I am trying to test a 3 phase coffee machine and don't have a pressure water supply where I have 3 phase, so will a rotary pump suck up water from a bucket? I know this isn't good for the pump, but it's for a short time ...

I have a rancilio s27, and it sucks water fine. Not sure about long term, but I can't see how it would hurt. The only issue I'd have is to make sure the line is primed, some pumps don't like to pump air, and water is also a cooling agent, so as long as the "bucket' is full can't see a problem.
P.S a friend of mine re-wired a lathe from 3 phase to 1 (motor,did loose reverse though), not sure what will be cheaper for you, 1 phase pump and heater, or re-wire.

I am running my Vetrano from a bottle. I keep it right next to the machine so it doesn't draw against gravity. Chris at Chris Coffee has assured me it will work fine.

One question. How does one know if a pump is cavitating?

sweaner wrote:One question. How does one know if a pump is cavitating?

Scott -

You would suspect a cavitation condition from the sound the pump makes and the corresponding reduction in flow during a flush. A very reliable number for Vetrano's flow during flushing is 0.28 oz/sec or 16.8 oz/minute with a pump inlet pressure of ~ 35 psi. I was running some tests on a loaner Vetrano and INITIALLY set it up to take suction from a homemade water container.

I experienced cavitation and a great reduction in flow and promptly changed the setup to get water from a nearby regulated source - problem solved. Re the Elektra operation that Dan mentioned, I have operated an Elektra and those gems are very quiet when properly installed - almost silent.

The pump in Vetrano has a suction line (internal to the machine) with an ID of 3.0 mm. whereas the threading on the pump (3/8" BSPP) has an ID of ~ 15.0 mm. This dramatic reduction puts a strain on the pump, IMO, when suction conditions are anything other than a regulated pressure source of ~ 35 psi.

It sure would be interesting to hear what your flowrate is during a flush.

Eric, I will measure my flow rate the next time I use the machine...hopefully tonight.

The techs at Chris', and Chris himself have assured me that I will not harm the machine. I am hopeful to have it plumbed in soon.

I would put faith in what CC has to say re Vetrano taking suction from a bottle. Perhaps I had a machine with a "tired" pump. However, my GUT feel is that this type of operation is questionable. When you do plumb it in, I would certainly recommend the pressure regulator and water filter/softener apparatus that CC sells in the 3/8" size.

While rebuilding my Elektra T1 I ran it from a bucket with a large plastic hose. The bucket was slightly below the level of the pump so that a leak wouldn't flood things. It managed to suck the water up the hose and it filled the boiler. I pulled about 6 shots one day, test for leaks, (fixed them) then tested some more.

I also ran it from an extension cord to the kitchen so I could plug into a GFI circuit just in case...

Now it's fed from a filtered, water softened, pressure regulated supply and it's wonderful.

Mark

I would like to make something clear here. I have never condoned the running of a rotary pump from a bucket. Will it work? Yes, it will work. Is it good for the pump? Absolutely not. In fact, I will not warranty a pump that has been used in this manner. If you run the pump dry for only a short period of time, you run a very good chance of destroying the pump. I am really not interested in hearing any rebuttals either. You can do what you want, but if your pump burns up, it IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY...