Processing Cycles
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PROCESSING CYCLES FOR KODAK
CHEMICALS
There are many different types of minilabs that operate with a variety of conditions. Kodak provides chemicals and processing cycles to give you quality results from your minilab regardless of its design. One of the processing cycles described in this publication should be right for your processor. Each cycle lists the best chemicals for you to use. This section describes:
Processing cycles for KODAK FLEXICOLOR
and EKTACOLOR Chemicals, including information on -
Special procedures for your paper process-
Film Processing Cycles Kodak has three basic process cycles for processing color-negative films in minilabs. You can use any of the cycles with or without a wash step. Read the description of the three cycles to determine the cycle that best matches the sequence of processing steps and process times of your minilab. Use the cycles as guides; your processing cycle may vary slightly according to the design of your minilab. The replenishment rates given for each cycle are for a typical mix of Kodak color-negative films in 135-24 size. Use the rates as starting points; adjust them as required according to your control-plot results. A description of each of the three cycles follows on pages 24 through 26.
Film Processing Cycles Process C-41 B Cycle
This is the cycle that is most commonly
used in minilabs; most minilabs use the washless version. If your
minilab uses a final wash, see the footnote. Note: If your minilab uses a final wash, install a wash between the fixer and stabilizer with a wash time of 1:40, reduce the stabilizer time to 40 seconds, and use a replenishment rate of 35 mL/135-24 roll (32 mL/m). Use a wash-flow rate of 1,250 mL/135-24 roll (1,080 mL/m) for a two-stage countercurrent wash or 2,500 mL/35-24 roll (2,160 mL/m) for a single-stage wash.
Film Processing Cycles Process C-41RA Cycle
This cycle is the shortest of the
Process C-41 cycles. For this cycle, you must use KODAK FLEXICOLOR
RA Bleach Replenisher NR and KODAK FLEXICOLOR RA Fixer and Replenisher.
This cycle requires a special equipment design to allow for the
short cycle, and the processor must provide higher agitation for
the bleach, fixer, and stabilizer steps. Check with your minilab
manufacturer to determine if the processor design meets the Process
C-41 RA specifications.
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*Use only FLEEXICOLOR RA Bleach Replenisher NR. Your equipment must provide the higher agitation required for this solution. † Use only FLEXICOLOR RA Fixer and Replenisher. Use two countercurrent-flow fixer tanks with equal times in both tanks. Your equipment must provide the higher agitation required for this solution. ‡ Use three countercurrent-flow stabilizer tanks with equal times in all tanks. Your equipment must provide the higher agitation required for this solution. If your processor has two countercurrent-flow stabilizer tanks followed by a single tank, replenish the second countercurrent tank at 40 mL/135-24 roll (36 mL/m) and the single tank at 20 mL/135-24 roll (18 mL/m).
Film Processing Cycles Process C-41 Cycle
This is the process cycle most frequently
used in older minilabs. It is most commonly used with a wash step.
To use the washless version of this cycle, follow the recommendations
in the first footnote. _____________________ If your minilab uses a stabilizer step instead of a final wash, eliminate both washes; use three countercurrent-flow stabilizer tanks with equal times in all tanks; increase the stabilizer time to 2:20; use a stabilizer temperature of 38 ± 3°C (100 ± 5°F): and use a replenishment rate of 40 mL/135-24 roll (36 mL/m) for the stabilizer. † If your fixer time is 6:30 or longer, you can use a temperature as low as 24°C (75°F). ‡ If your minilab uses a single-stage final wash, double the wash-flow rate.
