Active system for monitoring and filtering water for espresso coffee machine and associated espresso coffee machine

Abstract

An espresso coffee machine is described, the machine comprising: a water supply source; the boiler is used for heating water; a pump; a coffee machine for preparing espresso coffee comprises a ground coffee disc, a blending group configured to cooperate with a wave tower filter equipped with a basket containing ground coffee balls, the machine configured to supply pressurized water to the ground coffee disc to blend espresso coffee, and a water monitoring system for monitoring at least one parameter of water used to prepare espresso coffee. Preferably, the monitoring system includes a conductivity and temperature detector that continuously and in real time provides a value of water hardness derived from information about the conductivity and temperature of the water.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application date of October 30, 2019, application number 201980069093.4, and invention name “Active system for monitoring and filtering water for espresso machines and related espresso machines”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of machines for preparing beverages. More specifically, the present invention relates to an active system for monitoring and filtering water for an espresso machine. The present invention also relates to an espresso machine comprising such a system. Background Art

[0003] Water is the most qualitatively important ingredient in espresso, and after the coffee itself, it is the ingredient that most affects the taste of the drink.

[0004] Besides the various processes used to create a beverage, the most crucial element alongside the main product (coffee) is the "extract." It's no coincidence that 95-98% of a cup of coffee, whether it's espresso, filter coffee, mocha, or brewed, is composed of water. This crucial element can contain various substances that can alter the final aroma and taste of the beverage. In fact, it's not just an inert, colorless, odorless, and aromaless solvent; for all intents and purposes, it can be considered a fundamental component of the final quality.

[0005] Chlorine-based substances are commonly used by companies managing water systems and supplies. Chlorine, in fact, plays an important role as a disinfectant. However, while chlorine protects consumers from a bacteriological perspective, it also has a significant negative impact on the final quality of the coffee. Furthermore, since the chlorine compounds formed, especially in hot conditions, have a strong oxidative capacity, acting on the "fats" present in coffee, it also negatively affects the formation of creaminess.

[0006] Some coffee roasters and / or coffee machine manufacturers collect general information about the water supplied in various regions, in particular about the presence of chlorine and the hardness expressed as a measure of French degrees (F).

[0007] On the other hand, recent analyses of the sensory aspects of coffee, such as its aroma, its persistence in the mouth, its taste, the quality and consistency of the foam, and its ability to enhance sensory properties, have demonstrated the importance of some inorganic salts, especially calcium salts. In light of the above, the use of low-mineral water would be counterproductive, as water of a given hardness provides better beverage quality, body and syrupy consistency, and produces a soft and stable crema.

[0008] The Applicant has noted that currently the chemical composition of the water supplied to coffee machines is highly variable, taking into account both different locations within the same country and, more importantly, different countries.

[0009] Water supplied by the public water main contains varying amounts of ions such as calcium and magnesium ions (hardness) and, if not properly treated, can form unacceptable deposits in espresso machines within a very short period of time. This occurs, for example, due to the precipitation of insoluble salts such as calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide.

[0010] Currently, it is known to overcome this drawback by softening the water. In particular, sodium ions replace the ions responsible for hardness, thus preventing the deposition of scale (calcium and magnesium carbonate). However, the applicant has noted that this strategy has an impact on the organoleptic properties of espresso, as it also changes the pH of the beverage.

[0011] The applicants also noted that the presence of carbonates and bicarbonates, along with sodium, hinders the percolation of coffee, thereby increasing the extraction time of the beverage. This binding of ions causes the coffee grounds to swell (particularly insoluble polysaccharides such as mannan and cellulose), thereby reducing the porosity of the coffee grounds puck and increasing the percolation time by approximately 50%. Furthermore, the presence of bicarbonate and sodium increases the amount of cream in the cup.

[0012] In addition, sodium ions have the ability to extract many bitter volatile aromatic compounds such as caffeine and pinealine.

[0013] The opposite softening strategy is to use demineralized water for infusion. However, this type of water can be aggressive to coffee machines if heated and exposed to air, and can also be poor in its ability to extract aromas and substances that give the beverage its organoleptic value.

