Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Pre-infusion & the Silvia

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • #31
    Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

    Further to previous post.
    A difference I noticed between Silvia and the Unic is that the gicleur equipped Unic has a slower pour, despite its big motor and rotary pump.

    Comment


    • #32
      Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

      With regard to Vibe Pumps on machines like the Silvia with the added protection of a Pressure Limiting Valve (PLV), the fitment of a Gicleur into the Group Head structure somewhere (if this is possible or not, I have no idea) it would not cause any harm to the Pump at all due to the existence of the PLV. This is after all, the primary purpose of the PLV, to protect the Pump.

      I spose you could fit the Gicleur elsewhere in the high pressure circuit downstream of the Pump but then this would affect other aspects of the Silvias operation, not just the brew cycle.....

      Mal.

      Comment


      • #33
        Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

        Originally posted by Mal link=1210326237/30#31 date=1211036374
        I spose you could fit the Gicleur elsewhere in the high pressure circuit downstream of the Pump but then this would affect other aspects of the Silvias operation, not just the brew cycle.....Mal.
        You are correct in thinking that the Gicleur has to go into the brewhead somewhere. Silvias PLV is mounted on the boiler. The gicleur has to be downstream of the PLV, so putting it anywhere before the boiler also puts it before the PLV and would stress the pump and also limit the usefulness of the hot water valve.

        it might be possible to put something wither above the shower and shower head (not likely), or possibly on the output tube leading to the brewhead inside the boiler.

        Comment


        • #34
          Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

          To be honest Randy,

          I think if someone wants this sort of characteristic from their machine, theyd be a lot better off buying something that is manufactured that way. Playing around with electrics is one thing (fitting PID Control for example) but trying to modify the hydraulic circuit is a whole different kettle of fish in my opinion,

          Mal.

          Comment


          • #35
            Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

            Originally posted by Mal link=1210326237/30#33 date=1211044273
            To be honest Randy,
            I think if someone wants this sort of characteristic from their machine, theyd be a lot better off buying something that is manufactured that way. Playing around with electrics is one thing (fitting PID Control for example) but trying to modify the hydraulic circuit is a whole different kettle of fish in my opinion,Mal.
            I agree completely. I approached it on a theoretical level, but I do know of folks who have added three PIDs to a Silvia! (Input temperature control after the external rotary pump(iirc), PID for boiler temp, and a PID controlled brewhead heating cable.)

            One thing that is often overlooked when doing such mods is that there is a lot more going on than just temperature control in the better machines. I learned that when going from Silvia to the VBM Domobar Super. Water delivery rates, water delivery patterns, and more all are part of the equation. The espresso is now decidedly better, but I cant say that the coffee is three times better now (cost comparison Silvia:VBM), but I can say that the consistency is far better than the cost would reflect.

            With a newer Silvia with the adjustable OPV, I would recommend the addition of a brew pressure gage and a PID. Beyond that, invest in a better machine... IMO.

            Comment


            • #36
              Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

              I came across the link below over on CG, thought it relevant to this thread and CSs might like to discuss pros and cons of doing this mod.
              http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/esp...inemods/373954

              Comment


              • #37
                Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

                Yep,

                That would work fine vr.... If youre up for the challenge to do as neat a job as that chap did. Unless you can grab exactly the same W-H Arrestors as he did though, youd be up for a bit of experimentation. Not that that is a bad thing though, all adds to the fun....

                Mal.

                Comment


                • #38
                  Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

                  Local shock arrestors look to have the same internal pressure as the ones used so that part is ok. I was a bit concerned the extra piping and water might heatsink some group heat away but I dont think theres enough there to worry about. I think it would need to be plumbed in after the three way valve for the latent pressure to be dumped into drip tray when brew switch is turned off, as you say all good fun.

                  Comment


                  • #39
                    Re: Pre-infusion & the Silvia

                    Originally posted by vicroamer link=1210326237/20#37 date=1213821905
                    I think it would need to be plumbed in after the three way valve for the latent pressure to be dumped into drip tray when brew switch is turned off, as you say all good fun.
                    Dont think thats necessary, or even practical vr.... With an accumulator (which this is in effect), you would be much better off to install this as close to the pump as possible. Any latent pressure stored by the accumulator circuit would be exhausted via the Group and PF circuit once the PF is removed and the Group flushed briefly. This wouldnt normally create an additional step to the process though as pretty well all CSers would flush out the Group and the PF after pulling a shot to clean out all signs of coffee particles, etc.

                    Trying to install downstream of the 3-Way Valve would be much more complex (if even possible) and, as you say, introduce another heatsink path away from the Boiler which is obviously not desirable. Just looking at where the 3-Way is located on the Silvia (and lots of other machines for that matter) it seems to be integrated into the Group Head and the brew-path galleries therein so would require a fair amount of modification to the existing design in order to incorporate the accumulator circuit here.

                    Anyway, its all very interesting and probably worth giving a go for someone with access to all the necessary tools, fittings and what have you. Ill stick with the Gicleur system on my Bezzera, works quite effectively and its characteristic is easily modified if ever I decide it is required. All the best mate ,

                    Mal.

                    Comment

                    Working...
                    X