Film Processing Cycles Processing Times-Times include immersion time plus crossover time to the next tank. The times for the bleach, fixer, and stabilizer are minimum times; you can use longer times for these solutions. Replenishment Rates-The replenishment rates given are starling-point recommendations for a typical mix of Kodak color-negative films. Developer-If needed, adjust the developer replenishment rate according to your control plots. Your developer replenishment rate depends on:
Bleach-To maintain chemical concentrations and pH level, the bleach replenishment rate must be high enough to compensate for developer carryover into the bleach. The bleach replenishment rate given is for typical carryover rates. If the carryover rate is higher, leuco-cyan dye and/or retained silver may occur. To offset the higher carryover, increase the replenishment rate. See your equipment manual for specifications and adjustments for squeegees or squeegee rollers. Fixer-Use a replenishment rate of 35 mL7135-24 roll. The rate should be adequate to offset dilution from the carryover of the preceding bleach or wash. Stabilizer-Use a replenishment rate of 40 mL/135-24 roll in a washless process and 35 mL7135-24 roll in processes that use a wash step. Bleach Aeration-The bleach requires oxygen to return the exhausted bleaching agent to a usable form. Aeration provides oxygen by pumping air bubbles through the bleach. Not enough aeration can cause leuco-cyan dye and retained-silver problems, particularly with a diluted or underreplenished bleach.
Film Processing Cycles Stabilizer-Use KODAK FLEXICOLOR Stabilizer and Replenisher LF in all types of minilabs. This stabilizer uses a non-formaldehyde stabilizing agent for safer handling, and to protect film dye stability It also contains a wetting agent to provide uniform drying. Wash Rates-If your minilab uses a wash step, adjust the flow rate for the maximum film load and then operate at this rate. Do not use average rates. If your minilab has a wash between the bleach and the fixer, you can save water and energy by supplying the wash with the overflow from the final wash. Filtration-Small amounts of insoluble materials in the water and solutions can stick to the film and minilab tank walls and rollers. This dirt can damage film. Install filters recommended by the manufacturer of your minilab to remove these materials. Usually, filters with a porosity of 10 to 30 microns are effective for solutions and wash water, and filters with a porosity of 15 microns are effective for incoming water supplies. You can use the following filter materials with processes that use FLEXICOLOR Chemicals:
Polypropylene is the most acceptable filter-core material and one of the least expensive. This material has no photographic effect, but the surfactants used to produce the polypropylene yarns may have an effect on your process. Therefore, monitor your process carefully when you first change filters. Replace filters regularly as part of routine maintenance. Drying-Keep the film-drying area clean and free of dirt. If the dryer has a filter, check it regularly. Ideally, the drying temperature should not exceed 68°C (155°F). If the film has excessive curl, the ambient conditions are too dry; increase the relative humidity.
Paper Processing Cycles Processing Cycles for KODAK EKTACOLOR Chemicals With the introduction of KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Chemicals, the choice of chemical options for Process RA-4 is simplified. Most minilabs will be able to use EKTACOLOR PRIME Chemicals and realize cost savings and reductions in processing solution waste. If you are currently using KODAK EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher or KODAK EKTACOLOR RA 100 Developer Replenisher, you will be able to use EKTACOLOR PRIME Chemicals. See the processing specifications given in the illustration for average utilization on page 31. If your lab operates at low utilization (i.e., longer than 4 weeks for a developer tank turnover) or if your equipment has a roller-transport design, KODAK EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT will provide better process performance. EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT is specially formulated to compensate for the higher oxidation and evaporation that occur with low utilization and roller-transport processors. If you use KODAK EKTAPRINT 2 Chemicals for Process EP-2, you can easily convert your paper processor to Process RA-4ECM. This process allows you to take advantage of the benefits of EKTACOLOR Chemicals, as well as the benefits of KODAK EKTACOLOR Papers designed for Process RA-4. See "Converting to Process RA-4ECM" on page 41. Utilization-Depending on the number of rolls of film you process each week, your process utilization will be high or low. If your processor utilization is low, oxidation and evaporation will affect the activity of your processing solutions. Kodak manufactures processing chemicals that compensate for low utilization. The simplest way to determine your processor utilization is to measure "tank turnovers" of your developer tank solution. A tank turnover is the point at which the volume of replenisher used is equal to the volume of the processor tank. EKTACOLOR PRIME Chemicals are designed for minilabs that have an average utilization, i.e., a developer tank turnover occurs at least once every four weeks. If your paper processor consistently 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 they are replenished at a higher rate to minimize the effects of low utilization.
