Group 063-001: Coffee Extraction Process

In our week two lab, we began performing experimentation to further understand the coffee extraction process. Within our first experiment, we brewed a pot of coffee and took apart a Mr.Coffee coffee machine. Primarily, we traced the cycle of water and vapor. Using this knowledge, our team constructed a flow diagram.  We also learned different techniques of efficiency, such as using a single heating element for both the water and hot plate. Pictured: 1. Team member Alex Torres unboxes the Mr. Coffee machine. He's excited to start experimenting! (top left) 2. The uncovered bottom of the coffee machine reveals how the steam travels. (bottom left) 3. The constructed flow diagram will help us in our own design. (bottom right)

During week one, our group began brainstorming for our coffee extraction process with a focus on speed. While we initially discussed different extraction processes,  we have decided on creating a brewing device that can deliver coffee through a more expedient process than traditional brewing devices by utilizing a high-pressured semi-batch extractor. In our initial design, we have detailed the process of high-pressured, hot water flowing horizontally through piping to coffee bean grinds. The extracted coffee then passes through a filter and into a larger pipe, decreasing the pressure, and allowing the coffee to flow down into its awaiting mug. We anticipate maintaining the quality of coffee and building a device that can withstand high pressures to be our main challenges; however, experimenting over the next few weeks will allow us to find the best materials for the build.  Pictured: Our first drawing of our design idea, drawn by Benjamin Mastrorocco (Top Left). ...