Calibrate Expansion Valve - Steam X

Calibrate Expansion Valve - Steam X


Calibrating Expansion Valve - Steam X
(This guide is also suitable for SLAYER Steam EP's which feature the inlet manifold block.)


AlertSLAYER recommends all service be performed by an experienced SLAYER Espresso trained technician. For a technician reference near you, please contact SLAYER Support at (206)-284-7171 (#1 in Directory) or email support@slayerespresso.com.

Objective:
Expansion valves should be replaced as part of your preventative maintenance cycle. The style on the Steam X and V3 require calibration after installation.
  1. Steam X Preventative Maintenance.
Tools:
  1. 1/2" fitted wrench
  2. Microfiber towel
  3. Blank portafilter  
Parts:
  1. 46000-50110 Expansion Valve
  2. 46000-50150 Gasket, 1/4", Copper


Step 1:
  1. Install new expansion valve with several wraps of teflon tape.
  2. Tighten valve discharge (connects to silicon tube) until only a few threads are visible.
Step 2 - Adjust Pump:
  1. Engage blank portafilter in group.
  2. Actuate group.
  3. Adjust pump pressure to 11 bar using the bypass adjustment on the pump:
    1. Steam X Regulator Pump Adjustment
    2. Pump Adjustment - Universal
Step 3:
  1. Locate expansion valve on the inlet manifold.

  2. Place a microfiber towel underneath valve to catch water drops.



  1. Step 4:
    With maximum intervals of 20 seconds, actuate the group to Full-Brew with a blank portafilter engaged. 
  2. Adjust the expansion valve until it releases one drop every 3 seconds.
    1. If it is not releasing water, turn counter-clockwise.
    2. If it is releasing too much water, turn clockwise.
Step 5:
  1. Once the spring pressure is set, adjust the pump back to 10 bar.
  2. The expansion valve should not leak at 10bar and should only (incrementally) leak as the brew tank is heating during thermal expansion.


Troubleshooting:
SLAYER recommends replacing expansion valves per SLAYER's Preventative Maintenance schedule. In the event an expansion valve begins to fail, several symptoms may be present:
  1. Squeaking sounds during or towards the end of an extraction. 
  2. In accurate volumetrics.
    1. Most often, extractions will be significantly lower than expected yield. 
  3. Low or unstable brew group temperature.
  4. Leaking. 
  5. Poor water quality.
    1. SLAYER's Water Treatment Requirements
Expansion valves are most often recommended to be replaced or adjusted as a resolution measure.


Questions or concerns? Please contact: support@slayerespresso.com