To clean sprayer screens, you should thoroughly flush the screen with compatible moisture-free solvent and shake it dry. After cleaning, always inspect the screen to ensure it's ready for use.
Keeping your sprayer screens clean is essential for maintaining optimal performance and preventing clogs. A simple yet effective method involves using the right solvent and checking for proper mesh integrity.
Steps for Cleaning Your Sprayer Screen
Based on recommended practices, the process is straightforward:
- Prepare: Gather a compatible moisture-free solvent and a safe area to work. Ensure the sprayer is depressurized and disassembled correctly to access the screen.
- Flush: Thoroughly flush the screen with compatible moisture-free solvent. This process helps dissolve and wash away accumulated debris and residue that clogs the mesh. Using a compatible solvent is crucial to avoid damaging the screen material. A moisture-free solvent prevents potential corrosion or mixing issues with the sprayed material.
- Dry: Shake it dry. After flushing, vigorously shake the screen to remove excess solvent and facilitate drying. Ensure the screen is completely dry before reinstallation or inspection.
- Inspect: Inspect the screen. Carefully examine the mesh for any signs of blockage or damage. Hold it up to the light to see how much of the mesh is clear.
- Assess Restriction: Determine the extent of any restriction. No more than 25% of the mesh should be restricted (blocked). This means at least 75% of the screen's surface area should be clear and open for fluid flow.
- Decide on Action:
- If the restriction is 25% or less, the screen is clean and reusable.
- If more than 25% of the mesh is blocked, replace the screen. Attempting to use a significantly blocked screen will compromise sprayer performance and potentially lead to further issues.
Here's a quick summary table:
| Step | Action | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Thoroughly flush with solvent | Use compatible moisture-free solvent |
| Drying | Shake it dry | Ensure no residual solvent |
| Inspection | Inspect screen mesh | Check for blockage |
| Evaluation | Assess percentage of mesh restricted | No more than 25% restricted is acceptable |
| Decision | Reuse or Replace | Replace if more than 25% blocked |
Following these steps helps ensure your sprayer screen is clean, functional, and ready to provide consistent, clog-free performance. Regular cleaning and inspection extend the life of your equipment and improve application quality.