Paper Processing Cycles To help you 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 rolls of film or the number of prints you process each day; the charts include 3Ѕ x 5- and 4 x 6-inch print sizes. Developer Options for Process RA-4 and RA-4ECM- Based on Processor Utilization*
3Ѕ x 5-inch prints/24 prints
per order
4 x 6-inch prints/24 prints per
order Note: If you use EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher, use EKTACOLOR PRIME Bleach-Fix Replenisher. If your processor operates at low utilization, you should use EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT and EKTACOLOR RA Bleach-Fix and Replenisher. If you are using Process RA-4ECM, you will probably need to use EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT and EKTACOLOR RA Bleach-Fix and Replenisher because the large developer tank size of minilabs originally designed for Process EP-2 will significantly reduce your tank-turnover rate. ____________________________ *Utilization based on a 10-percent makeover rate and a 6-day work week.
Paper Processing Cycles Process RA-4 CyclesThe Process RA-4 cycles are standard cycles for processing KODAK EKTACOLOR EDGE Paper and EKTACOLOR ROYAL II Paper. Use the cycle that is appropriate for your processor utilization.
Average Utilization-A
developer tank turnover occurs at least once every 4 weeks.
Low Utilization-Longer
than 4 weeks for a developer tank turnover. __________________________________ *For 4 tanks; for the rates for 2 or 3 tanks, see the table on page 34.
Paper Processing Cycles Process RA-4ECM Cycles If your minilab can't use the short process times required by Process RA-4, you can use Process RA-4ECM to convert to EKTACOLOR Chemicals and EKTACOLOR Papers designed for Process RA-4. Process RA-4ECM is an alternative process for minilabs that provides process-time flexibility by using different time/temperature combinations. Depending on your developer time, you can vary the developer temperature which allows you to use EKTACOLOR Chemicals. To convert from Process EP-2 to Process RA-4ECM, follow the procedure described on page 41. Use one of the following cycles to process KODAK EKTACOLOR EDGE Paper and EKTACOLOR ROYAL II Paper.
Average Utilization-A
developer tank turnover occurs at least once every 4 weeks. _________________________ *For 4 tanks; for the rates for 2 or 3 tanks, see the table on page 34.
Paper Processing Cycles
Low Utilization-Longer
than 4 weeks for a developer tank turnover. _______________________________
*For 4 tanks; for the rates for
2 or 3 tanks, see the table on page 34. Processing Times-Times include immersion time plus crossover time to the next tank. If possible, keep the crossover times to 6 seconds or less. The developer time range is 44 to 48 seconds. Minimum times for other solutions may be one second less than the normal times. Longer times for the bleach-fix and stabilizer reduce the benefit of a shorter process cycle, but otherwise are not harmful. If your minilab operates with a washless cycle, you can use a stabilizer time of 90 seconds if there are at least four temperature-controlled stabilizer tanks that have a recirculation rate of 0.67 to 1.0 tank volumes/minute. Divide the time equally between the tanks. Replenishment Rates-Replenishment rates are given in millilitres per square metre and millilitres per square foot. To convert the rate to millilitres per minute, multiply the rate in mL/m2 by the processor speed in m2/min (or mL/ft2 by the processor speed in ft2/min). These rates are starting-point recommendations. Your replenishment rates will depend on:
Paper Processing Cycles Developer-If necessary, adjust the replenishment rate according to your control plots. Bleach-Fix-The bleach-fix replenishment rates assume minimum carryover. If developer carryover is greater than normal, increase the bleach-fix replenishment rate to maintain the bleach-fix chemical balance and pH level. Otherwise problems, such as retained silver, may occur. See your equipment manual for specifications and adjustments for squeegees or squeegee rollers.
