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A guide to commercial water filtration for coffee
The value of water for a coffee shop is comparable to the value of water for the human body. If the water is dirty, health problems are only a matter of time. If the water has an unpleasant smell or taste, its use will not bring positive emotions or pleasure. In the work of the venue, it is a key component of espresso (about 90% of the drink) and a constant factor influencing the internal components of the coffee machine or other water heaters. Therefore, in order for your guests to be satisfied with the quality of coffee, and for the equipment to serve for a long time and properly, you need to take care of this in advance.
The value of water for a coffee shop is comparable to the value of water for the human body. If the water is dirty, health problems are only a matter of time. If the water has an unpleasant smell or taste, its use will not bring positive emotions or pleasure. In the work of the venue, it is a key component of espresso (about 90% of the drink) and a constant factor influencing the internal components of the coffee machine or other water heaters. Therefore, in order for your guests to be satisfied with the quality of coffee, and for the equipment to serve for a long time and properly, you need to take care of this in advance.
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What are the water treatment options?
1. Reverse osmosis
Let's start with the most efficient water treatment option in a coffee shop - a reverse osmosis treatment system. In simple terms, this is the purification of a liquid at the molecular level using a semi-permeable membrane, the pores of which allow only water molecules to pass through. The output is demineralized water. But, we do not recommend using such water away because it does not conduct electricity, and this is fraught with damage to the internal components of the coffee machine. It also has no taste, which does not allow us to reveal the full potential of coffee. Therefore, it is better to use a reverse osmosis system with either admixture or remineralization. In the first case, demineralized water is mixed with filtered tap water of a certain mineralization. In the second, cartridges are installed to add the necessary minerals to demineralized water. In our opinion, both options are good, only in the case of remineralization, the mineral composition can be controlled not only quantitatively, but also qualitatively.
The advantages of systems with osmosis include the highest degree of purification. The disadvantages are the cost, dimensions and increased water consumption.
The advantages of systems with osmosis include the highest degree of purification. The disadvantages are the cost, dimensions and increased water consumption.
2. Combined water filters
Combined filters combine different stages of water purification (softener + cartridge filters). The purpose of such filters is to purify water from hardness and iron salts. They consist of various ion exchange resins. As they pass through the water, ion exchange reactions occur: the resin absorbs impurities in return by giving sodium ions. It is to restore the resin that it is necessary to periodically pass a solution of cooking salt (NaCl) through the filter and softener, which will be discussed below.
The advantage is compactness and ease of cartridge replacement. The downside would be that this would require more frequent maintenance and cost.
The advantage is compactness and ease of cartridge replacement. The downside would be that this would require more frequent maintenance and cost.
3. Cartridge filters
The most common option is cartridge filters. Depending on the needs, you can choose the necessary set of cartridges, each of which will purify water from certain impurities. If the combined filter was one container consisting of several compact cartridges, then this type of water purification will consist of several.
The low cost of such a system would be a big advantage. However, frequent replacement of cartridges with high traffic can cost a lot.
A water softener is not an independent water purification unit, since its main task is to soften water so that a large amount of scale does not form. But still, due to its simplicity, low cost and durability, we believe that it deserves attention.
Summing up, we recommend that you take a responsible approach to the choice of a water purification system and, if necessary, consult with specialists, based on your goals and the parameters of the water that flows in your water supply. In the end, the repair of a coffee machine and an idle coffee shop due to equipment malfunction can bring you much greater losses for the business than high-quality water treatment and its maintenance.
The low cost of such a system would be a big advantage. However, frequent replacement of cartridges with high traffic can cost a lot.
A water softener is not an independent water purification unit, since its main task is to soften water so that a large amount of scale does not form. But still, due to its simplicity, low cost and durability, we believe that it deserves attention.
Summing up, we recommend that you take a responsible approach to the choice of a water purification system and, if necessary, consult with specialists, based on your goals and the parameters of the water that flows in your water supply. In the end, the repair of a coffee machine and an idle coffee shop due to equipment malfunction can bring you much greater losses for the business than high-quality water treatment and its maintenance.
