Flux Winnower

The Flux Winnower is the upgraded version of our Aether winnower.  It features:

• Stainless steel separation chamber
• Removable cover for easy cleaning
• Clear view port

FAQ

Why did you invent the Flux?

Customer demand.  I've had two requests for Aether changes for years.

• Make a stainless steel version
• Make a clear version

In both cases the price was simply not viable, pushing up over $10,000.  After 7 failed attempts and 3 optimization builds, the Flux was born.

Why is it called the Flux?

I'll let this speak for itself.

Does it work better?

• That all depends on what you mean by that.  The separation is slightly better but only slightly because the Aether is already is very good.
• What is significantly better is your ability to tune the air flows for optimal separation because you can see the separation happening.
• What is even better is that with the flip of latches, the cover comes off for super easy cleaning and inspection of build up.

Why should you get the Flux?

• It is the best winnower for the money out there, hands down. 
• You love watching the nibs and husk separate
  
• It will make your health inspectors happy
• It is virtually trouble and maintenance free
• We use the Flux day in, day out to produce the nibs we offer.

I have the Aether.  Can I upgrade?

Indeed you can.  We very specifically designed the Flux to be backward compatible.  You only have to remove the lower PVC separation plumbing, drill a couple holes (template provided) and bolt on the new Flux separation chamber.

What do I need to use the Flux?

We offer the option for a complete setup.  You can purchase it without the following items if you wish.

• Champion Juicer*
• Deluxe Cracker or Standard Champion cutter head**
• Vacuum***

* We are aware that the Champion 2000 has been discontinued.  We have verified used ones in stock and are happy to offer them to you.  Right now there is no other option.  This does not concern us and should not concern you.  There are so many good ones out there and they last decades.

** We DO NOT recommend other crackers and specifically not roller mills, automated or not.  Those are great for hand winnowing but the sizes of the pieces don't work well. 

*** You are also going to need a basic shop vacuum.  We currently use a 6.5 hp Shop Vac, but others (with a 2.0" vacuum hose and about 200 CFM) may well work as it has a vacuum flow controller built in.  International users who need a 220V model could well use this one.  If you can't find an appropriate 220 V model, this Voltage Transformer is great and will allow you to use but the 120V Champion and Vacuum.

The Flux is designed and built to pair with a Champion Juicer** and our Deluxe cracker. 

** We are aware that the Champion 2000 has been discontinued.  We have verified used ones in stock and are happy to offer them to you.  Right now there is no other option.  This does not concern us and should not concern you.  There are so many good ones out there and they last decades.

Size:

• 36" x 24" x 24" (Not including the hopper which rises about 36" above the table top)

Weight:

• 80 lb empty
• Table should be rated for 200 lb for the 50 lb the hopper and husk bin can each hold

Efficiency*:

• Roasted beans: 78-82%
• Raw beans: 72-80%

*82% is considered perfect, i.e. husk is about 18% the weight of average roasted beans

Throughput:

With Deluxe Cracker

• Roasted Beans: 120-140 lb/hour
• Raw Beans: 100-120 lb/hour

• Roasted Beans: 70-80 lb/hour
• Raw Beans: 50-60 lb/hour

In both cases, and with the disclaimer that it depends on the roasting and preparation of your beans, you can expect to see no more than 0.5% of nib in the husk bin, and 0.5% husk in the nib in a single pass.  For more difficult beans, it is still possible to have nearly husk free nibs, but it may require a few percent of nib in the husk or a 2nd pass.

Note:  We DO NOT recommend other crackers and specifically not roller mills, automated or not.  Those are great for hand winnowing but the sizes of the pieces don't work well. 

Capacity

• 50 lb of beans (hopper capacity)

Included:

• Flux Separation Chamber
• 50 lb hopper
• Champion Juicer adapter
• Screen
• Champion platform
• Vacuum chamber
• Husk bin

Options:

• Deluxe Cracker (optional but recommended)
• Champion Juicer (required)
  
• Vacuum (required)

Deluxe Cracker

We cannot recommend the Deluxe cracker enough.  It is a beast and we use it daily.