[0014] EP 2 316 796 A2 discloses a system for filtering water for a beverage production plant. The filtration system can be equipped with a device for measuring the conductivity of water circulating through a pipe system. This measuring system, consisting of a conductivity meter, is used to control the conductivity of the water produced by the filtration system based on the mineral salts dissolved therein.

[0015] US Pat. No. 9,986,870 B2 discloses a device for supplying a beverage machine with liquid and its use. Provision can additionally be made for at least one fill level sensor not only to output a signal to the control device regarding the reaching of the fill level but also to be designed to determine the hardness of the water in the tank. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The Applicant's aim is to provide a system for diagnosing the incoming water (in order to define the best filtering options) and the water treated by the filter (in order to monitor its efficiency over time) in order to further improve the quality of the espresso coffee. The essence is therefore to determine certain chemical parameters related to the composition of the water supplied to a specific espresso coffee machine (at a specific location and at a specific time). Once these parameters have been measured (for example total hardness, temporary hardness, chlorine, chlorides, pH, alkalinity, TDS (total dissolved solids), iron), a filtering system can be used which reduces or in any case modifies the composition of these parameters in the water.

[0017] The current limitation of the state of the art in this field is that both the measurement and the system are passive. In addition to organizing professional courses within the company, in order to improve the knowledge of the subject by users and technicians of espresso coffee machines, the Applicant provides a water analysis kit together with the coffee machine.

[0018] The aim of the present invention is to provide an instrument to be inserted in series at the water inlet of a coffee machine, which allows to measure in real time a number of important chemical parameters which can provide important information about the quality of the incoming water. In this way, the water can be treated with appropriate techniques. Alternatively or additionally, in the event that the system detects values not within the predefined range, an alarm or a light or sound signal can be used in order to ensure the best quality of the beverage in the cup and to maintain the quality and efficiency of the coffee machine.

[0019] Advantageously, the instrument is able to provide information automatically and clearly to the user of the espresso coffee machine by means of visual messages (for example on a display or the like) and / or light signals and / or sound signals.

[0020] The water parameters that must be detected and monitored are one or more of the following:

[0021] - pH

[0022] - alkalinity [ppm]

[0023] - temperature [°C / °F]

[0024] - TDS (total dissolved solids) [ppm]

[0025] - total hardness [ppm]

[0026] - total iron (Fe +2 / Fe +3 ) [ppm]

[0027] - total chlorides (Cl - ) [ppm]

[0028] - free chlorine (Cl2) [ppm]

[0029] -Total chlorine (Cl2) [ppm]

[0030] - Calculate the Langelier index LSI

[0031] The applicant has noted that:

[0032] (a) Determination and evaluation of some of the above parameters by means of differential measurements, usually using techniques that cannot be used continuously;

[0033] (b) Some of the above parameters may release unwanted ions during measurement. For example, pH measurement using a simple combination electrode may release ions into the water and certainly cannot be kept immersed in water for long periods of time.

[0034] According to the Applicant, the above parameters can be divided into two groups: a first group comprises parameters to be measured by personnel performing installation and maintenance operations, while a second group comprises parameters that can be monitored remotely and continuously.

[0035] The applicant has found that there is a direct relationship between the hardness of water and the conductivity. According to the applicant, it is therefore possible to derive information about the overall hardness of the water also continuously and, if necessary, from a remote location based on the conductivity measurement.

[0036] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, the machine comprising:

[0037] - Water supply source;

[0038] - boiler, for heating water;

[0039] - pumps;

[0040] a brewing group configured to cooperate with a portafilter (filter holder) equipped with a filter basket containing a coffee grounds disc, the machine being configured to supply pressurized water to the coffee grounds disc for brewing espresso, and

[0041] - A water monitoring system for monitoring at least one parameter of the water used to prepare the espresso, wherein the monitoring system comprises a conductivity and temperature probe which continuously and in real time provides a value of the water hardness derived from information (values) about the conductivity and temperature of the water.

[0042] The machine may comprise a corrector configured to correct at least one of the detected parameters not falling within a given range.According to an embodiment, the corrector comprises a remineralizer cartridge, which may be replaceable.

