Processing kodak motion picture films module 10 effects of mechanical & chemical variations in proce

©Eastman Kodak Company, 2006

Processing KODAK Color Print Films, Module 10

Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Processes ECP-2D and ECP-2E

-2 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Processes ECP-2D and ECP-2E

Table of ContentsEffects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E 10-3PROCESS CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

Mechanical Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3Chemical Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3Photographic and Sensitometric Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5Correlation of Mechanical, Chemical, and Sensitometric Data . . . . . . . . 10-5Effects of Mechanical and Chemical Variations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

Effects of Time and Temperature Variations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6Effects of pH and CD-2 Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7Effects of NaBr and Na2CO3 Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8Effects of Na2SO3 Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9Effects of AF-9 and PB-2 Prebath Contamination. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10Effects of CD-3 for CD-2 and Stop Bath Contamination . . . . . . . . 10-11Effects of Persulfate Accelerator and

Hydroxylamine Sulfate Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12Effects of F-35B Fixer and NaCl Contamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13Effects of KI Contamination and Water Dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14Effects of Bacterial Na2S and Na2SO4 Contamination . . . . . . . . . 10-15Effects of Under- and Over-Replenishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16

DIAGNOSTIC SCHEMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17Color Print Film Diagnostic Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17

Verification Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18Problem Sorting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19Low Developer Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20High Developer Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-21High D-min (Green Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22Sound Track Process Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23Retained Silver (Ferricyanide or UL Bleach). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24Retained Silver (Persulfate Bleach) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25Retained Silver Halide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26

SPECIAL TESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27Verification Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27Solution By-pass Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28Process Omitting Prebath Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28Fixed-out Strip Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28Process Omitting First Fixer Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28

PROCESSED FILM PROBLEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

The information contained herein is furnished by Eastman Kodak Company without any warranty or guarantee whatsoever. While Kodak is unaware of any valid domestic patents of others which would be infringed by the methods, formulas or apparatus described herein, the furnishing of this information is not to be considered as any license for inducement of, or recommendation for any action by any party any such action being a matter for independent investigation and decision by such party.

Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Processes ECP-2D and ECP-2E 10-3

10 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Process ECP-2D and ECP-2E

PROCESS CONTROLThe successful processing of KODAK VISION Color Print Film / 2383, KODAK VISION Premier Color Print Film / 2393, and KODAK VISION Color Teleprint Film / 2395 /3395 requires a good process control system. The essential phases of such a control system include mechanical, chemical, and photographic control, plus correlation and interpretation of results. The philosophy and a recommended system of process control are given in Module 1, Process Control. The following sections are specific for Processes ECP-2D and ECP-2E.

Mechanical ControlMechanical control includes items basic to any chemical reaction, such as temperature, agitation, and time of reaction. The developer temperature should be maintained tightly within specifications. The temperatures of other solutions, while not quite so critical, must nevertheless be carefully controlled. Recirculation and replenishment rates must be regulated to maintain the required chemical activity of the various solutions. Turbulated solutions should be piped through devices that indicate the rates of flow and pressures so that the jet-agitation action of the solution at the film surface can be controlled. A method for calibrating and measuring flow rates is given in Module 2, Equipment and Procedures. The operating speed of the processing machine should be checked frequently. All such factors, whether regulated automatically or manually, constitute the physical or mechanical aspects of control. A checklist for daily operation of a processor is given in Table 10-2, Checklist For Daily Operation.

Chemical ControlMaintaining the proper composition of the processing solutions is one of the most important elements of control. Maintain the chemical composition of the solutions within the published tolerances to achieve satisfactory process control. Do not compensate for chemical imbalances by altering mechanical parameters. This action is not good process control procedure and is not recommended.Use the Analytical Methods recommended in Module 3, Analytical Procedures, to determine the chemical composition of each processing solution. Some of the methods require the use of a pH meter to accurately measure solution acidity or alkalinity. An automatic titrator or pH meter is required for potentiometric titrations. A spectrophotometer is required to measure constituents in some processing solutions. With these three instruments plus chemical reagents and the assorted glassware (pipets, burets, hydrometers, beakers, etc,) usually found in analytical

laboratories, all of the solutions used in the process can be analyzed.

Table 10-1, Critical Chemical Analyses shows the method number for each analysis that is performed on each process solution. Only the basic method number is listed in Table 10-1. Since the methods are constantly being improved and reissued with a new suffix, be sure to use the latest version of the basic method. For example, if the current basic method for measuring sulfite in color developer is number 1305C, the next revision of the method will be 1305D. When the technology or chemistry of the method is changed, a totally new number will be assigned to the new method as was done when the pH method changed from 810 to ULM-191-2.

