Flushing or cleaning PGI-9 cartridges is generally not required unless the cartridges have been left empty/open for a considerable period of time. However if the cartridge has dried out or you’ve filled it with the wrong ink then flushing/cleaning it is recommended.
Kit required:
- 50ml luer syringe
- PGI-9 flush clip
- Distilled water (not deo-ionised water)
The process is yet to be detailed with images but this gives a brief overview:
- Fill syringe with 20ml distilled water.
- Attach flush clip to cartridge and syringe to the adaptor on the clip.
- Gently push the water into the cartridge until full.
- Pull the water out, flush back in, and pull out.
- Dump the soiled water.
- Refresh with distilled water and repeat steps 3-6.
- The key is to return any ink solids back to solution rather than make them completely clean.
- Once satisfied, pull a hard vacuum on the cartridge to remove as much fluid from the cartridge and prepare it ready for refilling.
Once your cartridge has been cleaned and is empty of air/fluid we recommend you refill immediately using the dribble method, rather than force filling using the clip. Ensure ink is dribbled over the full length of the cartridge sponge to ensure positive ink flow across the whole area.
This process is now also detailed in the video below:
Diagnosing Cartridge Condition for PGI-9 / PGI-72 cartridges
Good to refill:
- If your cartridge has been installed in a printer or stored with the orange clip attached such that the outlet sponge is wet/damp.
- Cartridge has been cleaned (thoroughly) and is ready to refill.
Test refill:
- If the cartridge is completely empty but has been open to air for an extended period of time…
- Use small amount of ink (approx 3-5ml) with syringe and flush clip to put into the cartridge.
- Pull any air out of the cartridge and then push the ink back in
- Now try dribble filling the cartridges. Check ink flow into cartridge is “normal” (based on other “good” cartridges). If ink flow is reduced/slow then cartridge may need to be flushed.
Reject:
- Cartridge is contaminated with toner powder
- Cartridge has ingested air and attempts to purge air fail (Note: make sure you soak the outlet sponge with ink before trying to remove the air as this forms a barrier to air re-entering)
- Cartridge has damaged retaining clip