[0043] In an embodiment, the machine further comprises a throttling device, wherein the throttling device is configured to receive water upstream of the corrector and supply the water to the measuring device such that the measuring device receives a portion of the water that has passed the corrector and a portion of the water that has not been corrected by the corrector.

[0044] The throttling device may comprise a proportional valve.

[0045] In an embodiment, the water monitoring system further comprises a pre-filtering member upstream of the measuring device for pre-filtering the incoming water in order to remove solid particles of a set size that may be present in the water.

[0046] A straightener may be provided downstream of the pre-filtration member.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the measured value of electrical conductivity is proportional to the water hardness value in a substantially linear relationship.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the system comprises a transmitter and / or a display for transmitting said derived water hardness value to a remote receiver and / or for displaying said derived water hardness value.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the machine also comprises water treatment means based on reverse osmosis or a brine softener.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the system comprises a processing unit for processing at least a part of the measured values.

[0051] According to an embodiment, a water monitoring system is arranged upstream of the water supply or upstream of the coffee boiler or steam boiler.

[0052] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for monitoring at least one parameter of water used to prepare espresso coffee in a machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, the machine comprising:

[0053] Water supply source;

[0054] boiler, used to heat water;

[0055] pumps; and

[0056] a brewing group configured to cooperate with a portafilter (filter holder) equipped with a filter basket containing a coffee grounds disc, the machine being configured to supply pressurized water to said coffee grounds disc for brewing espresso,

[0057] The method consists in obtaining continuously and in real time a value of water hardness derived from information on the conductivity and temperature of the water.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises correcting the water hardness if the water hardness does not fall within a given water hardness range.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises providing a throttling device, wherein said throttling device is configured to receive water upstream of the corrector and to supply water to the measuring device, so that the measuring device receives a portion of water that has passed through the corrector and a portion of water that has not been corrected by the corrector.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the measured conductivity values are directly proportional to the water hardness values in a substantially linear relationship.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises pre-filtering the incoming water upstream of the measuring device, so as to remove solid particles of a certain size that can be present in the water.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the correction step is performed downstream of the pre-filtering step. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] The application will become fully clear from the detailed description provided below, by way of non-limiting example, to be read with the reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0064] - Figure 1 is a schematic view of an espresso coffee machine comprising a system according to the present application;

[0065] - Figure 2 is a graph showing water hardness plotted against conductivity;

[0066] - Figure 3.1 is a simplified view of a system according to a first embodiment of the present application; and

[0067] - Figure 3.2 is a simplified view of a system according to a second embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1 An espresso coffee machine, generally indicated by reference number 10, is shown by way of example only. The machine 10 comprises a substantially closed machine body 11 which houses the main components of the machine, some of which will be described below. Preferably, the machine 10 comprises a surface 12 at the top on which a cup can be placed. An electric resistance (not shown) or other heating system for heating the cup on the surface 12 can also be provided.

[0069] The machine 10 comprises at least one brewing group 13 for brewing espresso coffee. Preferably, the machine 10 comprises several brewing groups 13, for example three groups, similar to the machine exemplarily shown in Figure 1 The machine 10 comprises at least one brewing group 13 for brewing espresso coffee. Preferably, the machine 10 comprises several brewing groups 13, for example three groups, similar to the machine exemplarily shown in The machine 10 comprises at least one brewing group 13 for brewing espresso coffee. Preferably, the machine 10 comprises several brewing groups 13, for example three groups, similar to the machine exemplarily shown in

[0070] A portafilter, which is a filter basket supporting a coffee grounds disc, may be removably connected to each brewing group 13 .

[0071] Preferably, the machine 10 may include one or more displays 16 and buttons, for example for turning the machine on / off and / or for starting / ending a batch.

[0072] For each deployment group 13, Figure 1 The machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 further comprises an operating lever 18 (or a button not shown in the figures) for starting / ending the preparation of espresso and / or changing the preparation pressure during the preparation of espresso.

[0073] According to the invention, the machine 10 also comprises a system 50 configured to monitor at least at least one parameter related to the water entering the machine and / or the water treated by the machine 10 .

