How to Build a Maple Syrup Evaporator From 55 Gallon Drum

* 55-gallon steel drum

* 2-inch angle iron

* 1/4-inch steel plate

* 1-inch steel pipe

* 1/2-inch steel pipe

* 1/4-inch steel tubing

* 1/8-inch steel tubing

* 1-inch gate valve

* 2-inch check valve

* 2-inch ball valve

* 2-inch reducing coupling (2" to 1")

* 2-inch reducing coupling (1" to 1/2")

* 2-inch to 1/2-inch bushing

* 1/2-inch to 1/4-inch bushing

* 1/8-inch steel nuts and bolts

Tools:

* Welder

* Grinder

* Drill

* Saw

* Measuring tape

* Level

* Pencil

Instructions:

1. Cut the 55-gallon drum in half lengthwise.

2. Weld the two halves of the drum together at the top and bottom to form a rectangular box.

3. Weld the 2-inch angle iron around the top and bottom of the box to reinforce it.

4. Cut the 1/4-inch steel plate to fit the top of the box and weld it in place.

5. Drill a 1-inch hole in the center of the top plate and weld a 1-inch steel pipe nipple into the hole.

6. Drill a 1/2-inch hole in the side of the box near the bottom and weld a 1/2-inch steel pipe nipple into the hole.

7. Weld a 1/4-inch steel tubing coil inside the box, running from the top to the bottom.

8. Weld a 1/8-inch steel tubing coil inside the box, running from the side to the top.

9. Install a 1-inch gate valve on the 1-inch steel pipe nipple on the top of the box.

10. Install a 2-inch check valve on the 1/2-inch steel pipe nipple on the side of the box.

11. Install a 2-inch ball valve on the outlet of the 1/4-inch steel tubing coil.

12. Install a 2-inch reducing coupling (2" to 1") on the inlet of the 1/4-inch steel tubing coil.

13. Install a 2-inch reducing coupling (1" to 1/2") on the outlet of the 1/8-inch steel tubing coil.

14. Install a 2-inch to 1/2-inch bushing on the outlet of the 2-inch reducing coupling (1" to 1/2").

15. Install a 1/2-inch to 1/4-inch bushing on the outlet of the 2-inch to 1/2-inch bushing.

16. Attach a 1/4-inch steel tube to the 1/4-inch to 1/4-inch bushing and extend it to the desired length.

17. Place a fire pit under the evaporator and fill the evaporator with water.

18. Light a fire in the fire pit and start boiling the water.

19. As the water boils, the steam will rise and condense on the 1/4-inch steel tubing coil.

20. The condensed water will drip into the 1/8-inch steel tubing coil and flow out through the 1/4-inch steel tube.

21. The evaporated water, or maple syrup, can then be collected in a container.

Tips:

* To prevent the evaporator from overheating, make sure to keep the water level above the top of the 1/4-inch steel tubing coil.

* To improve the efficiency of the evaporator