Fitting PIDs to a Linea - steam boiler as well

by **NickA** on Sun Oct 11, 2009 1:22 am

I have been trying to find any threads on fitting PIDs to a Linea. I have found A thread where Barry Jarret mentions using a dowel in the thermowell for the brew boiler PID, that sounds good. I haven't found much info on PIDing the steam boiler. (Yep, I know many people will jump in here saying "Why?") I have a few spare PIDs lying around, I do like the quieter operation without the Sirai click, and I do think it does extend element life. EspressoParts sells a kit that replaces various parts; is there another way of doing it that doesn't involve so many changed parts? I'm happy to machine parts as required, but i don;t want to reinvent the wheel if someone has already come up with a good way of doing it.

by **dsc** on Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:10 am

Hi Nick,

just remove the Sirai and stick a sheathed TC in the boiler, something like this:

You'll have to use an SSR (high current rated one as well) and mount it to something that can dissipate heat well. Of course a PID will be attached to the SSR and that's pretty much it. I've mounted my SSR like this:

and I keep the PID in a box, in which the group temp display PID also sits:

Dunno what the thread on the Sirai boiler connection is, but you should be able to find the right tube adapter from Swagelok.

Regards,
dsc.

by **NickA** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 6:10 am

Hi Tom,

Thanks for that; so is the fitting I need like a sealed tube that will fit into the connection left free by removing the Sirai connection, and then the thermocouple just pushes into this tube, or is it a special thermocouple that comes in a threaded tube?

Regards,
Nick

by **NickA** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 7:19 am

Hi Tom,

Very neat boiler insulation, by the way.

Regards,
Nick

by **dsc** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 9:51 am

Hi Nick,

the brass bit in which the TC sits is the Swagelok tube adaptor. It's basically a fitting which is bored-through and through which the TC goes. To lock the TC in place and to make it leak-proof you tighten the nut on the top of the fitting which squizes the washers inside and keeps everything in place. If you go to:

swagelok.com

and do a search for 'SS-6M0-7-4RP' you will see how it looks like.

The TC is basically a tube filled with some mineral material and the wires are inside (thus the name sheathed). If you go here:

www.omega.co.uk

and do a search for 'KTSS-IM15G-300', you should find a similar to the one shown on my photo.

Regarding boiler insulation I personally think it's quite bad and I could've done a much better job.

Regards,
dsc.

http://users.rcn.com/erics/ · by **erics** on Mon Oct 12, 2009 10:20 am

EspressoParts sells a kit that replaces various parts; is there another way of doing it that doesn't involve so many changed parts?

The short answer is no. EPNW has done a very admirable job of putting together a turn-key kit to upgrade the LM Linea brew boiler temperature control. Why not buy the kit from them less the parts you have "laying around"? The thermocouple adaptor they supply is unique (AFAIK) because it has 1/2"-14 BSPP threads and accepts a 1/8" thermocouple. That size combination is rare - certainly available as a special order (6-8 weeks) from Swagelok but EPNW has it in stock.

As regards the steam boiler, I sorta understand your desire to get rid of the "clack-clack". So, why not apply a less expensive Pstat (LM appears to use CEME's on their GB-5) and a suitable solid state relay? Yes, I have read and do understand where heating element life can be prolonged with PID control but that can be an expensive life extension project. But, if you insist

, the fitting for the existing pstat is probably 1/4"-19 BSPP and Swagelok adaptors are readily available to fit that port and accept a 1/8" thermocouple. The correct Swagelok P/N for a 1/8" thermocouple and that size port would be B-200-1-4RPBT. "BT" stands for bored-through and you need that type of fitting to pass the thermocouple.

by **Billc** on Mon Oct 19, 2009 2:46 pm

Nick,
Actually LM offers an option to PID steam boilers on the GB5 Models. On the Linea it is just as easy. The probe fitting you can use if dfrom the GS3 (1/4G or BSPP). Then they also sell the Thermocouple to go with it. I think the GB5 is the same one. They just use a 1/2G to 1/4G fitting.

Just remove the vacuum breaker and install the probe in its place. Then install the vacuum breaker on the end of the tube where the pressure switch was removed. Then of course install the controller and switching.
If you have any trouble getting the fitting and probe PM me and I should have a couple laying around in my shop somewhere.

Bill C

by **Billc** on Mon Oct 19, 2009 3:08 pm

Here is a pic of the probe

by **godlyone** on Mon Oct 19, 2009 4:01 pm

dsc wrote:Hi Nick,

just remove the Sirai and stick a sheathed TC in the boiler, something like this:
dsc.

what kind of insulation is that?

by **miKe mcKoffee** on Sat Sep 04, 2010 2:32 pm

godlyone wrote:what kind of insulation is that?

It appears to be Melamine Foam. I'm considering it or Pyrogel® 2250 which would be purchased here for insulating my two 4gr and lonely 3gr Lineas. Haven't decided which yet. Has anyone used the Pyrogel 2250? Costs a bit more but from research so far sounds like a possible winner.


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