Steam Hoods & Preheaters

[murferd]

I know there has been discussion on this before but it was back along time ago.[Alot of water has gone under the bridge since then!] I got some pictures of a hood & preheater but would like some more & some other ideas.We have got a 2X6 Small Bros with between 500-600 taps on Surge vac system.Last year wasn't a very good year here so we got away without a hood.If we don't do something this year we will be flooded.If you guys could send me pictures it would be greatly appreciated.
mtbt@nbnet.nb.ca

Thanks,
Murferd

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

Murferd,

With a 2x6, you will be swamped with that many taps if this year is normal. You may want to look into something that has a preheater inside the hood or even a steamaway. Sure would be nice to use the steam to help speed things along instead of wasting it. I don't have any pics to send you but good luck with whatever you decide! :D :D

It sounds like you will have syrup running out your ears. You could easily have over 200 gallon of syrup with that many taps on vaccumm! :D :cry: :oops:

[lobstafari]

Hi Murferd,
If you ever get down to So. Maine, you're welcome to swing in and see my setup. Its the same exact evap. as yours with hoods etc. She processes about 50 GPH running full tilt, but that with quite a few mods. It did about 25 GPH before. Bricking, insulating, forced air and stack size boost it, but most of all preheater and regulation. Gonna try that air injection next, to try and get the quality up.