It is machined out of Stainless steel and Brass, with hardened cold rolled tool steel blades that are replaceable (1/8" thick as opposed to 1/32") that are four way reversible (double sided and double edged).  Each side will allow cracking of 1500-2500 lb of beans depending on whether they are raw or roasted and how clean they are.  All materials are food grade.

Champion Juicer

Many people already have a Champion juicer and it can do double duty - hence the decision not to include it by default.  You can order an extra if you like of course. 

If you are cracking raw beans, you will find that the blades on the Champion juicer cutter wheel will wear away.  Usually about 5-10 times faster than if the beans are roasted.  Checking the sharpness of the cutter blade routinely is recommended.  A heavily used (used every day, for many hours) Flux may require a cutter blade every week.  Moderate use with roasted beans may only require a change every couple months.  The same goes for the housing on the Champion.  After a couple months of use with raw beans, it has been found to crack and need to be replaced.  This was not found with roasted beans.

** We are aware that the Champion 2000 has been discontinued.  We have verified used ones in stock and are happy to offer them to you.  Right now there is no other option.  This does not concern us and should not concern you.  There are so many good ones out there and they last decades.

The standard Champion cutter head will crack raw nibs, but depending upon the moisture content and preparation of the bean, the feed rate may may drop significantly (even to the point that they will not feed).  If you insist on raw nibs, you may have to hand push them through the Champion.  And likewise, expect the separation may not be as good since the raw husk is much closer to the density of the nibs. Generally I find if raw nibs are produced the final product needs to sieved through a 1/4" mesh. 

The Deluxe Cracker handles raw beans very well and does not require hand pushing.

Vacuum

We recommend you find the 6.5 hp Shop Vac locally.  In general it will be much cheaper than me supplying it.  If nothing else you will save on shipping.

We currently use a 6.5 hp Shop Vac, but others (with a 2.0" vacuum hose and about 200 CFM) may well work as it has a vacuum flow controller built in.  International users who need a 220V model could well use this one. 

A 50 lb capacity hopper exits into the top of a Champion Juicer.  The rate of winnowing is controlled by the rate at which the Champion cracks the beans.  Harder or raw beans will crack slower than roasted beans. The Flux is optimized for these feed rates.

Once cracked, the nibs and husk mixture exits the Champion and enters a chute.  Upon arriving at the visible junction of our super compact separation chamber, husk is drawn upwards and into the vacuum chamber and husk bin.  Nibs drop from the separation chamber into a container of your choosing (It was designed to accept a 5 gallon bucket). 

No other winnower on the market is as fast, efficient and compact.

The Flux comes with two adjustments valves allowing you to tune it optimally to your situation. 

One valve is on the vacuum chamber and allows you to control how much suction your vacuum pulls.  If you use the 6.5 hp Shop Vac recommended, it will be approximately half open. Other brands and sizes are acceptable as long as it has a standard 2" hose. 

The second valve allow you to more finely tune the air flow in the separation chamber  allowing better 'discrimination' of nib and husk and generally can be left fully open.  Long drop tube winnowers don't have this functionality and is what makes the Flux superior.

Time-line, ordering and details for delivery: 

Time-line - The units are assembled  as needed.  From order to shipping is usually around 2-3 weeks.

Ordering - A 50% deposit is required to start your winnower, with the balance due at completion before shipping.   The payment and order is NCNR (no-cancel, not refundable) (unless I fail to supply it for some very odd reason).  You are welcome to pay the entire amount up front.

Delivery - This will ship via UPS or DHL (USA and internationally respectively) in 2 boxes, 24" and 30" cubic, 45 lb each (more if the Champion and/or the Shop-vac are added).  Some assembly will be required, but only a wrench and screwdriver will be needed. Directions will of course be included and as much phone and/or e-mail support as required for no extra fee.  Feedback on the manual and directions is HIGHLY requested.

By placing this order, you are acknowledging and accepting the following:

 This order is NCNR (non-cancel-able, non-refundable).

Due to limitations in the shipping calculator, you may see a lower than actual shipping price.  It should be around $300-400 for the USA or $800-2000 internationally depending upon your location.  You will be charged actual shipping costs if more or less than that shown upon checkout.

If you choose the 50% deposit, you are authorizing Chocolate Alchemy to charge your credit card for the remaining balance, including actual shipping charges (see above).

Please let me know if you have any questions.