Self-cleaning fluid delivery system

摘要

A paint delivery system includes a self-cleaning filter. The system has a paint delivery device which is in fluid communication with a paint supply via a delivery line so as to be operable to selectively dispense a fluid therefrom. The system includes a purge line which may be selectively placed in fluid communication with a delivery line at a point downstream of the paint supply and upstream of the delivery device by the activation of a purge valve so that when the purge valve is activated the purge line diverts the fluid passing through the delivery line from passing through the delivery device so that the fluid passes through the purge line. The system includes a filter and a filter retainer which supports the filter. The retainer is disposed in the delivery line downstream of the paint supply and upstream of the delivery device and purge valve. The retainer is operable to displace the filter relative to the delivery line from a first, filtering position, wherein the filter traps particulate matter in paint, to a second, backwash position wherein a flow of fluid through the delivery line will clean the filter. Also disclosed are other applications for the filter system as well as methods for its use.