Table 10-1 Critical Chemical Analyses

Solution Analyses Tank AnalysesReplenisher

MethodNumber

Developer pHSpecific GravityTotal AlkalinityCD-2BromideSulfite

D, FT, FT, FT, FT, FT, F

FFFFFF

ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECP-0001/1ECP-0003/1ECP-926CECP-2-1305C

Stop pH D, F F ULM-191-2

First Fixer*

* Process ECP-2D only

pHSpecific GravityHypo IndexThiosulfateSulfite

D, FW, FW, FW, FW, F

FFFFF

ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECP-0002/1ECP-0002/1ECP-0002/1

Accelerator (Persulfate Bleach)

pHSpecific GravityMetabisulfiteBuffer CapacityPBA-1


FFFFF

ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECP-0025/01ECP-0020-01ECP-0027-01

Bleach Persulfate

pHSpecific GravityPersulfateChlorideBuffer Capacity


FFFFF

ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECP-0026/1ECP-0009/1ECP-0019-01

Bleach†

Ferricyanide

† Alternate Bleach

pHSpecific Gravity Ferricyanide Bromide

D, FW, FW, FW, F

FFFF

ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ULM-0021/1ULM-0004/1

Sound Track Developer*

HydroquinoneViscosity

FF

——

ECP-2-407ECP-2-99

Second Fixer

pHSpecific GravityHypo IndexThiosulfateSulfite


FFFFF

ULM-191-2ULM-0002/1ECP-0002/1ECP-0002/1ECP-0002/1

D=Daily T=Twice Weekly W=Weekly M=Monthly F=Each Fresh Mix

10-4 Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Processes ECP-2D and ECP-2E

Table 10-2 Checklist For Daily Operation

Steps Spec. Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

1.Was shutdown strip in control?

2.Turn on power, air and water supplies, and the exhaust system.

3.Check solution levels* in machine tanks.

* Solution levels must be high enough in the weir boxes to prevent air from being drawn into the recirculation systems when recirculator pumps are turned on.

4.Check replenisher supply tanks and make fresh replenishment solutions (if necessary).

Developer

Stop

Fixer†

† Process ECP-2D only.

Accelerator

Bleach

Sound Track Developer

Fixer

Final Rinse.

5.Turn on recirculation pumps.

6.Adjust wash-water flow-meters to proper setting.

7.Turn on and check air supply to squeegees.

8.Turn on temperature controls systems.

9.Turn on replenishers. Use leader rates until film is being processed.

10.Turn on dryer fan motor and heater.

11.Start machine and check machine speed.

12.Check final squeegee for cleanliness and adjustment. Make corrections if necessary.

13.Check leader for twists.

14.Check solution time. Developer

15.Use KODAK Process Thermometer, Type 3. Check solution temperature.‡

‡ Start-up and every two hours.

Developer

Accelerator

16.Check recirculation rate. Developer

Stop

Fixer†

Accelerator

Bleach

Fixer

Final Rinse

17.Run control strips.

18.Proceed to production if in control.

19.Check replenisher flow rate.‡ Developer

Stop

Wash

Accelerator

Bleach

Wash

Sound Track Developer†

Spray Rinse

Fixer

Final Wash

Final Rinse


Analyze all fresh chemical mixes, as the first defense against mixing errors. The tank solutions should be checked on a regular basis to monitor any changes in the chemical composition. The most useful analysis is pH. It is relatively easy to measure and must be done on a daily basis. A drift in developer pH is usually the first warning of a process about to go out of control. When such drifts are observed, it is important to try to find the cause, rather than to blindly adjust the pH and continue processing. In most cases, this will require a complete developer analysis. Table 10-2, Checklist For Daily Operation, indicates a starting point for the frequency of analysis. The schedule of analysis can be customized by a particular installation to keep its process in chemical control. The customized frequency will depend on the amount of film being processed, and the historical stability of the process.

Photographic and Sensitometric ControlThe chemical reactions involved in processing color films are so complex that it is impossible to evaluate and control the process completely on the basis of mechanical and chemical data alone. The end results are photographic and include the characteristics of the sensitized material and the chemicals of the process. Actual picture tests demonstrate how the process behaves photographically. It is possible, although cumbersome, to use such tests for photographic control. Apart from rigorous photographic control, however, viewing printed picture work off a process is important because it is an indication of the overall photographic condition of the process, both sensitometric and physical.

The best process control methods furnish quantitative information about the process. Sensitometric control strips provide a rapid, accurate and greatly simplified means of evaluating the process photographically. Introduce strips into the process with regular production footage every one or two hours. Evaluate visually, or more precisely, by densitometric methods. Examine the strips immediately after processing and plot the results on the same charts where the mechanical and chemical data are recorded. This information gives an hour-to-hour check on whether accidents have occurred causing the process to drift away from the process aim. See the Typical Control Chart in Module 1, Process Control, for examples.

For your convenience, sensitometrically exposed control strips in 16 and 35 mm are available from Eastman Kodak Company. KODAK VISION Color Print Control Strips, Process ECP-2D are packaged in 30.5 metre (100-foot) rolls containing at least 120 exposures and a processed reference strip. The exposures on the roll are spaced at 240 mm (9.5-inch) intervals. Each exposure has 21 gray-scale steps at 0.15 log H increments. The reference strip is exposed exactly as the control strips and is subsequently processed under well-controlled conditions. The instruction sheet contains correction factors that are required to establish your process aims. A four-digit code number appears on the carton, can, control strips, reference strip, and instruction sheet, identifying each production batch of strips. The

procedures for using control strips are found in Module 1, Process Control.

Correlation of Mechanical, Chemical, and Sensitometric DataRecord and interpret all mechanical, chemical, and photographic results, to monitor whether the process is in or out of control. If the process drifts out of control, your control records should indicate what corrective action was taken to reestablish control.

As your experience increases with Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E, you will accumulate mechanical, chemical, and sensitometric data under many conditions. This reference will indicate what photographic results to expect when various mechanical and chemical changes occur.

