System for filtering and regulating the electrolytic composition of water for an espresso coffee machine and associated espresso coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in the chemical composition of water supplied to espresso coffee machines, particularly in terms of salts and electrolytic parameters, affects the operation and durability of machines and the quality of the beverage produced, as existing solutions like water softening or demineralization alter the chemical-physical characteristics of water and can make it corrosive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlled extraction of organic molecules in espresso coffee preparation, involving demineralization of water followed by the addition of specific organic and inorganic salts to modulate the electrolytic composition, using devices for demineralization, filtration, and salt addition, allowing for the regulation of the electrolytic composition of water used in espresso coffee machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If water softening by ion exchange resins is used to prevent deposits, then machine durability is improved, but the chemical composition and organoleptic characteristics of the beverage are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of water treatment from complete ion exchange to selective electrolytic composition control. By adjusting specific ion concentrations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+) independently, the system maintains beneficial minerals while preventing harmful deposits, thus preserving both machine durability and beverage quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the electrolytic composition of water based on real-time measurements and machine operating conditions. This dynamic control allows optimization of water chemistry for each specific situation, preventing both scale formation and quality degradation
2Object-generated harmful factors
If completely demineralized water is used, then deposit formation is prevented, but the water becomes aggressive and corrosive to machine components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the approach from removing all minerals to controlling specific electrolyte concentrations. By maintaining appropriate levels of protective ions like Ca2+ and Mg2+ while limiting others, the system prevents both scale formation and corrosion simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The treated water becomes a composite electrolytic solution with specifically controlled ion composition. This composite approach combines the benefits of demineralized water (no scale) with the protective effects of selected minerals (no corrosion), creating an optimized water matrix
3Ease of operation
If variable water composition from public supply is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but machine performance and beverage quality cannot be standardized
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor water composition and automatically adjust electrolytic parameters. This closed-loop control ensures consistent beverage quality regardless of variations in source water, enabling global standardization while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The water treatment system is designed to handle various source water compositions universally. By measuring and adjusting electrolytic parameters rather than requiring specific input conditions, the system achieves consistent output quality across different locations and water sources
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the standardization of espresso coffee quality and machine performance by controlling the chemical and organoleptic characteristics of the beverage, reducing water corrosiveness to machine components, and adapting to varying water sources worldwide.
Implementation Method 1
use water softened by ion exchange resins which replace the ions responsible for hardness with sodium ions
Implementation Method 2
demineralizing the water
Implementation Method 3
adding to said demineralized water at least one organic and/or inorganic salt
Implementation Method 4
The term 'specific ion effect', or 'Hofmeister effect ', is used to indicate a series of physical-chemical phenomena that occur with organic molecules dissolved in aqueous solutions containing salts. Among these phenomena one of the most studied is the variation in solubility of the organic molecules in aqueous solution as the electrolytic composition of the solution varies.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a machine for preparing and dispensing espresso coffee comprising a system to regulate the electrolytic composition of the water to be used for the preparation of espresso coffee, the system comprising a water demineralization device, and a device for the addition of at least one organic and/or inorganic salt to the demineralized water.