Hi all

does anyone have any experince with coffe machines? The type that would normally be found in starbucks or somewhere like that. We are wondering if they would come under the pressure system regs. I can't see it to be honest but others I work with think they are.

any tips welcome

Thanks....it seems no one here really know's including our M&E contrators

Regards

Mike

Didn't one "blow up" the other week??

Yes, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/new...gland-hampshire-11302161

Regs apply to pressure systems containing relevant fluids. Steam is a relevant fluid at any pressure. A system is one that comprises of a pressure vessel of rigid construction plus any associated pipework and fittings.
I suggest you look at espresso machines on wikipedia. Most seem to have some sort of rigid vessel, even if it's rather small. So, if in doubt treat it as a pressure system. Leaving the recent incident aside as we don't yet know the full story, just remember that the old fashioned Stills under-counter coffee set could easily blow a wall out if it exploded. Steam has a particularly large amount of energy associated with it, even in small volumes, so a call to your plant insurers is the first one to make.

They would come under pressure regs if they produce above atmospheric pressure >0.5 bar, which most models will. There is always the risk that there is a failure in the components causing excessive pressure to build up, which on many occasions have caused the machine to explode. I read of a case recently where this happened.

Chris,

As Jane has already stated, steam is a 'relevant fluid' at any pressure, the 1.5 bar stipulation applies to all other fluids, but not steam,

John

OK< 1.5 bar absolute, 0.5 bar overpressure,

John