how to stop black rain

[cobra6223]

Did 2 smokes with about 10# each time, first one was Sunday about noon and the was other was yesterday afternoon. Both times only the bologna had what appears to be black rain and it has never happened before. I understand it don't hurt the meat but did this for friend and it looks nasty! At first I thought I may have it to close to the side and it was touching my shelf's but the lines are vertical and not horizontal so I ruled that out, need help on how to stop it so it don't happen again. Also the vent is wide open. I'll try to post a pic later, as always thanks in advance for your help.
Tim 

[Sailor]

Prior to the smoke take a paper towel and wipe the vent area.  Also you can wipe the inside roof area with a paper towel or newspaper to knock off the excess smoke build up.  Bring the cabinet up to temp before you put product into it will help reduce the chance of getting black rain.  Condensation is the big factor in creating black rain.  Getting rid of the  smoke build up on the roof and vent area will help in reducing the black rain.  This has worked for me but I am sure I am doing it wrong  ;D

[Gafala]

Try reducing the number you put in could be over loaded and unable to vent properly.

[Sailor]

Try reducing the number you put in could be over loaded and unable to vent properly.

I have the OBS and have smoke 20 pounds of chubs, with no problems at all  ;D

[Wildcat]

Sailor has you on the right track. Black rain is from excessive moisture combined with the smoke build up in your cabinet (primarily the ceiling inside the smoker). Too much moisture with smoke build up can also destroy your smoke generator.

[Jim O]

I invert an aluminium pie plate just under the vent,on a rack.

Works for me !

Jim O

[NePaSmoKer]

Wipe down the inside with a ball of aluminum foil, follow that by paper towels, Open the vent 100%.

Hang the chubs in smoker for 1 hour at 130* no smoke or water in the bowl.

Start smoke at 140 with water in the bowl. Vent always open.

[cobra6223]

Thanks everyone. I have done as much as 30# with no trouble. However I have never wiped out the cabinet and I did have water in the bowl from the very start. Thanks again everyone I really do appreciate the help.

[beefmann]

open the vent open the vent open the vent

[KyNola]

Wipe down the inside with a ball of aluminum foil, follow that by paper towels, Open the vent 100%.
Hang the chubs in smoker for 1 hour at 130* no smoke or water in the bowl.
Start smoke at 140 with water in the bowl. Vent always open.

YEP!