Ive been stung by the Tinker Bug and have been searching around for information on OPVs (Over Pressure Valves) with the view of tinkering with my Saeco Via Venezia. Main purpose is to investigate cheap options to gain more consistency in brewing starting with brew pressure by adding an OPV & pressure gauge.
I came across this article on OPVs which I thought worth sharing. This is all part of the search for a vaccine before I contract that dreaded upgradeitis which seems to be rampant and an ever present threat! :P :P :P
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/coffeetim.../OPV_Valve.pdf
Being fairly new to the sport I soon discovered huge variations in taste especially when the brew temperature is varied. Currently the only way to do this is temperature surfing by varying the length of time before I brew from when the brew light comes on (hence boiler slowly cools before switching heating element back on). Ive gone from a grind setting of 9 before getting bitter coffee down to a 5 by brewing at a slightly lower temperature and am still experimenting. A cheap temperature gauge for the boiler is also on the list.
As grind and tamping pressure consistency seem to dictate brew pressure without an OPV in the machine, I thought the easy way to knock out this variable might be with an OPV?
This should ensure consistant 9BAR brew pressure instead of up to 15BAR if all wasnt right with gring / tamping etc. If this isnt cost effective, lots of extra attention to grind and tamping pressure will definetly be required!
I came across this article on OPVs which I thought worth sharing. This is all part of the search for a vaccine before I contract that dreaded upgradeitis which seems to be rampant and an ever present threat! :P :P :P
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/coffeetim.../OPV_Valve.pdf
Being fairly new to the sport I soon discovered huge variations in taste especially when the brew temperature is varied. Currently the only way to do this is temperature surfing by varying the length of time before I brew from when the brew light comes on (hence boiler slowly cools before switching heating element back on). Ive gone from a grind setting of 9 before getting bitter coffee down to a 5 by brewing at a slightly lower temperature and am still experimenting. A cheap temperature gauge for the boiler is also on the list.
As grind and tamping pressure consistency seem to dictate brew pressure without an OPV in the machine, I thought the easy way to knock out this variable might be with an OPV?
This should ensure consistant 9BAR brew pressure instead of up to 15BAR if all wasnt right with gring / tamping etc. If this isnt cost effective, lots of extra attention to grind and tamping pressure will definetly be required!

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