Until experience is gained with your process, it is important to know generally what photographic effects to expect as a result of chemical or mechanical variations, and approximately what magnitude of change produces a noticeable photographic effect. This information helps diagnose a photographically off-balance condition.

Effects of Mechanical and Chemical VariationsDiagnostic ChartsThe control plots in this section illustrate some of the major photographic effects of mechanical and chemical variations on KODAK VISION Color Print Film / 2383. Each plot shows the effect of a change in a process parameter (horizontal axis), on the dye density of the processed film (vertical axis). The specifications for the various parameters are represented by the letter “S” along the horizontal axis. A plot at + 0.10 for the red density indicates the parameter change caused the red density to increase by 0.10 densitometric units (looks cyan) above the process aim.

The magnitude of the changes shown in these plots should not be considered to be process control limits. Also, the data presented are qualitative, not quantitative. The plots were derived from experiments using small laboratory machines in which all constituents were held constant except the variable being studied. Hence, the figures should be used only as trend charts and guides. If two or more process parameters are varied, the resulting photographic effect is not predictable because all effects are not additive. Interactions can occur that produce effects other than those predicted by addition. The plots in this publication are representative only; they do not contain all possible solution problems. Most of the important photographic effects take place in the developer.

The Color Print Film Diagnostic Charts are diagnostic schemes for the process and highlight the importance of not only the developer, but also the stop, bleach and fixer.


Developer Mechanical Variations

Figure 10-1 Effects of Time and Temperature Variations—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

0000

HD-MD

D-Min

LD

MD

HD

.10

+0

.05

.10

.05

RED

GREEN

B/W

BLUE

Temperature

10498 100

102

96

Time

.20

.15

.10

.25

+.05

.05

0

.10

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.05

.10

+0

VALUES

REFERENCE

CODE NO.STRIP

AIM

GREEN

BLUE

RED

B/W

RED

GREEN

BLUE

.10

.20

.15

.10

+0

.05

.05

.10

.10

+.05

0

.05

220

180

160

140

200

.10

B/W

GREEN

RED

B/W

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

GREEN

RED

.05

˚ Fsec

R

RBG

B

RG

B

RG

BG

RGB

BG

RGB

R

RG

B

BRG

BG R

BRG

RGB

RGB

B

RG

RB

G

BGR

GB

R

RG

B

RGB

F002_1070EC


Developer Chemical Variations

Figure 10-2 Effects of pH and CD-2 Variations—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

pH g/L

.05

RED

GREEN

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

B/W

RED

GREEN

B/W

.10

10.6

9

10.3

9

10.4

9

10.5

9

10.7

9

.05

0

.05+

.10

.10

.05

.05

0+

.10

.15

.20

.10

BLUE

GREEN

RED

B/W

RED

BLUE

GREEN

AIM

STRIPCODE NO.

REFERENCE

VALUES

0+

.10

.05

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.10

0

.05

.05+

.25

.10

.15

.20

pH

2.20

2.95

2.70

2.45

3.20

BLUE

B/W

GREEN

RED

.05

.10

.05

0+

.10

CD-2

HD

MD

LD

D-Min

HD-MD

0000G

R

B

BG

R

B

R

G

BR

G

RG

R

BG

R

B

G

G

B

R

B

F002_1071EC

R

RGB

BGR

GRB

G

B

BRG

GRB

B

GR

G

BR

RBG



Figure 10-3 Effects of NaBr and Na2CO3 Variations—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

2 3Na CO

g/L

.05

RED

GREEN

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

B/W

RED

GREEN

B/W

.10

1.92

1.32

1.52

1.72

2.12

.05

0

.05+

.10

.10

.05

.05

0+

.10

.15

.20

.10

BLUE

GREEN

RED

B/W

RED

BLUE

GREEN

AIM

STRIPCODE NO.

REFERENCE

VALUES

0+

.10

.05

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.10

0

.05

.05+

.25

.10

.15

.20

NaBr

13.1

19.1

17.1

15.1

21.1

BLUE

B/W

GREEN

RED

.05

.10

.05

0+

.10

g/L

HD

MD

LD

D-Min

HD-MD

0000

RB

G

G

B

G

B

RB

G

R

BG

R

R

GR

B

BRG

B

GR

F002_1072EC

GRB

B

RG

B

RG

G

G

RB

B

R

BR

RB

G

G

RBG



Figure 10-4 Effects of Na2SO3 Variations—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

HD

MD

LD

D-Min

HD-MD

0000

.05

RED

GREEN

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

B/W

RED

GREEN

B/W

.10

4.25

3.50

3.75

4.00

4.50

.05

0

.05+

.10

.10

.05

.05

0+

.10

.15

.20

.10

BLUE

GREEN

RED

B/W

RED

BLUE

GREEN

AIM

STRIPCODE NO.

REFERENCE

VALUES

0+

.10

.05

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.10

0

.05

.05+

.25

.10

.15

.20

Na SO

BLUE

B/W

GREEN

RED

.05

.10

.05

0+

.10

2 3

g/L

RGB

RGB

B

R

G

BGR

GR

BR

G

B

GB

RBR

G

F002_1073EC



Figure 10-5 Effects of AF-9 and PB-2 Prebath Contamination—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

PB-2 Prebath

g/L

.05

RED

GREEN

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

B/W

RED

GREEN

B/W

.10

30 1 2

.05

0

.05+

.10

.10

.05

.05

0+

.10

.15

.20

.10

BLUE

GREEN

RED

B/W

RED

BLUE

GREEN

AIM

STRIPCODE NO.