[0074] It is known that the conductivity of water is related to the amount of all salts dissolved in it: a greater amount of salt results in a higher conductivity.

[0075] It is also known that water hardness is due to the presence of calcium and / or magnesium salts and is the result of the sum of so-called "temporary hardness" (primarily due to bicarbonates) and "permanent hardness" (primarily due to sulfates and chlorides).

[0076] These two parameters are also greatly affected by temperature. In particular, when the temperature increases, the conductivity tends to increase, while the temporary hardness decreases and the permanent hardness is not significantly affected.

[0077] So, while conductivity is related to any ionic species dissolved in the water, hardness is related to Mg + and Ca + Especially relevant.

[0078] The problem facing the Applicant was therefore that of providing a device capable of providing hardness values ​​from conductivity measurements in real time and continuously.

[0079] The applicant has conducted a series of experimental laboratory tests as well as tests conducted in actual operation of the machine. Through extensive experimentation, the applicant has surprisingly discovered a direct relationship between hardness and the conductivity of the water being tested. Furthermore, in contrast to hardness measurements known in the art, conductivity measurements can be performed continuously or remotely.

[0080] Such measurements can be performed upstream of the espresso machine or in the hydraulic circuit of the machine (e.g. upstream of the coffee boiler or steam boiler), and can therefore be performed on water with different temperatures while still providing a reliable correlation between the measured conductivity and the inferred hardness.

[0081] The first experimental measurements were related to the assessment of the direct correlation between conductivity and hardness in drinking water. Figure 2 Graphs illustrating the essentially linear relationship between hardness and conductivity for several water examples, depending on their conductivity. The first curve (diamond points in the graph) relates to process water, which the applicant measured directly using a sensor under operating conditions (after passing through a boiler). The second curve (square points in the graph) relates to mineral water tested in a laboratory using a conductivity meter.

[0082] Applicants collected process water after passing through the boiler with different conductivity values ​​and measured hardness.

[0083] Figure 2 The results shown show a strong linear relationship between hardness and conductivity measured using the different devices. In both cases, the linear correlation factor is high, confirming the validity of the achieved results.

[0084] As a non-limiting example, the equations of two straight lines are shown below. The first equation (I) was derived from tests conducted on process water under real conditions. The second equation (II) was obtained experimentally from tests on mineral water.

[0085] y=-156.57+51.714x R 2 =0.98183(I)

[0086] y=-104.31+39.343x R 2 =0.97263(II)

[0087] As mentioned above, the coefficient of determination R 2 The value of σ (which represents the ratio between the variability in the data and the correctness of the statistical model used) is very close to 1. This indicates that the model can almost perfectly explain the data.

[0088] More generally, the relationship between hardness and conductivity can be considered a linear relationship with a gradient between about 30 and about 60, preferably between about 35 and about 55, and more preferably between about 40 and about 50.

[0089] The probe can be used to continuously measure conductivity.

[0090] For example, by Germany AVS Ing.JC A conductivity meter of the type CS-958P3-6FF-S8 (L=0.2-20 mS) sold by ELECTRONICS GmbH can be used. Figure 3.1, the system 50 comprises a measuring device 37 arranged upstream of the espresso coffee machine 10 or in the hydraulic circuit of the coffee machine 10 (for example, upstream of the coffee boiler or steam boiler). Typically, the measuring device 37 is located downstream of the pre-filtering member 30 which in turn receives water from the mains or from any other water source (or water tank).

[0091] The measuring device 37 is able to detect at least one of the following parameters of the water:

[0092] - pH

[0093] - alkalinity [ppm]

[0094] - temperature [°C / °F]

[0095] - TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) [ppm]

[0096] - total hardness [ppm]

[0097] - total iron (Fe +2 / Fe +3 ) [ppm]

[0098] - total chlorides (Cl - ) [ppm]

[0099] - free chlorine (Cl2) [ppm]

[0100] - total chlorine (Cl2) [ppm]

[0101] The measuring device 37 can comprise, for example, a conductivity meter of the type described above, which provides a measure of water hardness derived from information relating to the electrical conductivity of the water. Said measure is preferably provided in real time. Advantageously, the measuring device can also comprise a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the water. The water conductivity meter and the water temperature sensor can be integrated in a single device or can be connected to each other.

