t connector between the pump and the boiler example: Click Here (www.homeroasters.org) the question is .. which the more accurate and better way to do it?
and would I really need a oil filled gauge? would it really make a difference? or will just a dry gauge do?
Posted Sat Mar 10, 2012, 2:21pm Subject: Re: gaggia pressure gauge placement help?
Does the 2008 baby have a 3-way solenoid and OPV?
If you don't have the 3-way valve on that model, you won't be reading brew pressure, because the non 3-way machines have a group valve that reduces the pressure to the PF by anywhere from 3-5bars depending on a number of things.
I don't see any way you could put the gauge in the line from boiler to steam wand because the steam valve bolts directly to the boiler. You wouldn't read any pressure at all unless you opened the steam valve and plugged the steam wand.
SJM Senior Member Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 1,508 Location: CA Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Mar 10, 2012, 2:50pm Subject: Re: gaggia pressure gauge placement help?
Before you get started, you should know that AndyPanda's comments about the brew valve's role in adjusting pressure is not universally accapted as true. I am not going to argue the case, but his position is controversial.
Why do you want a permanent pressure gauge? It's cool looking, no argument, but the only time it is of use is when you adjust the OPV (if you have one that can be adjusted), and then that adjustment is basically permanent.
And, finally, per your question, unless you get a dry gauge that has a snuffer included in it, you will probably find that the needle fluctuation makes it too hard to read accurately.
fredk01 Senior Member Joined: 20 Feb 2012 Posts: 115 Location: Canada Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Saeco Aroma Grinder: OE Pharos
Posted Sat Mar 10, 2012, 4:18pm Subject: Re: gaggia pressure gauge placement help?
SJM Said:
And, finally, per your question, unless you get a dry gauge that has a snuffer included in it, you will probably find that the needle fluctuation makes it too hard to read accurately.
What exactly is a snuffer? I've been looking at pressure gages and it looks like you can pick up a gage that can be oil filled directly from the manufacturer at a very reasonable cost, but I have no idea what is involved in putting oil into the gage. I'm looking at various options.
One reason to put a gage in line instead of modding a portafilter would be cost. For instance, I was thinking of a brass T between the pump and the OPV/boiler that I can hook the gage to until I know flow into the boiler is at 9 bar. When that is done, I can simply remove the gage and cap the T until I want to adjust pressure again. A brass T will be $4 or $5 vs $50+ for the portafilter and associated hardware.
Edit: actually, a good question to the OP would be, what it is you are trying to measure. Is it to make sure your OPV is set to 9 bar and not something higher, or is it to monitor brew pressure?
SJM Senior Member Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 1,508 Location: CA Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Mar 10, 2012, 4:36pm Subject: Re: gaggia pressure gauge placement help?
Sorry, no idea exactly what a "snuffer" is except that several years ago when I was researching gauges for testing an OPV mod, I came across the fact that there were gauges that were NOT fluid-filled but that had these "snuffers", which allowed them not to fluctuate. I guess, that in its way, the fluid itself is a snuffer. It muffles the fluctuations so that the gauge/pressure is readable.
Posted Sat Mar 10, 2012, 5:11pm Subject: Re: gaggia pressure gauge placement help?
normally known (over here at least) as a "snubber"
The same objective is achieved sometimes by using a long length (often coiled) narrow bore tubing leading to the gauge. Provided the tube remains filled with air, which is compressible, this will serve to even out the fluctuations otherwise created by a vibratory pump and stop the needle fluttering.
tegee Senior Member Joined: 29 Feb 2012 Posts: 47 Location: New England Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Brewtus IV-R Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Sat Mar 10, 2012, 6:59pm Subject: Re: gaggia pressure gauge placement help?
Andy......
While we are on the topic, does the Gaggia Classic really need to have its OPV adjust to 10 bars static (9 bars brew) or is it all overhyped on adjust it on a Classic? I have read and heard pros and cons and would like to get your prospective; especially since you run a Classic yourself.
Tice Senior Member Joined: 11 Mar 2012 Posts: 1 Location: Europe Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Sun Mar 11, 2012, 7:41am Subject: Re: gaggia pressure gauge placement help?
I am about to make the same modification to my Gaggia Classic and was pondering exactly the same question. I saw the video with the build in gauge (connected to the steam wand manifold on the boiler). This way the gauge gets exposed to hot steam. For now I cannot think of a reason why connecting the gauge between the pump and the boiler through a T-connection would be measuring a different pressure, as in the end the whole circuit is open (pump --> inlet to boiler with OPV --> boiler --> coffeepad). It would make for a much simpler modification as well as that the gauge will only get exposed to cold water.
Let me know what you think, am I overseeing something?
p.s. 1: I could not find the modification under the second link (to homeroasters) p..s. 2: I got a glycerine filled gauge for about euro 15
Hmm... so the snuffer would be the special mafia barista version? Dual purpose sort of speak... ;-) Sorry Susan, I couldn't resist.
Thanks Rob. I found the snubber page at Omega. It looks like snubbers are purpose designed for either liquid, gas/steam or air. The cost between a liquid fillable and a general purpose pressure gage plus snubber looks to be the same.
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