Leader Evaporator 2X6, Manual, Page: 55 / 56

Standard Wood Fired Arch - Two Foot In Width 2018 Page: 55
THE FIRST BOIL
The first boil is done to remove any residual materials from the pans and to “season” the bricking and insulation.
1. Fill the flue pan and syrup pan with a baking soda : water mix (1 pound:200 gallons) to a level of 2 to 3 inches.
2. Check all fittings for leakage. If there is no leakage, insulate around the flue drain with rail gasket material.
3. To season the bricking, start by building a small fire in the fire box and very gradually build to a normal fire.
4. Boil the solution for approximately 30 minutes. Watch the boil carefully and replenish the solution as needed to
ensure the solution in the pans remains at the 2 to 3 inch level.
5. Check all equipment:
a. No leaks at connections and valves
b. Pans are boiling evenly
c. Valves work properly
d. Draft is correct
Draft is correct when:

The boil is the same in the syrup pan front-to-back and side-to-side

The fire door is open the flame, sparks, etc. are drawn toward the rear of the arch.
6. Drain the solution after the evaporator has cooled. CAUTION – ensure the equipment is cool enough to be
safely handled for draining.
7. Check the interior of the arch to ensure insulation and bricking are in place.
8. Refill the pans to the 2 to 3 inch level with clean unsoftened, non chlorinated well or spring water.
9. Boil for 30 minutes then after the evaporator has cooled, drain the pans. CAUTION – ensure the equipment is
cool enough to be safely handled for draining.
OPERATING THE EVAPORATOR
NOTE: When operating the evaporator be cautious of hazards such as hot surfaces, hot liquids, sparks, and exposed
flames.
NOTE: You must be aware at all times of the level of sap in all compartments of the pans. If the level drops too low you
can and will damage your pans. If there is too much foam you risk damaging your pans.
NOTE: If you have purchased a scoop or skimmer, do NOT use them to push sap through the evaporator. Doing so will
change the gradient in the evaporator.
1. Check the evaporator
a. Make sure all sap sources are flowing freely i.e. not frozen.
b. Open hood thimbles and drains, cupolas and stack covers.
c. Ensure defoamer is usable.
d. Ensure all fittings are tight.
e. Make sure all valves are working properly and the float is properly positioned.
f. Clean the flues with the flue brush every 8 to 12 hours of boiling. NOTE: The rod supplied with the arch
has a threaded end. The flue brush can be screwed onto the rod to clean the flues.
g. Ensure the open area in the grates is clean and free of material. Do not remove ashes from the “V”
grooves of the grates.
h. Remove the ashes from below the grates.