Before you start your fire, make sure to run through the items on our start up checklist. An overview of the checklist is described in the live demonstration video above. A Free Start Up Checklist Poster is available for download. You will find the outline below to be the most comprehensive start up list available.
This list is designed to protect your pans and prevent damage. Not all steps will apply to every producer. If a step doesn’t apply to the equipment you happen to be using, simply move to the next step.
STEP 1 = THAW
Thaw float box
Thaw your bottle of defoamer (or have vegetable oil handy)
Sap pump is hooked up, thawed and primed
Sap filter is assembled, thawed
STEP 2 = AUTO DRAW-OFF SET UP
Confirm draw-off/safety settings
Toggle draw-off to AUTO
Toggle alarm to ON
Toggle stack temp monitor to ON
Syrup probe is clean and properly installed
Any other warning system(s) are ON
STEP 3 = PANS
All gaskets are in place
Front pan is clean and free of nitre
Pans are sitting level
2″ depth throughout the pan(s)
STEP 4 = SAP
Head tank is full
Head tank valve is OPEN and inspected
Preheater is ready to rock (check valves)
Float box(es) have proper flow (raised flue pan sets have more than one float box)
OPEN TRANSFER VALVE (applicable to pan sets)
STEP 5 = MISCELLANEOUS
Uncover your stack pipes
Open the cupola door(s)
Locate your fire extinguisher. All helpers should know where it is and how to use it.
Put a spare bucket of raw sap near the front pan in case of emergency. ie If sap levels get too low in the pan, dump raw sap into the pan to protect the pan from scorching
Make sure to wear protective clothing. ie Gloves and face shield
Then, Light It Up!
After the fire is lit, do NOT leave the evaporator unattended!
While you are boiling, set a timer so that you remember to do the following things
Add a drop of defoamer/vegetable oil periodically
Add wood/check stack temperature periodically
Routinely check levels in the flue pan and front pan