Stabilizer-The
stabilizer replenishment rate depends on the number of counter-current-flow
stabilizer tanks. See the recommendations in the table at the
right. Batch Replacement of Solutions-Instead of replenishing solutions, some minilabs use batch replacement. With batch replacement, you use solutions to exhaustion and then replace them. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for replacing solutions. Clean the tanks and racks thoroughly before you add fresh solution.
Wash Rates-If
your minilab uses a final wash instead of a stabilizer, set the
wash water flow rate according to the number of wash tanks and
the amount of paper processed. To use the lowest wash rate, the
minilab must have at least four countercurrent-flow wash tanks.
Minilabs with fewer wash tanks require a higher wash rate. Unless
the minilab automatically adjusts the wash rate for the size of
the paper processed, set the rate for the maximum paper width.
Note: If your minilab has only a single wash tank, use a wash rate of at least 10,800 mL/m2 (1,000 mL/ft2). You may need to make other processor changes to reduce or offset bleach-fix carryover because this rate may provide only a marginal safety factor.
Paper Processing Cycles Agitation-Good agitation is important during the first few seconds of the developer and bleach-fix steps. If initial agitation is poor in the developer, development may be uneven. Poor initial agitation in the bleach-fix may not stop development uniformly. This can cause magenta streaks and non-uniformity in the prints. Excessive developer carryover into the bleach-fix can aggravate this problem. Adjust your developer and bleach-fix recirculation rates to 0.50 to 0.75 tank volumes/minute and the stabilizer rate to 0.67 to 1.0 tank volumes/minute. With multiple tanks, the recirculation rate should be the same in each tank. Higher agitation may be necessary in low-volume and slow-transport speed processors to maintain photographic activity. Filtration-Processing solutions and wash water may contain some insoluble materials. If these materials aren't filtered out, they can stick to the paper, tank walls, rollers, and lines, and possibly damage the paper. Use filters recommended by the manufacturer of your minilab and change them regularly as a part of routine maintenance. Usually, filters with a porosity of 10 to 30 microns are effective for solutions and wash water, and filters with a porosity of 15 microns are effective for incoming water supplies. For more information about filters, see page 28. Drying-The maximum drying temperature for EKTACOLOR EDGE Paper and EKTACOLOR ROYAL II Paper is 96°C (205°F).
CREATE-A-PRINT 35 mm Enlargement Center Processing in the KODAK CREATE-A-PRINT 35 mm Enlargement Center
The KODAK CREATE-A-PRINT 35 mm Enlargement
Center uses a roller-transport processor. Roller-transport processors
typically have relatively low utilization and higher rates of
oxidation and evaporation than other types of processors. To compensate
for these conditions, use EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT
and EKTACOLOR RA Bleach-Fix and Replenisher; these chemicals are
specially formulated to compensate for the higher oxidation and
evaporation that occur with roller-transport processing. For this
processor, follow the steps and conditions given in the cycle
for low utilization on page 31, and increase the replenishment
rate for the stabilizer to 968 mL/m2 (90 mL/ft2).
Replenishment Rates - Use the following replenishment rates for the CREATE-A-PRINT 35 mm Enlargement Center.
Special Procedures Special Procedures This section includes procedures for-
The two conversion procedures are one-time occasions. The regeneration procedure is an option for minilabs that use EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer. Converting to KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Chemicals Developer-You can convert to KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher to significantly reduce some chemicals in the effluent. You can also regenerate EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer to further reduce your minilab's chemical discharge; see "Regenerating KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer." Depending on the developer you are currently using, follow one of the conversion procedures described below.
If you use Process RA-4ECM, adjust the developer to the appropriate temperature for the development time you are using; see the table on page 42.