[0102] Information about the parameters detected by the measuring device 37 is provided to the processing unit 38. With the aid of the processing unit 38, the detected information can be displayed on a display, such as a display of the espresso machine 10 or a display on the device 50. Additionally or alternatively, the detected information can be stored in a memory unit, for example, provided on a board (e.g., a board on which the processing unit 38 is also mounted). Additionally or alternatively, the detected information can be transmitted to another device or server via any transmission system and in any manner (e.g., via a cable or wirelessly). The Bluetooth standard can be used, which is well known and provides a standard method for exchanging information between different devices via secure short-range radio frequency. Additionally or alternatively, the machine 10 can be provided with a warning light and / or an audible alarm to warn the user about the information detected by the measuring device 37. For example, a warning light can be provided to warn the bartender that the pH of the water is not within a predetermined range considered acceptable.

[0103] Figure 3.2 Another system 50 is shown comprising a measuring device 37 as described above. Figure 3.2 The system 50 is an active system that is configured to adjust at least some of the detected parameters so that if the values ​​are detected to not fall within a certain range, they are reset to correct values.

[0104] according to Figure 3.2 The system 50 also preferably includes a pre-filtration member 30 for pre-filtering the incoming water (IN) upstream of the measuring device 37. The purpose of the pre-filtration member (30) is to remove solid particles (e.g., those with a size greater than about 5 microns) that may be present in the water. Preferably, a device 33 for treating the water and a corrector / integrator member 36 are provided downstream of the pre-filtration member 30. The water treatment device 33 may include any known purifier, such as a reverse osmosis-based purifier or a salt water softener. The corrector / integrator 36 is configured to correct (optionally integrate) at least some of the detected parameters that do not fall within certain ranges. The corrector 36 may include, for example, a replaceable remineralizer cartridge.

[0105] Preferably, a throttling device 35 may also be provided, which receives water upstream of the corrector 36 and supplies the water to the measuring device 37. In this way, the measuring device 37 receives a portion of the water that has passed through the corrector 36 and a portion of the water that has not been corrected and / or integrated by the corrector. The throttling device may be, for example, a proportional valve 35.

[0106] Preferably, the system 50 includes one or more flow rate measuring devices. For example, a first flow meter 31 may be provided upstream of the water treatment device 33, and a second flow meter may be provided upstream of the throttling device. A third flow meter 32 may also be provided to monitor the discharge flow from the water treatment device 33.

[0107] According to the present invention, processing unit 38 is connected to measuring device 37 and processes the received information regarding water parameters. Processing unit 38 is also connected to throttling device 35. Based on the information received from measuring device 37, processing unit 38 controls the operation of throttling device 35, causing it to supply varying amounts of water to the input of the measuring device. For example, if the measuring device detects a small amount of minerals that does not meet set parameters, throttling device 35 throttles the water flow path accordingly, allowing more water to flow through corrector 36. However, if measuring device 37 detects an excess of minerals, throttling device 35 opens the water flow path accordingly, allowing less water to flow through corrector 36. Preferably, processing unit 3 is also connected to one or more of the aforementioned flow rate measuring devices 31, 32, and 34.

[0108] In this manner, an active monitoring and correction system is provided that continuously monitors and corrects one or more parameters of the water so that the water supplied to the coffee machine 10 has parameters consistent with those that have been established and considered optimal.

[0109] Table 1 lists the optimal ranges of values ​​for certain parameters of water used in the production of espresso.

[0110] Table 1

[0111]

[0112] According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for treating water used in an espresso machine. The method envisages measuring the conductivity of the water and deriving from these conductivity measurements a measurement of the hardness of the water.

[0113] Based on this conductivity information and / or based on the derived hardness measurement and / or based on other measurements performed on the water in question, the water is at least partially treated (e.g., using a reverse osmosis-based purifier or a salt water softener) and / or corrected / integrated to correct (if necessary, integrating with predetermined amounts of predetermined substances) at least some of the detected parameters that do not fall within certain ranges. This correction can be performed, for example, using a replaceable remineralizer cartridge.

