Sep 21, 2010

How to Avoid a Common Scanning Problem

If you encounter fields that are not powdered as well as they could be, the problem may be your sprayer. It’s easy to fix this problem if you follow a few simple rules:


Sprayer Handling and Maintenance

• Change the tip after each patient.

• Clean and make sure the tip is dry before each use (especially in humid climates).

• Remove the bottle after each use; remove and cap it each night.

• Don’t lay the sprayer down on its side; use one of the holsters.


Holster
• If the flow of powder slows or stops, check the powder in the bottle. If the level is low or the powder is clumped, get a fresh bottle.

• If the sprayer tip is clogged, clean it with a wire brush.

• The hole in the center of the manifold (below) can become clogged, so check it periodically and clean if necessary. Use a wire brush or compressed air.

Manifold
• Reminder: It is permissible to blow compressed air into the center hole of the manifold, but DO NOT blow compressed air into the metal tip of the sprayer when it is connected to the device or into the hole where the tip slides into the sprayer. That can force powder back into the sprayer’s tubing.

• Make sure the battery is installed correctly. (If you’re unsure how to install it, see your Sprayer User Guide.)

And remember to use proper powering techniques:

• Powder the field lightly. Don’t squeeze the trigger too hard; think “light dusting,” not “blizzard.”

• Always keep the sprayer upright when spraying. When powdering the upper arch, twist the tip, not the sprayer.

• If the powder gets wiped off between scans, re-powder.

• Air dry the field. More than once, if necessary.

Finally:

Refer to your Sprayer User Guide for details on cleaning and maintenance.