Wandering Brew Pressure Adjustment

[owlbass]

I have an Anita and when I decrease the brew pressure the tubing starts to get wound up. I think this is why, over time, that my brew pressure raises by itself. I'm a bit wary to man handle my machine, but has anyone had this problem and how should I fix it? Thanks Owen

[TimEggers]

Hello Owen, I've been in the same situation and it's a common one. What I recommend is to (while the machine is cold and unplugged) hold the hex part of the OPV that the tube is attached to and twist the tube itself to untwist it. It should slide to untwist when turned.

[doleeo]

This happened to me, in fact it got so wound up that it blew off and water got everywhere inside my machine! Luckily nothing got harmed so it was all good....so yeah, just twist the tube and it should straighten right up.

[bigdog002]

Unless you have small hands you may want to take the water tank holder off. I had to take mine off to fix the tube. It's not as hard as it looks, just two screws on top securing the tank holder. Then you will have free access to the entire innards and can get two hands on the tube.


Chris

[cannonfodder]

That is a common issue with OPV's of this type. The silicone tubing is fixed to the adjustment side of the OPV so as you turn the adjustment, you twist the tube. Then over time the tube may torque the adjustment back to where it started. I always removed the tube from the fitting, made the change, pushed it half way back on then plugged it back in and turned on the machine to see where is was running. If it needed adjusted again I powered off and removed the hose, adjusted and repeated until I had what I want. Only then would I fully seat the tubing and put a nylon wire tie on the fitting to hold it fast.

There are other types of OPV's so not every machine needs to have the tubing removed before adjusting and it only applies to vibratory pumps. Rotary pumps have the OPV built into the rotary vane pump and adjust with a screw.

[erics]

Owen -

As you have seen, the silicon tubing which is slid over the OPV outlet is extremely flexible and it would be practically impossible for any twist in this tubing to "adjust" the OPV valve on Anita. I believe you would find it difficult to turn Anita's OPV without using a wrench.

Another option, to eliminate the problem altogether, is to run separate lines back to the tank from the OPV and the "self-priming" valve on the Ulka pump. LOOSELY tie all three lines together with wire ties before they exit the tank support structure.

What can cause your brew pressure to creep up, ALL other things being equal is a slight buildup of limescale internal to the OPV, restricting the flow at those points of scale buildup.

[chris]

Here is link to my FAQ Frequently Asked Questions explaining how to make adjustments to Andreja Premium and Anita.

http://www.chriscoffee.com/faq#13

[portamento]

This is a helpful thread, but I'm still having trouble...

The silicone tubing is *very* firmly attached to the connectors at each end. Which means I was unable to take Tim's suggestion and rotate it in place. I was also unable to remove it. I don't want to tug too hard for fear of damaging the tubing.

Which side of the tubing should I disconnect? The top part (closest to the hex but) or the bottom part (closest to the T connector with barbed end)? And how do I disconnect without damaging it? Would a tool help? And if it is this difficult to remove, should I be concerned that it will be equally difficult to reattach?

Ryan

[cannonfodder]

Which ever end comes off the easiest is the end to remove. You can take a very small flat tip screwdriver and gently pry at the end of the tube while pulling. If for some reason it breaks, just go to the hardware store and get a section of ¼ inch tubing that is rated for 160 or higher PSI. That is all it is, nothing special. You could also try putting a very, very hot towel around the tubing to heat and soften it. That may make it easier to remove.