[0114] Preferably, a throttling step is also envisaged (for example, performed by a throttling device 35 which receives the water upstream of the corrector 36 and supplies it to the measuring device 37). In this way, the measuring device 37 receives a portion of the water that has passed the corrector 36 and a portion of the water that has not been corrected and / or integrated by the corrector. The throttling device can be, for example, a proportional valve 35.

[0115] According to the present application, the measurements are processed by a processing unit 38. The processing unit 38 is also connected to the throttling device 35. Based on the information received by the measuring device 37, the processing unit 38 controls the operation of the throttling device 35 so that it supplies different amounts of water to the input of the measuring device. For example, if a small amount of minerals not in line with the set parameters is detected, the throttling device 35 throttles the water flow passage accordingly, so that a larger amount of water passes through the corrector 36. However, if the measuring device 37 detects an excess of mineral substances, the throttling device 35 opens the water flow passage accordingly, so that a smaller amount of water passes through the integrator / corrector 36.

[0116] In this way, an active monitoring and correction system is provided, which continuously monitors and corrects one or more parameters of the water so that the water supplied to the coffee machine 10 has parameters in line with those established and considered optimal.

[0117] In particular, the present application also relates to each of the following items:

[0118] 1. A machine (10) for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, comprising:

[0119] - a water supply source;

[0120] - a boiler for heating water;

[0121] - a pump;

[0122] - a dispensing group (13) configured to cooperate with an external hole filter equipped with a filter basket containing a disc of coffee powder, the machine (10) being configured to supply pressurized water to said disc of coffee powder to dispense espresso coffee, and

[0123] - a water monitoring system (50) for monitoring at least one parameter of the water used to prepare espresso coffee, wherein said monitoring system (50) comprises conductivity and temperature probes (37) which provide, continuously and in real time, a value of water hardness derived from information on the conductivity and temperature of the water.

[0124] 2. The machine (10) according to item 1, further comprising a corrector (36) configured to correct at least one of the detected parameters that does not fall within a given range.

[0125] 3. The machine (10) according to item 2, wherein said corrector (36) comprises a mineral supplement cartridge.

[0126] 4. The machine (10) according to item 2 or 3, further comprising a throttling device (35), wherein the throttling device (35) is configured to receive water upstream of the corrector (36) and supply the water to the measuring device (37), so that the measuring device (37) receives a portion of the water that has passed through the corrector (36) and a portion of the water that has not been corrected by the corrector (36).

[0127] 5. The machine (10) according to item 4, wherein the throttling device comprises a proportional valve (35).

[0128] 6. A machine (10) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the water monitoring system (50) further comprises, upstream of the measuring device (37), a pre-filtering member (30) for pre-filtering the incoming water (inlet) in order to remove any solid particles that may be present in the water.

[0129] 7. Machine (10) according to item 6, wherein the corrector (36) is arranged downstream of the pre-filtration member (30).

[0130] 8. Machine (10) according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the measured value of the electrical conductivity is proportional to the water hardness value in a substantially linear relationship.

[0131] 9. Machine (10) according to item 8, wherein the system (50) comprises a transmitter and / or a display for transmitting the derived water hardness value to a remote receiver and / or for displaying the derived water hardness value.

[0132] 10. Machine (10) according to any of the preceding items, further comprising water treatment means based on reverse osmosis or a brine softener.

[0133] 11. Machine (10) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the system comprises a processing unit (38) for processing at least a part of the measured values.

[0134] 12. Machine (10) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the water monitoring system (50) is arranged upstream of the water supply or upstream of the coffee or steam boiler.

[0135] 13. A method for monitoring at least one parameter of water used to prepare espresso coffee in a machine (10) for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, the machine (10) comprising:

[0136] Water supply source;

[0137] boiler, used to heat water;

[0138] pumps;

[0139] - a dispensing group configured to cooperate with an external-hole filter equipped with a filter basket with a disc of coffee powder, the machine being configured to supply pressurized water to said disc of coffee powder to dispense espresso coffee,

[0140] The method comprises continuously and in real time obtaining a value of water hardness derived from information on the electrical conductivity and the temperature of the water.

