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Pre-Infusion for the Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine.

• Silvia performs very well without the Preinfusion option, however for the small investment this upgrade is a very nice to have.  
• Siliva dose not have any water flow control or any restrictions in water flow as in a commercial machines, therefore a pre-infusion is a benefits to slow or reduce the water flow / pressure.
• It makes the brewing process and activation of the ULKA water pump very nice, with more control.
• When using a Bottomless Portafilter you can really see when the extraction is going wrong and by using this switch you can salvage the extraction by easing the pressure or stopping sooner.

There are a few ways of setting a pre-infusion, one is with a Pre Infusion chamber/s, this option has some negatives, like difficult installation, back flow of water after the pull etc…. A second option, is the built in pre-infusion timer in the PID unit or on external timer, like a countdown switch, I find this option also with some negatives,  the lack of flexibility with cutting the pull short or long as needed during the pull, some time you may need 18 second and some time 27 seconds.  The third option is a combination of electrical switching, with the user manually activating the pump as needed, when monitoring the extraction and the pressure at the gauge.  I think it is the best compromise of all three options.

• You can run the pressure at any range from zero to maximum.  At any time, at any sequence, and at any length.

Some benefits: Very simple installation. Can be added to any Silvia, new, old, with PID, or without PID.   This pre-infusion switch is safe and simple, works on a low voltage. (do not try this at home, on the high voltage side). The ULKA water pump can still be activated by the original water switch (middle switch), or by the new push button switch. Will not void any warranty. For best results you will need an in line pressure gauge installed. In the preinfusion video, the pattern sequence of activating the pump, is more to show the flexibility in the preinfusion switch.   Price is $80 for a plug and play kit and sold per request.

Price is $80 for a plug and play kit and sold per request.

Note 1:Bitter harsh astringent taste caused by over extraction. Over extraction may caused by:  too long extraction (time and water by volume), and/or uneven water passing through the coffee puck, due to cracks or uneven puck distribution or density.

• The Instituto Nationale Espresso Italiano (PDF) 

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Contact: pidsilvia@gmail.com

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