Basically I was just taught to do it that way and there are threads on this site with others who do the same. It probably wouldn't harm the pan but I did read someone comment that if it was frozen solid it can lift off the pan and have a steam or air gap between the pan the the sweet. That could potentially warp the pan.Originally Posted by ADK_XJ
I dont think what I have in there would freeze solid but would probably get slushy, but just being overly cautious I suppose.
very interesting, mine is definitely frozen solid...ill have to observe carefully when i start it back up!
--
2015: 8 bucket taps (7 red, 1 sugar) on DIY barrel evaporator
2016: 13 taps (bucket and tube) on block arch and hotel pans
2017: SAME
2018: 25 taps on 2x3 flat pan and resurrected barrel arch
2019: 25 taps...same setup plus DIY 3x150gpd RO filter
2020: 50 taps, all buckets..."new" oil tank arch setup
2021: 100 taps (50/50 buckets/3-16 tubing) on 2x4 divided pan
2022: 150 taps (50/100 b/t) on 2x4 pan with sap warmer pan
2023: SAME
2024: 150 taps, added single-post 4x40 RO system
Let me know if you run into any issues, I'm curious if I am just being overly cautious or if it can be a big concern.
Flushed the RO last night and ready for some big runs. Thunderstorms tomorrow? lol. Crazy weather
Yeah, it's hard to boil outdoors when it's either in the single digits or else pouring rain...I just got home and the lines have started running again, just in time for my new power source to arrive for the Shur Flo vacuum pump. I think I'm going to try getting that in place tomorrow and see what I can pull down before the weekend.
The one good thing about the below zero temps to start the week is that I have a giant block of sap ice in the bottom of collection tote to keep it all cool until I can boil again!
--
2015: 8 bucket taps (7 red, 1 sugar) on DIY barrel evaporator
2016: 13 taps (bucket and tube) on block arch and hotel pans
2017: SAME
2018: 25 taps on 2x3 flat pan and resurrected barrel arch
2019: 25 taps...same setup plus DIY 3x150gpd RO filter
2020: 50 taps, all buckets..."new" oil tank arch setup
2021: 100 taps (50/50 buckets/3-16 tubing) on 2x4 divided pan
2022: 150 taps (50/100 b/t) on 2x4 pan with sap warmer pan
2023: SAME
2024: 150 taps, added single-post 4x40 RO system
My buckets didn't do squat today. A few of them started to drip late in the day but that's about it.
That big block of sap ice will definitely come in handy for ya!
Mine were empty yesterday too. I also just came in a and very little today. Yesterday I thought might happen since the it was so cold, but surprised at how little today.
I was expecting a gusher. Hopefully they wake up tonight and start going strong in the sustained warm followed by good freeze thaw cycles.
2016-2022 - About 8 taps, 1-2 gallons a year
2023 - 15 taps + New Property
2024 - 23 taps
2025 - 31 taps
The tubing was running hard today, buckets not so much. I reinstalled my solar diaphragm pump and was pulling 22" of vacuum at the collection point and close to 28" at the top of the runs. Given the deep cold to start the week, I wouldn't be surprised it it runs through tomorrow!
--
2015: 8 bucket taps (7 red, 1 sugar) on DIY barrel evaporator
2016: 13 taps (bucket and tube) on block arch and hotel pans
2017: SAME
2018: 25 taps on 2x3 flat pan and resurrected barrel arch
2019: 25 taps...same setup plus DIY 3x150gpd RO filter
2020: 50 taps, all buckets..."new" oil tank arch setup
2021: 100 taps (50/50 buckets/3-16 tubing) on 2x4 divided pan
2022: 150 taps (50/100 b/t) on 2x4 pan with sap warmer pan
2023: SAME
2024: 150 taps, added single-post 4x40 RO system
hey guys, I'm late to the party this year and not feeling super motivated. Got 20 taps in and was planning on hitting close to 50 again, but it's been so hard walking through the snow that I may abandon the far side of my field and tap everything that is closer. Maybe my motivation will return after the first boil. Have not had too much time to be chasing anything, but did get the evaporator out and leveled. Hopefully we will have a decent season!
Pete
2017- 17 taps, 3 gallons, stove-top insanity
2018- 36 taps, 10 gallons, Oil tank evaporator
2019- 24 taps, 7 gallons
2020- 27 taps, 5.75 gallons
2021- 42 taps, 8 gallons
2022- 48 taps, 8.5 gallons
2023- 50 taps, 15 gallons
2024- 46 taps, 9.5 gallons
2025- 42 taps, ?????
Oil Tank Evaporator build
We're having similar weather to 2019 according to my notes. My buckets really didn't start running good until around 3/15 that year and boy it was extremely busy until the end of March. Daily collections of 100+ gallons on buckets, and no RO back then! Hoping we see similar flow coming soon!
Good luck Pete! Hope the motivation returns and you get some more taps in!
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote