Cleaning the Pressure Sensor

Your NOVA ships with 3 reusable pressure sensors. While nozzles are disposable, these pressure sensors should not be thrown out. Instead, follow the steps below to quickly and easily clean your pressure sensors for storage, or for a material changeover.

When Should I Clean the Pressure Sensor?

To maintain high quality dispensing, you should clean your pressure sensor if:

1. The sensor is removed from a cartridge for an extended period (longer than a quick switch-over).

2. You want to dispense a different material or a different batch of the same material.

3. A nozzle is removed for an extended period (longer than a quick switch-over), exposing the material in the sensor to air.

ALWAYS CLEAN YOUR PRESSURE SENSOR BEFORE STORING

If it is not capped on both sides. Failure to do so can lead to dried out and solidified material in the pressure sensor. You can attempt to soften the material in a solvent bath - if this does not work, you may need to replace the sensor.

Steps for Cleaning the Pressure Sensor

Step 1: Wear appropriate PPE. Refer to the SDS of your material. Typically, this means gloves and goggles, and sometimes requires handling in a fume hood.

Step 2: Remove the pressure sensor from the Smart Dispenser. Refer to our Smart Dispenser Assembly Guide.

Step 3: Inspect the pressure sensing membrane. The membrane should be concave, with no visible tears or defects. If the membrane is damaged, take a picture and contact Voltera Support.

Inspect the pressure sensor membrane

Step 4: Inspect the material inside the pressure sensor. The material should be wet, if it has dried completely, contact Voltera Support.

Inspect the interior of the pressure sensor

Step 5: With some glassware underneath to catch any residue, add a few drops of solvent into the top of the pressure sensor on the opposite side from the Nozzle Lock. If you are not sure which solvent to use, isopropyl alcohol is a safe choice.

We do not recommend using Acetone as a solvent for cleaning your pressure sensor. It may weaken the membrane, reducing the lifespan of the pressure sensor.

Add solvent into the sensor

Step 6: Using the included Sensor Cleaning Brush, push the brush gently into the top end of the pressure sensor. You may need to pulse as you push. You should see material come out of the bottom end of the pressure sensor.

NEVER USE A SYRINGE TO PURGE MATERIAL FROM THE SENSOR

Without the external support of the Smart Dispenser, the pressure sensing membrane may rupture from the fluid pressure. If this happens, you must replace the sensor.

As you push the brush in, material should exit the opposite side of the sensor

Step 7: Once all the material has cleared, add some more solvent and pass the brush back and forth a few times to clean any remaining residue from the sensor.

Pass the brush through the sensor a few times to clean any remaining residue

OPTIONAL: Use an ultrasonic cleaner for any difficult-to-clean residue. A heated ultrasonic water bath at 50°C for 10 minutes should remove any remaining residue.

Step 8: Briefly allow your pressure sensor to dry after cleaning. The pressure sensor should now be good as new.