Parker solenoid valve numbers
I've built my own home espresso machine, mostly from scrap parts. I repair espresso machines on a daily basis and quite often have access to free scrap valves I can clean up and re-use. I'm trying to figure out what the best brew valve to use is. I think switching to one with a smaller orifice may slow down the initial rush of water into the portafilter (no actual pre-infusion the way it's built now) and give me better shots, but it's hard to tell what each valve is like without taking them apart.
I've noticed each Parker valve has numbers stamped (etched?) in the side of the base, but can't find those numbers through google, through the parker website, or through any number of supposed parker vendors. As an example, two of the valves I have in front of me read:
128IRA.5 G0510
128IRA.5 D22
Does anyone one know what the numbers mean? Are they a code where each digit tells something specific about the valve (orifice size, connection type, etc) or simply a part number? Is there a good place to search by these numbers and find specs on the valves or to cross reference these numbers with other, more relevant, part numbers?
Granted, I can take each valve apart and measure the relevant parts, but it's time consuming and a lot of them are so junked up that it would require significant clean up just to get to the point where I could examine or measure anything. If I could tell just by reading the numbers whether a valve was even worth working on, it would be a great help.
Any insights would be greatly appreciated.
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Brady on
-
I wonder about this myself, and have not found anything yet. I do suspect that they mean something... but no idea what. There has to be a catalog on someone's desk that breaks it down - it's just a matter of finding the guy and getting them to share :).
Have you tried calling someone at Parker with this question? Surely an applications guy would be able to help (whether they'd be willing to or not might be another matter). Or maybe one of the Espresso Parts people have this? Let us know what you find out?
That said, I'm not sure that the smallest orifice size on the brew valve is small enough to restrict flow as much as you'd like. The difference in size between the smallest brew valve port and the average jet is pretty substantial.
I'm sure you've considered adding a jet somewhere else? A Cimbali-style orifice+filter would be easy to add to the water line upstream of the valve. Or maybe something in the group itself? Those Nuova Simonelli jets are pretty tiny and could fit lots of places. Astoria are pretty small as well. Going this route would probably give you better control, as they come in various sizes so you can play around with it.
Good luck!
-
Permalink Reply by Scott on
-
You need to talk to someone at Parker Fluid Division. They make the valves for espresso machines. http://www.parker.com/portal/site/PARKER/menuitem.223a4a3cce02eb631...
Your local Parker store is going to be useless for this. Or try going through tech support at Grainger supply or McMaster-Carr. They might be more helpful. Good luck.
Barista Exchange Partners
Barista Exchange Friends
Keep Barista Exchange Free
Are you enjoying Barista Exchange? Is it helping you promote your business and helping you network in this great industry? Donate today to keep it free to all members. Supporters can join the "Supporters Group" with a donation. Thanks!
© 2024 Created by Matt Milletto.
Powered by
