Sensor fusion: TDS + flow + temp
How sensor fusion—combining TDS, flow, and temperature data—provides deeper insight into extraction dynamics and quality control in coffee brewing.
- Coffee Basics Nerds
- 2 min read
Article 11 of 12 in Advanced Extraction & Research/
What is Sensor Fusion?
- The integration of multiple sensor measurements into a unified dataset.
- In coffee, typical sensors include:
- Refractometers (TDS): Measure strength of brew.
- Flow meters: Track water volume and flow rate.
- Temperature probes: Record thermal stability.
Why Combine Them?
- Each variable alone offers partial insight.
- Together, they provide a more holistic picture of extraction.
- Enables detection of hidden inconsistencies (e.g., identical TDS but different flow curves).
Applications in Coffee Research
- Brew Consistency:
- Linking TDS + flow shows how uneven flow impacts extraction.
- Espresso Profiling:
- Pressure + flow + TDS mapping reveals how grind changes affect kinetics.
- Thermal Dynamics:
- Temperature stability correlates with flavor clarity and repeatability.
- Defect Diagnosis:
- Flow restriction + low TDS may indicate channeling or fines migration.
Example Use Case
- Barista runs 3 espresso shots with identical recipe.
- Shot 1: Smooth flow, stable temp → TDS 9%.
- Shot 2: Erratic flow curve, temp dip → TDS 8%.
- Shot 3: Same TDS (9%) but slower flow, indicating different extraction balance.
- Sensor fusion highlights differences not visible in TDS alone.
Practical Implementation
- Some advanced espresso machines log flow, temp, and pressure automatically.
- External sensors and IoT systems can be integrated in research settings.
- Data visualization (curves, heat maps) helps interpret interactions.
Summary
Sensor fusion of TDS, flow, and temperature unlocks richer insights into brewing dynamics. By combining multiple data streams, professionals can better diagnose issues, optimize profiles, and ensure consistency, moving coffee closer to a scientifically precise craft.