REFERENCE

VALUES

0+

.10

.05

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.10

0

.05

.05+

.25

.10

.15

.20

AF-9

0

1005025

BLUE

B/W

GREEN

RED

.05

.10

.05

0+

.10

g/L

HD

MD

LD

D-Min

HD-MD

0000

R B

R

GB

BG

R

R

B

G

G

G R

B

F002_1074EC

B

RG

B

G

BGR

B

R

G

R

RG

B



Figure 10-6 Effects of CD-3 for CD-2 and Stop Bath Contamination—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2EDeveloper

% CD-3

.10

+0

.05

.10

.05

RED

GREEN

B/W

BLUE

25.0

50.0

100.

0

0.0

Substitute CD-3 for CD-2

.20

.15

.10

.25

+.05

.05

0

.10

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.05

.10

+0

VALUES

REFERENCE

CODE NO.STRIP

AIM

GREEN

BLUE

RED

B/W

RED

GREEN

BLUE

.10

.20

.15

.10

+0

.05

.05

.10

.10

+.05

0

.05

34.0

17.00.0

52.0

.10

B/W

GREEN

RED

B/W

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

GREEN

RED

.05

mL/L

Stop Bath

0000

HD-MD

D-Min

LD

MD

HD

RGB

R

GB

R

G

RGB

B

RGB

F002_1075EC

G R

G

RG

B

R

R

GB

GB

RB

B



Figure 10-7 Effects of Persulfate Accelerator and Hydroxylamine Sulfate Contamination—2383 Film in ProcessECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

SulfateHydroxylamine

Accelerator

mL/L

.10

+0

.05

.10

.05

RED

GREEN

B/W

BLUE

2 4 80

Persulfate

.20

.15

.10

.25

+.05

.05

0

.10

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.05

.10

+0

VALUES

REFERENCE

CODE NO.STRIP

AIM

GREEN

BLUE

RED

B/W

RED

GREEN

BLUE

.10

.20

.15

.10

+0

.05

.05

.10

.10

+.05

0

.05

1050

20

.10

B/W

GREEN

RED

B/W

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

GREEN

RED

.05

g/L

0000

HD-MD

D-Min

LD

MD

HD

B

G

R

BRG

BR

BG

R

G

B

RG

RB

BR

G

G

RBG

RGB

RB

G

F002_1076EC



Figure 10-8 Effects of F-35B Fixer and NaCl Contamination—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

NaCl

g/L

.05

RED

GREEN

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

B/W

RED

GREEN

B/W

.10

1.0

0.0

0.5

1.5

.05

0

.05+

.10

.10

.05

.05

0+

.10

.15

.20

.10

BLUE

GREEN

RED

B/W

RED

BLUE

GREEN

AIM

STRIPCODE NO.

REFERENCE

VALUES

0+

.10

.05

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.10

.05

.05+

.25

.10

.15

.20

F-35B Fixer

2.0

1.0

0.0

3.0

BLUE

B/W

GREEN

RED

.05

.10

.05

0+

.10

mL/L

0

HD

MD

LD

D-Min

HD-MD

0000

G

RB

B

R

BRG

GR

B

R

B

G

G

G R

B

B

GR

G

BR

G BR

B G R



Figure 10-9 Effects of KI Contamination and Water Dilution—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

Water Dilution

0

mg/L

.10

+0

.05

.10

.05

RED

GREEN

B/W

BLUE

400.

0

0.0

100.

0

200.

0

Kl

.20

.15

.10

.25

+.05

.05

.10

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.05

.10

+0

VALUES

REFERENCE

CODE NO.STRIP

AIM

GREEN

BLUE

RED

B/W

RED

GREEN

BLUE

.10

.20

.15

.10

+0

.05

.05

.10

.10

+.05

0

.05

7.5

2.5

0.0

5.0

.10

B/W

GREEN

RED

B/W

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

GREEN

RED

.05

mL/L

0000

HD-MD

D-Min

LD

MD

HD

B

G

R

B

RG

B

R

GR

B

G

RGB

F002_1078EC

B

R

G

G

RB

G

RB

G R B

G R

B



Figure 10-10 Effects of Bacterial Na2S and Na2SO4 Contamination—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2EDeveloper

2 4Na SO

g/L

.05

RED

GREEN

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

B/W

RED

GREEN

B/W

.10

.05

0

.05+

.10

.10

.05

.05

0+

.10

.15

.20

.10

BLUE

GREEN

RED

B/W

RED

BLUE

GREEN

AIM

STRIPCODE NO.

REFERENCE

VALUES

0+

.10

.05

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.10

0

.05

.05+

.25

.10

.15

.20

Na S

0.0

20.0

10.05.0

BLUE

B/W

GREEN

RED

.05

.10

.05

0+

.10

2

0.0

10.05.0

g/L

2.5

0000

HD-MD

D-Min

LD

MD

HD

G

R

B

G

B

GR

B

BGR

BGR

R

G

B

R

BR

G

R

GB

RB

G

BRG

F002_1079EC



Figure 10-11 Effects of Under- and Over-Replenishment—2383 Film in Process ECP-2D / ECP-2E Developer

HD

MD

LD

D-Min

HD-MD

0000

= +

18%

= -

18%

.20

.15

.10

.25

+.05

.05

0

.10

.20

.15

.25

.15

.20

.05

.10

+0

VALUESVALUES

CODE NO.

