Hi Guys,
The other day, Covid-Lockdown-Boredom-Syndrome got the better of me, and I started thinking about more unnecessary projects - like replacing the vibe pump in my old Faema E98 S1 with a rotary pump. It shouldn’t be that hard, as a quick trawl of the internet confirmed that the machines were originally available with a 240 VAC rotary vane pump, the spare pumps and motors were available in Australia, so it looked relatively straightforward.
But as I started reading about people’s rotary pump conversions, there were other options available. The pick of the bunch seems to be a Fluid-O-Tech FG304 gear pump and motor unit. These units are very compact for a rotary pump, with the pump attached to a brushless 24 VDC motor and variable speed drive. At 60 x 60 x 95 mm, they are not much bigger than a vibe pump, but you still need to factor in some space for a 240 VAC to 24 VDC power supply. The speed control is very simple, using a potentiometer for a 0 to 5 VDC input.


From what I’ve read on various forums, these pumps have been factory fitted to some espresso machines. A number of people have also retrofitted machines with them, primarily to allow for control the flow and pressure, for pre-infusion, pressure profiling, and other esoteric voodoo espresso stuff. At this stage, my main interest is that it is a compact rotary pump, but who knows, maybe the other features would be an advantage as well. Anyway, I need to do a quick sanity check, look at the technical data, and see if the flow and pressure area appropriate, and let you guys know how it all goes.
Cheers, Stavros.
The other day, Covid-Lockdown-Boredom-Syndrome got the better of me, and I started thinking about more unnecessary projects - like replacing the vibe pump in my old Faema E98 S1 with a rotary pump. It shouldn’t be that hard, as a quick trawl of the internet confirmed that the machines were originally available with a 240 VAC rotary vane pump, the spare pumps and motors were available in Australia, so it looked relatively straightforward.
But as I started reading about people’s rotary pump conversions, there were other options available. The pick of the bunch seems to be a Fluid-O-Tech FG304 gear pump and motor unit. These units are very compact for a rotary pump, with the pump attached to a brushless 24 VDC motor and variable speed drive. At 60 x 60 x 95 mm, they are not much bigger than a vibe pump, but you still need to factor in some space for a 240 VAC to 24 VDC power supply. The speed control is very simple, using a potentiometer for a 0 to 5 VDC input.
From what I’ve read on various forums, these pumps have been factory fitted to some espresso machines. A number of people have also retrofitted machines with them, primarily to allow for control the flow and pressure, for pre-infusion, pressure profiling, and other esoteric voodoo espresso stuff. At this stage, my main interest is that it is a compact rotary pump, but who knows, maybe the other features would be an advantage as well. Anyway, I need to do a quick sanity check, look at the technical data, and see if the flow and pressure area appropriate, and let you guys know how it all goes.
Cheers, Stavros.


Yes, nine days after they said they delivered it, it finally arrived. 

Comment