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OPV Flow Info Needed!!!

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  • OPV Flow Info Needed!!!

    I know its been mentioned before, but I couldnt find much on a search, so here goes.

    I own a KitchenAid Pro Line espresso machine, which is basically a double version of the Gaggia Classic internally and has an adjustable OPV as well. When using a blind basket how much flow should exit the OPV to determine 8-9 bars of brew pressure? The machine uses the Invensys pump that Gaggia uses....... Thanks for any info. Later!

  • #2
    Re: OPV Flow Info Needed!!!

    Originally posted by shadow745 link=1208297125/0#0 date=1208297125
    I know its been mentioned before, but I couldnt find much on a search, so here goes.

    I own a KitchenAid Pro Line espresso machine, which is basically a double version of the Gaggia Classic internally and has an adjustable OPV as well. When using a blind basket how much flow should exit the OPV to determine 8-9 bars of brew pressure? The machine uses the Invensys pump that Gaggia uses....... Thanks for any info. Later!
    Best done with a portafilter pressure gauge IMHO. Flow rates can be a stab in the dark- at best

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    • #3
      Re: OPV Flow Info Needed!!!

      Originally posted by 2muchcoffeeman link=1208297125/0#1 date=1208300738
      Best done with a portafilter pressure gauge IMHO. Flow rates can be a stab in the dark- at best
      Absolutely! Trying to determine pressure settings by measuring bypass flows can, at best, only get you into the ballpark of the desired target pressure. The manufacturing tolerance margins of the pump ensure that this can never be an accurate method.

      Probably worth doing as a check though, if you suspect that your machine is grossly off spec. Most Italian espresso machines (but not all) use the Ulka Model E5, described here with links to pump performance curves. A quick Google search discovered where the info for Invensys Pumps is hiding, here. In the end though, to ensure your machine is setup properly you will need to follow Chriss advice and beg, borrow or buy a PF Pressure Gauge such as those sold by another of our esteemed site sponsors, CoffeeParts, listed over on the L/H side of the page.

      All the best mate ,
      Mal.

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      • #4
        Re: OPV Flow Info Needed!!!

        I got my PF gauage today.

        Currently registering 10 bars!

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        • #5
          Re: OPV Flow Info Needed!!!

          Gday Kasa,

          Great stuff. Is this measured with a typical flow or just a static pressure? If the latter, might be worthwhile dropping it down to 9.5 Bar and if the former, just drop it down to 8.5-9.0 Bar. Makes a lot of difference in the cup I can assure you.....

          Cheers,
          Mal.

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          • #6
            Re: OPV Flow Info Needed!!!

            I think its static pressure as there is no out flow....

            I got it now at just under 9.5 bars.

            Did my first shot, I notice some good differences but must try again...

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            • #7
              Re: OPV Flow Info Needed!!!

              Onya mate [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

              Mal.

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