REFERENCESTRIP

AIMAIM

BLUE

GREEN

RED

B/W

RED

BLUE

GREEN

.10

.20

.15

.10

+0

.05

.05

.10

.10

+.05

0

.05

2X R

epl.

.10

+.05

.05

.10

0

No

Rep

l.

Sta

nd. R

epl.

.10

B/W

GREEN

RED

B/W

BLUE

B/W

BLUE

GREEN

RED

RED

GREEN

B/W

BLUE

.05

GR

B

G

R

B

B

G

R

B

GR

GR

B

B

G

BR

GB

R

G

RBG

BGR

R

F002_1080EC

Under and OverReplenishment


DIAGNOSTIC SCHEMES

Color Print Film Diagnostic ChartsThe flow chart procedures illustrated in this section will aid in determining the source of an out-of-control process. There are nine major schemes:• Verification Process, Figure 10-12

• Problem Sorting, Figure 10-13

• Low Developer Activity, Figure 10-14

• High Developer Activity, Figure 10-15

• High D-min (Green Only), Figure 10-16

• Sound Track Process Analysis, Figure 10-17

• Retained Silver (Ferricyanide or UL Bleach), Figure 10-18

• Retained Silver (Persulfate Bleach), Figure 10-19

• Retained Silver Halide, Figure 10-20

Following Figure 10-20 there are instructions on how to run the three special tests mentioned at various places in the Diagnostic Charts.


Figure 10-12 Verification Process

F002_9010EC

of c

ontr

ol s

trip

ste

st w

ith a

noth

er b

atch

Con

firm

; Run

cro

ssov

erS

tora

geLi

ght l

eak

Dam

age

Con

trol

Str

ip

chec

k fo

r co

nsis

tenc

yst

rips

at th

e sa

me

time

toC

onfir

m; P

roce

ss 2

0S

tora

geE

xpos

ure

varia

bilit

y

Con

trol

Str

ips

Var

iabl

e

NO

Con

tinue

to S

how

?D

oes

Dev

iatio

n

YE

S

Pro

cess

Ano

ther

C

ontr

ol S

trip

Pro

blem

Den

sito

met

er

Den

sito

met

er m

alfu

nctio

nD

irty

Filt

ers

Plo

tting

err

orW

rong

sta

tus

filte

rsC

alib

ratio

n er

ror

Con

tinue

to S

how

Dev

iatio

n?D

o D

ensi

tom

eter

ed R

eadi

ngs

NO

YE

S

cinc

h m

ark,

scr

atch

, etc

.C

heck

for

fog,

fing

erpr

int,

proc

esse

d co

ntro

l str

ip.

Rer

ead

prev

ious

ly

NO

YE

S

Dia

gram

Pro

cess

Tro

uble

shoo

ting

Go

to a

ppro

pria

te

Ver

ified

Pro

cess

Pro

blem

deci

sion

can

be

mad

eco

ntro

l str

ips

until

aC

ontin

ue to

pro

cess

and

"Afte

r"R

eadi

ngs

"Bef

ore"

Ver

ify D

ensi

tom

etric

NO

YE

SC

ontin

ue to

Sho

w?

Doe

s D

evia

tion

Con

trol

Str

ipP

roce

ss A

noth

er

Pro

cess

Con

trol

Str

ips?

Do

Pic

ture

s A

gree

with

App

aren

t Pro

cess

Pro

blem

Con

trol

Str

ips

Sho

w


Figure 10-13 Problem Sorting

Hal

ide?

NO

YE

S

NO

YE

S

See

the

Ret

aine

dS

ilver

Tes

t.

Silv

er H

alid

e T

est.

Ret

aine

d S

ilver

Hal

ide

Ret

aine

d S

ilver

Dev

elop

erH

igh

Act

ivity

Dev

elop

erLo

w A

ctiv

ity(G

reen

Onl

y)H

igh

D-m

inG

Hig

h D

-min

(Gre

en O

nly)

G

Den

sitie

sLo

wer

Hig

her

Den

sitie

s

Det

erm

ine

Sen

sito

met

ric D

evia

tion

from

Pro

cess

Con

trol

Aim

Pro

cess

Pro

blem

Ver

ified

and/

or R

eble

ach

Str

ip to

Ver

ify P

robl

em

Che

ck IR

Den

sity

Is it

Ret

aine

dS

ilver

?S

ee th

e R

etai

ned

Che

ck S

trip

for

Opa

que

Str

eaks

/Ref

ix S

trip

toV

erify

Pro

blem

Is it

Silv

erR

etai

ned

See

Fig

. 10-

20

Per

sulfa

teS

ee F

i g. 1

0-19

Fer

ricya

nide

& U

LS

ee F

ig. 1

0-18

See

Fig

. 10-

15S

ee F

ig. 1

0-14

See

Fig

. 10-

16

F002_9018EC


Figure 10-14 Low Developer Activity

F002_9011EC

Rat

eIn

crea

se R

epl.

Leve

l on

Film

Sto

ckC

heck

Exp

osur

e

(low

pro

babi

lity)

Film

Sto

ckLa

rge

Vol

ume

of

Nec

essa

ryR

epl.

