PROCESSING MACHINE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Machine Design
The films intended for Process ECP-2E are processed in roll form in a continuous processing machine. Film is transported through the various solution tanks, emulsion side out, on a series of spools. These spools are mounted in racks that fit into the tanks, and film is threaded over the spools so that it travels in a continuous spiral on each rack. The film should not be allowed to contact any part of the machine that can damage either the support or the emulsion side of the film. A soft rubber tire has been used successfully on flat spools to create a uniform film-support surface consisting of many soft, flexible fingers.* Such a soft-touch surface, which can be helpful in minimizing physical damage to the film, can be used on all rollers that contact the film base.
Rollers contacting the emulsion should be undercut as shown in Figure 9-2.Soft-touch tires can leave marks on the emulsion. Some machines use undercut rollers with sprockets to drive the film.
Figure 9-2
Soft-Touch Tire (Left) and Undercut Roller (Right)
The required treatment or solution time for each processing solution and wash is obtained by installing an appropriate number of racks in the various solutions and washes for a specific film transport speed. The size and number of racks are predetermined by the machine manufacturer. Some machine manufacturers build racks with the upper spools fixed and the lower spools mounted on a floater or slider. With such racks, solution times can be controlled by adjusting the positions of the floaters. To provide adequate agitation of the developer at the emulsion surface, the developer tank is equipped with a turbulator. A turbulator is a submerged series of tubes, having nozzles or drilled holes at various locations along the tubes, pointing toward the film strand. The turbulator can be an integral part of the machine rack. For more information on turbulator design, see Module 2, Equipment and Procedures.
The processor should be a conventional deep-tank machine. Submerged rollers and rack-drive assemblies are recommended for all solutions to minimize the splattering of solutions and aerial oxidation of the developer and fixer. Figure 9-3is a schematic of a typical processing machine for Process ECP-2E using the recommended persulfate bleach. Figure 9-4is a schematic of a typical processing machine for Process ECP-2E using the alternate ferricyanide or UL bleaches. Squeegees should be used at all the locations shown in the schematic to reduce contamination and minimize loss of solution by carry-over into subsequent solutions.
Eastman Kodak Company does not market processing machines or auxiliary equipment suitable for Process ECP-2E. However, a list of some manufacturers of processing equipment can be obtained through the Professional Motion Imaging offices.
F002_0254AC
*Described in A Soft-Touch Surface Designed for Scratch-Free Motion- Picture Film Processing, Journal of the SMPTE, 79:712-715, August 1970.
Process ECP-2E Specifications | 9-3 |