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HX vs Thermoblock

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  • HX vs Thermoblock

    HX sounds a lot like a thermoblock machine where the water passes through a block of heated metal adsorbing the heat to eventually be equal in temp with the metal mass when exiting the group.

    Does this mean that a coffee machine with a large enough thermoblock could be as temp stable as an HX machine?

    Maybe steam is the big difference?

  • #2
    Re: HX vs Thermoblock

    Without the technical background to be accurate on this one I would say that you could build a thermoblock machine that could keep up with the requirements of espresso production in a commercial environment. In a way machines that have an element in the grouphead to add accuracy to the brew water temp are thermoblockish. As you said steam is the big one thermoblocks will struggle when it comes to punching out big numbers of milky drinks. In theory you could build one big enough to do the job but I doubt it would be cost effective/worth it.

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    • #3
      Re: HX vs Thermoblock

      Originally posted by 332821373439400 link=1275460937/0#0 date=1275460937
      Does this mean that a coffee machine with a large enough thermoblock could be as temp stable as an HX machine?
      You just need enough power to make the transfer function work. So yes - it is entirely possible to do that. You dont even need a big thermoblock - it is purely a power issue.

      But the problem isnt quite as simple as the students in my lectures would like it to be! Getting stability is achieved by minimising the temperature differential - so using a bunch of thermoblocks - in series - would probably work reasonably well. Just dont ask a fresh University graduate to build the control system for it!

      /Kevin

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      • #4
        Re: HX vs Thermoblock

        Yes as they said above...
        I used to think the thermo-block concept was a good idea, and there may still be some merit in it.
        Currently however, getting enough steam for heating the milk would seem to be the bigger issue, which is so easily solved by a suitable sized boiler.  I dont know the relative thermodynamics of a well designed, suitable sized boiler compared to a thermo-block that can do same, (considering also cost, simplicity and reliability related to function).
        So if you have the boiler already at steam temperature, it is relatively more convenient to fit a heat exchanger to provide brew water, and if the brew path has extra heating to help keep it stable then is it similar principle to the multiple thermo-block system described above?
        The basic HX machine concept is quite a good one, also is less complex than a sophisticated thermo-block so ultimately should be more reliable.

        While technology can be used to solve some problems, etc, I am more and more interested in keeping things that work as simple as we can for lots of reasons.


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        • #5
          Re: HX vs Thermoblock

          Originally posted by 353B36392E3839570 link=1275460937/1#1 date=1275473203
          Without the technical background to be accurate on this one I would say that you could build a thermoblock machine that could keep up with the requirements of espresso production in a commercial environment.
          Sunbeam give a 3 month warranty on the EM6910 if used in a commercial environment. :

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          • #6
            Re: HX vs Thermoblock

            I dont think anyone would be saying that Sunbeams implementation of a thermoblock would be the benchmark of what the technology can produce.

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            • #7
              Re: HX vs Thermoblock

              Concepts always evolve..

              I just further modded an EM69AMB and the steam is GREAT... BEST I have ever seen on any thermoblock..

              Commercial... NA... Fully tested and benchmarked ... NA Life expectancy ... Who Knows...


              For home use and running a small dinner party... And CUPS of coffee; not 16oz jugs of hot milk for 10 guests..

              Not a problem... Not enough milk in jug... Severe Blow back is achievable; if ya want

              Life of collar... TBD but with a smoother lug and more surface area in contact and less binding... One might assume that it may be able to manage misuse better...

              Perfect system... No.... Fit for purpose and cost at this point in time... NOT available.. ;D ;D


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