MAPLE SIRUP PRODUCERS MANUAL 



123 



PN-4827 



Figure 131. — A sample of sap is taken for determining its 

 Brix value and for judging its quality. The observed 

 Brix value, temperature, and volume of the sap are 

 recorded for each delivery. 



of sirup annually would I'equire sap from 10,000 

 to 35,000 tapholes, or 70,000 gallons of sap per 

 day. Since the plant would be operating contin- 

 uously after the first delivery of sap, the re- 

 quired storage facilities would be somewhat 

 less than the daily requirement of sap. 



Storage tanks can be made of several mate- 

 rials and in several shapes. Metal-lined tanks 

 are preferred because their surfaces are 

 smooth, easily cleaned, and sanitary. Concrete 

 tanks are the most difficult to keep clean be- 

 cause droplets of sap, in which micro-organisms 

 can gi'ow, can lodge in the rough surfaces. 

 Concrete walls can be made smooth with differ- 

 ent types of coatings; however, before the walls 

 are coated, clearance for the use of the particu- 

 lar coating should be obtained from State and 

 Federal food agencies. Plastic tank liners also 

 have been used successfully, especially in 

 wooden tanks. 



The storage tanks should be located in a cool 

 place. Aboveground storage is preferable be- 

 cause of ease in making repairs and cleaning. 

 All tanks must be covered- If the tanks are not 

 equipped with germicidal lamps, they should 

 have transparent plastic covers and should be 

 located to receive as much sunlight as |X)ssible. 



Because of the depth of the sap in the tanks, 

 the efficiency of daylight sterilization is low. It 

 is recommended that germicidal lamps be used. 

 One or more lamps should be arranged to illu- 

 minate the entire surface of the sap. The lamp 

 fixture should be provided with a bright metal 

 reflector so that most of the ultraviolet radia- 

 tion will be used. These lamps are also effective 

 in sanitizing empty or partly empty tanks, pro- 

 vided no buildup of foam or solids has occurred 

 on the tank walls. 



The receiving tank (fig. 132) should be placed 

 alongside a ramp so that the sap in the hauling 

 tanks can be emptied into it by gravity. In some 

 localities it is possible to have the receiving 

 tanks installed higher than the storage tanks 

 so that they also can be filled by gravity. 



Figure 132. — The sap is filtered as it 

 receiving tank. 



PN-4828 



is run into the 



