The minerals in tap water can be both a friend and a foe to baristas. For specialty coffee, a certain amount of hardness is necessary for a pleasant flavor of the water and proper extraction of the coffee bean and grind. However, the mineral in water can also lead to lime scale, which can cause serious problems for brewing equipment. The challenge becomes to find a balance between protecting your brewing investment and capturing the desired taste and aroma of your coffee and espresso beverage.
Generally, for specialty coffee there are two methods for treating water; ion exchange (â softeningâ the water) and reverse osmosis (RO). There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Reverse osmosis strips everything from the water, and minerals are added back, either by blending filtered non-RO water with pure RO water, or by adding a calcite mineral feed. The drawbacks to RO systems are that they cost more, require more maintenance than filtration, and usually require a floor storage tank.
Ion exchange swaps out ‘hard’ minerals for ‘soft’ minerals. The softening resin captures scale ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+) and exchanges them for sodium ions (Na+). Unlike the calcium and magnesium carbonates that prefer to return to being rocks (i.e. precipitate and bond), sodium carbonates are readily soluble. The advantage of softening is that the scale-causing minerals are removed. Some disadvantages are that most softening systems require salt to be added on a regular basis to regenerate the resin, and softening does not filter the water for taste and door. But that’s what the Everpure Claris filters solve: hydrogen ions are used instead of sodium ions, eliminating additional salt being introduced to your diet via your espresso machine.
Everpureâ s new Claris system features Duoblend bypass valve technology that provides consistent and precise adjustment of carbonate hardness resulting in the right balance of minerals in the water. In addition, Claris provides 5-step filtration that removes unwanted particles, tastes and odors. The Duoblend and the 5-stage filtration combine to provide you the ideal water for your espresso machine.
For lime or “hard” scale to form there needs to be a combination of energy, scale minerals and carbonates (CO32-) combined with a high pH. When heat is applied to water, the dissolved mineral (that includes soluble calcium bicarbonates forming CaHCO3) reverts back into solid mineral (insoluble calcium carbonates forming CaCO3), which falls out of solution and latches onto nearly surfaces. Over time this will leave a very hard crust that is difficult to remove.
Scale build-up can be avoided by removing the scale minerals, removing the carbonates and/or by lowering the pH. The Everpure Claris uses the latter two. The Claris resin is loaded with hydrogen (H+). The hydrogen ions dissolve the carbonates (CO32- and HCO32-) , and the resin then removes the calcium and magnesium ions (Ca2+ and Mg2+). This process also lowers the pH.
The Everpure Claris system removes the scale causing carbonates, protecting your equipment. However, with specialty coffee applications, at least 100 ppm of mineral needs to be present for flavor. This is where the DUOBLEND provides the perfect solution. Water that enters the cartridge is filtered for taste and odor, and a certain amount is bypassed around the ion exchange resin. How much water is bypassed is determined by turning the dial on top of the cartridge. By blending filtered mineral water with softened filtered water, the desired mineral content can be achieved. You can thus match your water recipe for perfect coffee and espresso. The other benefit the DUOBLEND valve provides is it keeps the percentage of blended water constant independent from the pressure and flow fluctuation so that the adjusted hardness level in blended water stays the same.
Everpure Claris provides 5-stages of filtration:
- 1. PRE-FILTRATION
Pre-filtration media at the entrance to the cartridge retains coarse particles such as dirt and sediment
- 2. CARBONATE HARDNESS ADJUSTMENT
The ion-selective filter medium reduces the levels of carbonate hardness while retaining all other minerals needed for good hot beverages. In combination with the Duoblend bypass technology it ensures a precise and consistent adjustment of carbonate hardness
- 3. FINE FILTRATION
Behind the carbonate hardness adjustment process a fine filter compresses the filter bed and retains fine particles
- 4. 5-MICRON PARTICLE FILTER MEMBRANE
All of the water passing through the CLARIS filter system flows through a final 5 micron particle filter membrane
- 5. HIGH EFFICIENCY ACTIVATED CARBON ABSORPTION MEDIA
A high efficient activated carbon absorption media at the filter outlet
This 5-stage system ensures that chlorine, organics and unpleasant tastes and odors are reduced efficiently, and that your espresso machine is protected from scale deposits.
The new Everpure Claris is a highly engineered water conditioning system that provides water conditioning, filtration and tailored hardness in one compact package. The system provides:
- Five Stage Filtration
- Superior DuoBlend Technology for customized water
- MultiValve Head with AutoShut off
- Quick change cartridges
- One head fits all cartridges
The Everpure Claris system sets a new standard for filters by providing consistent performance, premium tailored water for your beverages and exceptional protection for your brewing and steam equipment, all at an affordable price.