Rat

e if

Che

ck a

nd A

djus

t

Too

Low

Rep

leni

sher

Rat

e

Rep

leni

sher

Mix

Adj

ust

Pro

cedu

reC

heck

Mix

ing

Err

orR

eple

nish

er M

ix

Sol

utio

nM

ix F

resh

Com

pare

Con

tam

inat

ion

Dev

elop

er

Nec

essa

ryP

aram

eter

ifC

heck

and

Adj

ust

BG

R

Con

tam

inat

ion

(incl

.E

limin

ate

Sou

rce

of

reci

rcul

atio

n &

repl

enis

her

lines

)

Dev

elop

er; R

unB

y-P

ass

Tes

t

with

Fre

shB

ars/

Noz

zles

for

Rec

ircul

atio

nP

lugg

ing;

Che

ck

Che

ck

Low

Agi

tatio

nT

ime

Too

Sho

rt

Set

Too

Low

Mal

func

tioni

ng o

rC

ontr

olT

empe

ratu

re

Are

the

Che

mic

al A

naly

ses

ofD

evel

oper

Tan

k O

ff S

pecs

?

Mea

sure

men

ts O

ff S

pecs

?A

re th

e D

evel

oper

Phy

sica

l

NO

YE

S

NO

YE

S

NO

YE

SDev

elop

er R

eple

nish

er O

ff S

pecs

?A

re th

e C

hem

ical

Ana

lyse

s of


Figure 10-15 High Developer Activity

NO

F002_9019EC

Squ

eege

eC

ross

over

Che

ck O

pera

tion

ofT

ank

Che

mis

try;

to M

aint

ain

Sta

ble

Con

c. &

Rep

l. R

ate

Adj

ust S

top

Rep

l.

Sto

ck (

low

Leve

l on

Prin

tLo

w E

xpos

ure

prob

abili

ty)

Sol

utio

nA

djus

t Rep

l.R

ate

Dec

reas

e R

epl.

Sto

ckLe

vel o

n P

rint

Che

ck E

xpos

ure

Oxi

datio

nS

ourc

e of

Elim

inat

e

leak

s/fo

amin

gC

heck

for

Air

sulfi

te o

nly)

Sol

utio

n (lo

wO

xida

tion

ofA

erat

ion/

if ne

cess

ary

Buf

fer/

Squ

eege

eR

em-je

t Was

hC

heck

& A

djus

t

Car

ry-in

Exc

essi

veD

ilutio

n fr

om

Mix

a F

resh

Sol

utio

n

Pro

cedu

reC

heck

Mix

ing

Rep

l. R

ate

Che

ck &

Adj

ust

YE

S

Are

the

Che

mic

al A

naly

ses

ofD

evel

oper

Rep

leni

sher

Off

Spe

cs?

Too

Hig

hR

epl.

Rat

eE

rror

Rep

l. M

ix

Tim

e to

o lo

ng

Che

ck &

Adj

ust

nece

ssar

yP

aram

eter

if

& r

epl.

lines

)(in

cl. r

ecirc

ulat

ion

of C

onta

min

atio

nE

limin

ate

Sou

rce

mix

fres

h de

v.ru

n by

-pas

s te

stgo

od D

evel

oper

:C

ompa

re w

ith

Che

ck p

H

or S

et T

oo H

igh

Mal

func

tioni

ngC

ontr

olT

empe

ratu

reD

evel

oper

Con

tam

inat

ion

Spe

cs.?

Als

o se

e F

igs.

10-

15, 1

0-16

and

10-

17A

re th

e C

hem

ical

Ana

lyse

s of

Dev

elop

er T

ank

Off

Bat

h pH

Hig

h S

top

BG

R

NO

YE

S

YE

SM

easu

rem

ents

Off

Spe

cs?

Are

the

Dev

elop

er P

hysi

cal N

O


Figure 10-16 High D-min (Green Only)

F002_9021EC

Tan

k S

olut

ion

Mix

a F

resh

Pos

sibl

e

Con

tam

.S

oln.

first

fix

follo

win

g

Om

itB

uffe

ring

Age

nt

Ble

ach

Buf

ferin

gA

gent

Add

edto

Fer

ri

high

Rat

e to

opH

/

Adj

ust

Rep

l.

Rep

l.

Fer

riH

igh

Ble

ach

pH

Uni

t/Fix

Rep

l.

Adj

ust

Rec

over

y

Rat

e T

oo H

igh

Fix

Rep

l. pH

and

/or

mal

fuct

ioni

ng/

Rec

over

y un

itIn

-Lin

e S

ilver

Fix

pH

Hig

h

(>5.

8)

Rat

e

Incr

ease

Fix

Rep

l.R

ate

Rat

e

Fix

Rep

l.

