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Water quality
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Operating instructions / V04/03.2012
Water quality
A cup of coffee consists of 99% water. Therefore, the water has a significant effect on the coffee's taste. To
obtain an excellent cup of coffee, you need excellent water.
The water is important not only to the taste of the coffee but also to the coffee machine itself. Poor water
quality can lead to permanent machine damage.
Therefore, close attention needs to be paid to the water quality in order to obtain high quality coffee and
protect the coffee machine.
Water values
Poor water values can lead to machine damage. It is imperative that the specified values be com
-
plied with. otherwise, Schaerer ltd. shall not accept liability.
Water is referred to as hard or soft depending on its composition. The hardness of water is referred to as
its total hardness.
total hardness (6 hardness levels as per the Swiss food legislation)
Water condition
mmol/l
° fH
° dH
° eH
ppm
Very soft
0.0 to 0.7
0 to 7
0 to 4
0 to 5
0 to 70
Soft
0.7 to 1.5
7 to 15
4 to 8
5 to 10
70 to 150
Moderately hard
1.5 to 2.5
15 to 25
8 to 12
10 to 15
150 to 250
Fairly hard
2.5 to 3.2
25 to 32
12 to 18
15 to 23
250 to 320
Hard
3.2 to 4.2
32 to 42
18 to 30
23 to 38
320 to 420
Very hard
> 4.2
> 42
> 30
> 38
> 420
The following water values are a precondition for the correct operation of the coffee machine:
●
4 – 6 °dGH
●
pH value: 6.5 – 7 (neutral pH)
●
Max. chlorine content: 100 mg per litre
acidic
neutral
alkaline
0
7
14
If the test result is below the specified range, the water must be enriched with minerals.
If the test result is above the specified range, the water must be decalcified (with a suitable bypass to en
-
sure that the pH value exceeds 5.5).
Filtering equipment
Filters are essential for the care and maintenance of the machine, not to mention for hygiene, and for the
best quality of coffee. Water is a vital medium: Its properties do not remain constant. Regardless of the
system used, the water properties must be measured and the water filter replaced annually.
For more information, contact your local sales and service partner.
CautIon!
risk of machine
damage!
