? Galvanized containers, easily bought at any farm store around me for about $100.
If it were SO BAD why let our food consume the nasty lead leached galvanized in their drinking water?

I have 2 large open top tanks, both are galvanized.
The question was a simple one and the negativity received is mind boggling to say the least.

Has anyone a link to a study completed in the last 5-10 years regarding "Lead based galvanized tanks" and any negative effects in SAP at all, like literally anything.

I'm not talking about galvanized form 50-60 years ago that had high concentrations of Lead included but more recent products that used lead free solder etc.


Anyway where I am a similar sized tank for these will be about $1500ec, IF you can find one. If I spent $200 on epoxy coatings and lined the tanks it would serve the purpose. I mean they do it to Water Tanks every single day of the year here but for some reason Maple Syrup producers go crazy when they see it.

[Andy VT]

I am not the one to actually answer your question. I consider myself a newbie and I expect to continue considering myself a newbie for at least 20 more years.
But I have a couple theories based on things I've heard over my 4 seasons so far:
One) Probably no one here thinks there is actually going to be lead poisoning as a result of galvanized tanks.
Two) That said, I think I've heard that sap (maybe due to acidity) is more likely to absorb lead than just water?
Three) I'm not totally sure of any of the above
Four) I suspect we're all not sure of the above, so to make sure, we just don't use galvanized. Except when we do (I still see galvanized sap buckets hanging on trees all over the place, and maybe most of those don't sell it, but I'd put money that some do)