Low

Was

h

quat

e

Impr

ove

Sto

p W

ash

Sto

p

Inad

e-

CD

-2

Impr

ove

Sto

p R

epl.

in s

top

Hig

h

too

low

pH/R

ate

Adj

ust

Rep

l. ra

te

Rep

l. pH

too

Hig

h/

Impr

ove

Sto

p W

ash

low

Rat

e to

osh

ort/

Tim

e to

o

Hig

h C

D-2

in F

ix(>

0.05

g/L)

Hig

h S

top

pHS

top

Was

hIn

adeq

uate

Rev

iew

Dat

aR

epea

t Tes

tsM

ultip

le C

ombi

natio

n of

the

Fol

low

ing

Cau

ses:

Thi

s S

ympt

om c

an b

e th

e R

esul

t of A

ny O

ne o

r

pers

ists

Gre

en D

-min

Gre

en D

-min

disa

ppea

rs

Mix

a F

resh

Tan

k S

olut

ion

Con

tam

inat

ion

Elim

inat

e S

ourc

e of

Mix

Fre

sh P

reba

th o

r D

evel

oper

Run

By-

pass

Com

pare

with

Goo

d P

reba

th:

Filt

ers

Use

d

Vis

cose

Ray

onO

ther

Oth

erG

row

thB

iolo

gica

l

Run

Pro

cess

Om

ittin

g1s

t Fix

er T

est

Dev

elop

er C

onta

min

atio

nP

reba

th C

onta

min

atio

nPre

bath

Tes

tR

un P

roce

ss O

mitt

ing

Whi

ch S

econ

dary

Sol

utio

n?P

reba

th o

rD

evel

oper

Con

tam

inat

ion?

Sec

onda

ry S

olut

ion-

Rel

ated

Dev

elop

men

t-R

elat

edR

un F

ixed

-Out

Str

ip T

est

or S

econ

dary

Sol

utio

n R

ated

?Is

it D

evel

opm

ent-

Rel

atedBRG

(Gre

en O

nly)

Hig

h D

-min


Figure 10-17 Sound Track Process Analysis

F002_9023EC

(Gre

en O

nly)

Hig

h D

-min

Is it

Dev

elop

emen

tR

elat

ed?

YE

SN

O

YE

SN

O

only

) in

the

Pic

ture

Pro

cess

?Is

ther

e H

igh

D-m

in (

gree

n

See

Fig

. 10-

16

See

cha

rt o

nH

igh

D-m

in(G

reen

onl

y)

Sol

utio

nO

xida

tion

ofO

ld/E

xces

sive

Sou

nd D

ev. T

oo

Mak

e F

resh

Mix

Com

pare

with

Fre

shD

evel

oper

Com

pare

with

Fre

sh F

irst

Fix

er

Con

tam

inat

ion

Con

tam

inat

ion

Dev

elop

erS

ound

Ble

ach

Con

tam

inat

ion

of F

irst F

ixer

Act

ivity

Low

Dev

elop

erS

ee c

hart

on

See

Fig

. 10-

14

Mix

Err

orin

Sou

nd

Dev

elop

er

Che

ckM

ixin

gP

roce

dure

See

Fig

. 10-

20

Ret

aine

dS

ilver

Hal

ide

Firs

t Fix

erF

ixin

g in

Inco

mpl

ete

See

Fig

. 10-

15

Act

ivity

Hig

h D

evel

oper

See

cha

rt o

n

Dev

iatio

n fr

om P

roce

ss C

ontr

ol A

imD

eter

min

e S

ensi

tom

etric

Pro

cess

Pro

blem

Ver

ified

YE

S

Low

er IR

Den

sitie

sD

ensi

ties

Hig

her

IR

NO

NO

YE

S

Pic

ture

Pro

cess

?Is

ther

e lo

w a

ctiv

ity in

the

Pic

ture

Pro

cess

?Is

ther

e hi

gh a

ctiv

ity in

the


Figure 10-18 Retained Silver (Ferricyanide or UL Bleach)

F002_9091EC

Dis

card

a S

mal

lP

ortio

n of

Rep

l.&

Adj

ust

Che

mic

al L

evel

s

Rep

l. R

ate

Too

Low

Che

ck S

peci

ficG

ravi

tyA

djus

t Rat

e if

Nec

essa

ry

Che

ck R

epl.

&

Too

Hig

h in

Fer

ricya

nide

Ble

ach

Sul

fate

Bui

ldup

Adj

ust

Rep

leni

sher

Mix

Che

ck M

ixin

g/R

egen

erat

ion

Pro

cedu

re

Mix

/R

egen

erat

ion

Err

or

Sol

utio

nM

ix a

Fre

sh

& r

ecirc

ulat

ion)

Con

tam

inat

ion

(incl

. rep

l.E

limin

ate

Sou

rce

of

Tes

tR

un B

y-pa

ss

Con

tam

inat

ion

Ble

ach

Par

amet

er if

Nec

essa

ry

Che

ck &

Adj

ustS

hort

Tim

e to

o

or S

et T

oo L

owM

alfu

nctio

ning

Tem

p. C

ontr

ol

Rec

ircul

atio

nC

heck

for

Plu

ggin

g;B

ars/

Noz

zles

Che

ck

Agi

tatio

nLo

w

of B

leac

h O

ff S

pecs

?A

re th

e C

hem

ical

Ana

lyse

s

Ret

aine

d S

ilver

Mea

sure

men

ts O

ff S

pecs

?A

re th

e B

leac

h P

hysi

cal

NO

YE

S

NO

YE

S

NO

YE

SBle

ach

Rep

leni

sher

Off

Spe

cs?

Are

the

Che

mic

al A

naly

ses

of

(reg

ener

atio

n)


Figure 10-19 Retained Silver (Persulfate Bleach)

Sol

utio

n

Mix

aF

resh

F002_9022EC

Squ

eege

esF

ixer

Was

h

Che

ck 1

stF

ixer

and

1st

of A

ccel

.