Converting to EKTACOLOR PRIME
Chemicals
Note: Following the conversion, you may need to make a minor printer adjustment for very critical printer balance.
Bleach-Fix-To convert to EKTACOLOR PRIME Bleach-Fix Replenisher from EKTACOLOR RA Bleach-Fix and Replenisher or EKTACOLOR RA 100 Bleach-Fix Replenisher, adjust your replenishment rate to 108 mL/m2 (10 mL/ft2), and begin using EKTACOLOR PRIME Bleach-Fix Replenisher. You do not have to dump and replace your current bleach-fix tank solution. Stabilizer-To convert to EKTACOLOR PRIME Stabilizer and Replenisher from EKTACOLOR Stabilizer and Replenisher, no changes are necessary. Mix and use EKTACOLOR PRIME Stabilizer and Replenisher in place of EKTACOLOR Stabilizer and Replenisher. You can use EKTACOLOR PRIME Stabilizer and Replenisher and EKTACOLOR Stabilizer and Replenisher interchangeably.
Regenerating EKTAKOLOR PRIME
Developer Regenerating KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer You can regenerate EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer by collecting developer tank overflow and mixing it with KODAK EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Regenerator and water to prepare your next batch of replenisher; follow the procedure given below. EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Regenerator is designed to minimize the volume of developer solution waste. Developer regeneration is simple and does not require special equipment; it allows you to reuse at least 60 percent of your original replenisher volume.
The illustrations on page 40 show two replenishment systems-the first system replenishes the tank solution without regeneration; the second system uses developer overflow for regeneration.
Regenerating EKTACOLOR PRIME
Developer
Developer Replenishment without
Regeneration If you use 10 litres of replenisher with normal replenishment, approximately 2.7 litres of solution will be carried out by the paper into the next solution and 7.3 litres will overflow to the drain or collection tank for disposal.
Developer Replenishment with
Regeneration* If you start with 10 litres of replenisher in a system that allows you to regenerate and reuse your developer, you can collect 7.3 litres of developer overflow, and then mix 6 litres of the overflow solution with regenerator and water to make 10 litres of replenisher. Dispose the excess overflow solution (approximately 1.3 litres) in compliance with your local disposal regulations. ________________________________________ *Because you cannot prepare a fresh tank solution from EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Regenerator, be sure to stock a supply of EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher and EKTACOLOR RA Developer Starter, in case your tank solution becomes contaminated. Remember to avoid prolonged storage of back-up chemicals.
Converting to Process RA-4ECM
Converting to Process RA-4ECM To convert from Process EP-2 to Process RA-4ECM, you will need to-
To make the conversion, follow the procedure given below.
___________________________________ *The active ingredients in this cleaner are hydrochloric acid and surfactants. Be sure to test any other cleaners before using them.
Converting to Process RA-4ECM
*The times and temperatures for KODAK EKTACOLOR RA 100 Developer Replenisher are the same as those for EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher/
† Apply the Process RA-4ECM adjustment
factors given in step 12 to determine aim values for your process.
Converting to Process RA-4ECM
If you are using a time/temperature combination from Group 2 in the table in step 8, you need to apply Process RA-4ECM adjustment factors to the reference-strip correction factors. There are 2 sets of Process RA-4ECM adjustment factors, depending on your developer time. For a developer time of 1:40, add the numbers in the table below to the reference-strip correction factors supplied with your control strips to obtain revised correction factors. For developer times longer than 1:40, add the numbers given in the table below to the reference-strip correction factors supplied with your control strips to obtain revised correction factors.
Note: The Process RA-4ECM adjustment factors compensate for the extended processing times; the printer adjustments in step 15 compensate for any density differences. Use the Process RA-4ECM adjustment factors each time you change control-strip code numbers. If you need help when you apply the adjustment factors in the U.S. and Canada, call the Kodak Customer Assistance Center at (800) 242-2424, extension 68.
Converting to Process RA-4ECM
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