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Post by amallulla on Mar 11, 2012 23:59:21 GMT -5
Dear Chocolatiers,
Help! A mysterious and sinister black grease won't stop coming out from my new Santha 20. It is accumulating into a thick ring around the top of the bowl and contaminating everything that it comes into contact with, turning my sesame butter into a grey goo.
After three batches, several hours, and thorough cleaning, it's still appearing!
I looked through the forum and have come to the conclusion that it might be axle grease. What do you think? What can I do about it? I would be extremely grateful for any suggestions you could give me.
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Post by Alchemist on Mar 12, 2012 18:51:59 GMT -5
Hi Folks,
I am going to sticky this to the top (or maybe make a post just about it). I totally support people coming to the forum for support....but....if it from equipment you don't have to fish here. Just ask me for support - it's why I am here. And I should even say if you have not purchased it from me. Just drop me a note.
That all said, yes, it is most likely axle grease that they got over zealous with during manufacture. That would be the good news and means it will go away. But it could also mean the shaft is leaking and the reason it's still coming out is that it is axle grease contaminated sesame butter. If that's the case it will continue and you will most likely need a drum replacement. Without a bit more information it's hard to tell which. Either way Santha will fix you up if you need a new part.
I'll contact you via email also.
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Post by amallulla on Mar 14, 2012 23:43:25 GMT -5
Hi Alchemist John,
How should I go about removing the axle from the drum to investigate?
SanthaUSA suggested to remove the roller stones and check for grease-like contamination. They said that if there is any axle grease, it has inadvertently been put in. However, I really doubt the roller stones are producing the amount of grease coming out because they would not spin as freely and there would be black on the edge of the wheels. They are offering to ship a new pair of roller stones and axle set ... but not a new drum, which, as you suggest, is what I would need if the shaft is leaking.
However, there aren't any apparent defects with the drum.
I think that the grease must be coming from the drum axle. Where else could the leak be coming from?
I am worried that it might not be a defective parts issue but a design issue. How would you seal off the grease from coming up the shaft once it gets hot? Is it inevitable that some black grease will end up in the product?
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Post by amallulla on Apr 30, 2012 10:31:45 GMT -5
Santha was kind enough to send a replacement drum. However, even after exchanging the drum, the black grease is still appearing. I have attached a picture of the most recent batch of sesame butter. I don't know what to do. I am so upset and discouraged. I spent the last of my savings on this machine and have everything in place for a nut butter business. I feel hopeless. I would be so grateful for any words of advice you could give. Attachments:
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Post by Brad on Apr 30, 2012 16:24:26 GMT -5
I don't think it's grease from the machine. My reasoning is that it's at the TOP of the butter, and hasn't worked it's way into it. The only place that's greased on those machines is underneath the drum where the big belt is. The bearing in the middle is sealed.
I'm guessing that your ingredients are in some way reacting with the material in the drum or one of the components of the Santha.
That's my theory.
Brad
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Post by amallulla on May 1, 2012 9:52:42 GMT -5
Thanks, Brad, for the suggestion!
It crossed my mind that it might be oxidation of the ingredients with the drum itself. The only issue with this theory is that the black substance appears with every types of seed (raw and roasted sesame, roasted peanut, roasted cashew, raw cashew) I have put in it!
But... why is it oxidizing? Is it maybe reacting with the metal because it is a low-grade stainless steel?
And wouldn't the entire butter turn black if that were the case? It seems to accumulate and start at the top, which is baffling.
Santha reports that people have used it for nut butters without issue. However... they still have not gotten back to me after saying that they were going to perform the same task with the machine as we have done.
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bee
Neophyte
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Post by bee on May 1, 2012 19:58:05 GMT -5
Amallulla, I feel your pain! I have been having a very similar problem with my new cocoatown melanger. Black grease in every batch, doesn't matter what the ingredients are. Black grease on the roller bolts, roller shaft, bottom peg, multiple places. I am suspect that the steel is rubbing off from friction somehow. I understand the frustration of having a small business and investing in equipment which turns out to be faulty.
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Post by feedme on May 3, 2012 4:39:40 GMT -5
I had the same problem and worked out you need to screw in the scraper a little more so its not touching the steel.
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Chad
Neophyte
Posts: 11
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Post by Chad on May 3, 2012 10:27:11 GMT -5
Thanks feedme! I work with bee, and unfortunately that is not the cause of our problem. We have lots of space between the bowl and the scraper. Thanks again.
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