Choosing a Paper Process, Processor Utilization

CHOOSING A PAPER PROCESS

KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher is a new paper developer that is replacing the following products:

KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher

KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher LORR

KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Regenerator

Because the new developer will not be available in all regions at the same time, this publication includes recommendations for EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher and the products it will replace.

Most minilabs have been able to use EKTACOLOR PRIME Chemicals and realize cost savings and reductions in processing-solution waste. EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher offers even greater advantages: easier mixing with a single-part concentrate, further reductions in replenishment rates and effluents for users of EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher, and less packaging waste. (For information about converting, see Converting to KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher.)

If your lab operates at low utilization or if your equipment has a roller-transport design, KODAK EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT will continue to provide the best process performance.

Before choosing a Process RA-4 cycle, it is important to understand processor utilization and the level of operation of your minilab paper processor.

Processor Utilization

Utilization is a way of expressing how much of your processor’s capacity is used. If your processor utilization is low, oxidation and evaporation will affect the activity of your processing solutions.

The simplest way to determine your processor utilization is to measure “tank turnovers” of your developer tank solution. One tank turnover is the point at which the volume of replenisher added to the tank equals the volume of the processor tank.

EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher is designed for minilabs that have average to high utilization, i.e., a developer tank turnover occurs at least once every four weeks. If your paper processor operates at low utilization— i.e., it takes longer than four weeks for a developer tank turnover to occur—you should use KODAK EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT and EKTACOLOR RA Bleach-Fix and Replenisher. These chemicals contain more preservative and are replenished at a higher rate to minimize the effects of low utilization.

To determine the option that is suitable for your minilab, use the information in the following charts. To use these charts, you need to know the number of prints you process each week. Utilization is based on a 10-percent makeover rate and a six-day work week.

Developer Options for Process RA-4 Based on

Processor Utilization

4 x 6 - inch
(102 x 152 cm)
prints per day:	125	250	375	500	750	1000	1250	1875	2500

	5	SP SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
	10	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
Tank	15	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
Tank	20		SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
olume	20		SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
(Litres)	25		SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
	25		SP	SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
	30			SP	SP	SP	SP	SP
	40				SP	SP	SP	SP
	50					SP	SP	SP

EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT

SP EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher (New)

F002_0994AC

If EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher is not yet available in your country, use the table and products below:

4 x 6 - inch

(102 x 152 cm)

prints per day:

125

250

375

500

750

1000

1250

1875

2500

Tank

Volume

(Litres)

EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT

EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher

EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher LORR

F002_0938AC

Note: If you use EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher, use EKTACOLOR PRIME Bleach-Fix Replenisher. If your processor operates at low utilization, use EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT and EKTACOLOR RA Bleach-Fix and Replenisher.

4	Choosing the Right Chemicals for Your Minilab • J-36

CHOOSING A PAPER PROCESS

Processor Utilization

Choosing the Right Chemicals for Your Minilab • J-36