[0141] 14. The method according to item 13, further comprising correcting the water hardness if it does not fall within a given range of water hardness.

[0142] 15. The method according to item 14, further comprising providing a throttling device (35), wherein said throttling device (35) is configured to receive water upstream of said corrector (36) and to supply water to said measuring device (37) so that the measuring device (37) receives a portion of water that has passed through the corrector (36) and a portion of water that has not been corrected by the corrector (36).

[0143] 16. The method according to item 13, 14 or 15, wherein the measured electrical conductivity value is directly proportional to the water hardness value in a substantially linear relationship.

Claims

1. A machine (10) for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, comprising: - Water supply source; - boiler, for heating water; - pumps; a brewing group (13) configured to cooperate with a portafilter equipped with a filter basket containing a coffee grounds disc, the machine (10) being configured to supply pressurized water to said coffee grounds disc for brewing espresso, - a water monitoring system (50) for monitoring at least one parameter of water used for preparing espresso coffee, wherein the monitoring system (50) comprises a measuring device (37) which continuously and in real time provides a value of water hardness derived from information about the electrical conductivity of the water, a pre-filtration member upstream of the measuring device, and a corrector (36) provided downstream of the pre-filtration member and configured to correct at least one of the detected parameters that does not fall within a given range, the corrector (36) comprising a remineralizer cartridge, wherein the machine (10) further comprises a throttling device (35), wherein the throttling device (35) is configured to receive water upstream of the corrector (36) and to supply the water to the measuring device (37), so that the measuring device (37) receives a portion of the water that has passed through the corrector (36) and a portion of the water that has not been corrected by the corrector (36), and The machine (10) also comprises a water treatment device based on reverse osmosis, If the measuring device detects a small amount of minerals that do not meet the set parameters, the throttling device will throttle the water flow channel accordingly, so that more water flows through the corrector; or if the measuring device detects an excess of minerals, the throttling device will open the water flow channel accordingly, so that less water flows through the corrector.

2. The machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein The throttling device comprises a proportional valve (35).

3. The machine (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The measured value of conductivity is proportional to the water hardness value in an almost linear relationship.

4. The machine (10) according to claim 3, wherein The system (50) comprises a transmitter and / or a display for transmitting the derived water hardness value to a remote receiver and / or for displaying the derived water hardness value.

5. The machine (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein The system comprises a processing unit (38) for processing at least a portion of the measured values.

6. The machine (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The water monitoring system (50) is arranged upstream of the water supply or upstream of the coffee boiler or steam boiler.

7. A method for monitoring at least one parameter of water used to prepare espresso coffee in a machine (10) for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee, the machine (10) comprising: Water supply source; boiler, used to heat water; pumps; a brewing group configured to cooperate with a portafilter equipped with a filter basket containing a coffee grounds disc, the machine being configured to supply pressurized water to said coffee grounds disc for brewing espresso, a pre-filter member upstream of the measuring device, and a corrector (36) provided downstream of the pre-filtration member and configured to correct at least one of the detected parameters that does not fall within a given range, the corrector (36) comprising a remineralizer cartridge; The method comprises obtaining continuously and in real time a value of water hardness derived from information on the electrical conductivity of the water, The method further includes correcting the water hardness if the water hardness does not fall within a given water hardness range, The method further comprises providing a throttling device (35), wherein the throttling device (35) is configured to receive water upstream of the corrector (36) and supply the water to the measuring device (37), so that the measuring device (37) receives a portion of the water that has passed through the corrector (36) and a portion of the water that has not been corrected by the corrector (36), and The machine (10) also comprises a water treatment device based on reverse osmosis, If the measuring device detects a small amount of minerals that do not meet the set parameters, the throttling device will throttle the water flow channel accordingly, so that more water flows through the corrector; or if the measuring device detects an excess of minerals, the throttling device will open the water flow channel accordingly, so that less water flows through the corrector.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The measured conductivity value is proportional to the water hardness value in an essentially linear relationship.

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