Kodak Module 9 Operating Specifications, Machine Exhaust and Room Ventilation Systems

Machine Exhaust and Room Ventilation Systems

Install local exhausts at specific locations on the processing machine and at specific work areas to provide for the safety and comfort of the laboratory personnel. Supplement local exhausts with a room ventilation system having a capacity of 10 air changes per hour. Vent the discharge air from these systems outside the building so that discharged air does not contaminate incoming air.

Locate local exhausts over chemical mixing tanks to remove irritating chemical dust and vapor produced when processing solutions are mixed. Remember to comply with all regulations related to your operations.

Processing machines using persulfate bleach need local exhausts at the stop, accelerator, bleach, and stabilizer. A slot-type exhaust, for example, on the far side of both the accelerator and persulfate bleach will eliminate the accelerator’s distinctive odor, and the small amount of chlorine released from the persulfate bleach. This low chlorine lever presents no safety or operational problems but can cause some corrosion of stainless steel and other materials surrounding the bleach tank if not vented properly.

Processing machines with ferricyanide bleach need local exhausts at the stop tank. A slot-type exhaust, for example, on the far side of both the accelerator and persulfate bleach will carry away any sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide generated by developer carried over into the stop.

Exhausts need not fit tightly over tanks, and slots should be placed to draw air away from the operator. The exhaust system should provide an air flow of 175 ft3/min (5 m3/min) for every square foot (0.09 m2) of solution surface, and provide 50 to 75 ft/min (15 to 23 m/min) control velocity over the surface of the tank.

Countercurrent Washes

Multitank, countercurrent wash methods provide a great savings in water. In this technique, fresh water enters the last tank, flows to the previous tank, and so on to the first tank, in a direction counter to that of film travel. As the film advances through the wash, it enters cleaner and cleaner water.

Afour-stage countercurrent final wash is illustrated in Figure 9-5.

Figure 9-5 Four-Stage Countercurrent Wash

WATER LEVEL

USED WATER

TO DRAIN

FRESH

WATER IN

FILM TRAVEL

F002_0455AC

OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS

Mechanical Specifications

The recommended mechanical specifications for Process ECP-2E are shown in Table 9-3for persulfate bleach, Table 9-4for ferricyanide bleach, and Table 9-5for UL bleaches. Included are temperatures and tolerances, processing solution times, replenisher rates, and other pertinent information.

Use the processing times and drying conditions shown in the tables as a guide for preliminary machine design. The processing times actually used may differ slightly from the ones shown in the tables because of machine design variables, such as film velocity, degree of solution agitation, and amount of solution carry-over. You must determine those specifications necessary to produce satisfactory quality for your installation. Optimum drying conditions (air volume, temperature, and relative humidity) also vary with each dryer design.

Use the replenishment data listed with the mechanical specifications as a starting point for determining exact requirements to maintain the tank chemical analytical specifications.

Handle the exposed stock designated for Process ECP-2E under proper safelight conditions during machine loading and processing until after the stop. The processing steps after the stop can be performed in normal room light.

Process ECP-2E Specifications 9-9