Maple Sap

FILMTEC Maple Sap Mark I Element is the Best Choice for Maple Sap Concentrators

The production of maple syrup is done by collecting maple sap and concentrating its sugar content from approximately 2% to at least 66%. Traditionally sugar concentration was done by boiling the maple sap in large open pan thermal evaporators.  Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes were introduced to the industry in the early 1970's as a way to pre-concentrate maple sap by up to 6X -- up to a sugar content as high as 12% prior to boiling.  RO did not replace the evaporator, but it reduced the majority of the water from the sap prior to evaporation resulting in dramatic energy savings for maple sap producers. 

With today's higher energy costs, membrane pre-concentration of maple sap has become an increasingly important process within the maple syrup industry.  Lower pressure nanofiltration (NF) membranes are used today to pre-concentrate sap to a sugar content as high as 18%, enabling more savings for maple sap concentrators.

To best meet the needs of the industry, FILMTEC™ introduced the Maple Sap Mark I in 2003.  The Maple Sap Mark I offers the combination of high flow rate and extremely reliable sugar retention.  It has proven to deliver very stable performance, even after repeated caustic cleaning cycles.  Because of its unique performance, FILMTEC recommends the Maple Sap Mark I element for use in maple sap concentrators.

Although FILMTEC no longer specifically recommends the elements listed in the Tech Fact below, they have been and can be used for maple sap concentration.

Tech Fact: Elements Used in Maple Sap Concentration (38KB PDF)