Fix

erC

onta

m.

Acc

el.

Acc

el.

agita

tion

Exc

essi

veA

erat

ion

ofA

ccel

.

Mix

Rec

onst

itutio

nE

rror

Old

Acc

elM

ix a

nd/o

rT

ank

Kee

p m

ixin

gan

d st

orag

ere

cord

s

Che

ck M

ixin

gIn

stru

ctio

ns

Che

ck fo

r ai

rle

aks

and

exce

ssiv

e

Che

ck &

Adj

ust i

fne

cess

ary

Che

ckS

p G

r

repl

enis

her;

A

djus

t sol

utio

n

Dis

card

par

t of

YE

SN

ON

O

Sol

utio

n

para

met

er if

nece

ssar

y

Che

ck &

Adj

ust

Mea

sure

men

ts o

ff S

peci

ficat

ions

?A

re th

e B

leac

h T

ank'

s P

hysi

cal low

Tem

p. to

osh

ort

Tim

e to

oC

onta

m.

Ble

ach

Con

firm

ed,

Mix

a F

resh

Tan

k

Con

tam

.S

ourc

e of

Elim

inat

e

Run

By-

pass

Tes

t

Che

ck &

Adj

ust

para

met

er if

nece

ssar

y

Tem

p. to

ohi

gh

YE

S

Tim

e to

osh

ort

(Hyp

o)C

onta

m.

Acc

el.

Tan

k an

d R

epl.

Off

Spe

cific

atio

ns?

Are

the

Che

mic

al A

naly

ses

of A

ccel

erat

or

Ret

aine

d S

ilver

Mea

sure

men

ts o

ff S

peci

ficat

ions

?A

re th

e A

ccel

erat

or T

ank'

s P

hysi

cal

NO

YE

S

Rec

onst

itutio

n

Sul

fate

Bui

ldup

inB

leac

hR

eple

nish

men

tLo

w

Rat

e B

leac

hor

Acc

el.


Figure 10-20 Retained Silver Halide

F002_9016EC

Sol

utio

nM

ix a

Fre

sh

Che

ck U

nit

Mal

func

tion

Cor

rect

Rep

l. R

ate

Incr

ease

Che

ckR

epl.

Rat

e

Sys

tem

Rec

ircul

atio

nLe

aks

inE

limin

ate

Air

Che

ckM

ixin

g/R

econ

stitu

tion

Pro

cedu

re

Rep

l. R

ate

Too

Low

Silv

erR

ecov

ery

Uni

tM

alfu

nctio

ning

Che

ckS

peci

ficG

ravi

ty

Bui

ldup

aera

tion)

Sul

fate

Too

Hig

h(e

xces

sive

Mix

/R

econ

stitu

tion

Err

or

Con

tam

.S

ourc

e of

Elim

inat

e

Run

By-

pass

Tes

t

YE

S

Fix

erC

onta

m.

Tim

eT

oo L

ong

inB

leac

hA

ccel

.

Rec

ircul

atio

n

Bar

s/

Che

ck

Che

ck

Noz

zles

for

Plu

ggin

g

Too

Hig

hP

BA

-1 L

evel

Acc

eler

ator

Ble

ach

Per

sulfa

te

Nec

essa

ryP

aram

eter

ifA

djus

tC

heck

and

Too

Low

Low

Agi

tatio

n

Tem

p. C

ontr

olM

alfu

nctio

ning

or S

et

NO

NO

YE

S

of F

ixer

Rep

leni

sher

Off

Spe

cs?

Are

the

Che

mic

al A

naly

ses

Too

Sho

rtT

ime

Tan

k O

ff S

peci

ficat

ions

?A

re th

e C

hem

ical

Ana

lyse

s of

Fix

er

Ret

aine

d S

ilver

Hal

ide

Mea

sure

men

ts O

ff S

pecs

?A

re th

e F

ixer

Phy

sica

l

NO

YE

S


SPECIAL TESTSIn support of the diagnostic procedures, the following five special tests are required:• Verification Tests

• Solution By-pass Test

• Process Omitting Prebath Test

• Fixed-out Strip Test

• Process Omitting First Fixer Test

Verification TestsThere are two verification tests for suspected problems—retained silver and retained silver halide.

Retained SilverRetained silver is the result of ineffective bleaching. The symptoms are:• Increased density in the high-density areas of the film,

particularly D-max, with no changes in lower densities (such as D-min). It may be seen as increased contrast.

• The infrared density of the D-max patch increases. Normally, an infrared density (at 1,000 nm) of less than 0.07 is acceptable, between 0.07 and 0.14 is marginal, and greater than 0.14 is unacceptable. A sound track densitometer is a suitable instrument for this measurement.

Verification Test:

1. Prepare a small volume of fresh ferricyanide bleach, or use a known good solution of ferricyanide bleach replenisher.

2. Immerse the processed film with suspected silver retention in the bleach for 1 to 2 minutes. Agitate by moving the film strip manually. Wash the film for 30 to 40 seconds under running water.

3. Fix the strip for 1-2 minutes in a small volume of a good fixer solution, again agitating manually. Wash the film for 30 to 40 seconds.

4. Dry the film and reread the infrared density. An infrared density within the acceptable region (which had formerly been marginal or unacceptable) confirms silver retention. Lower optical densities also confirm retained silver.

Retained Silver Halide

Retained silver halide is the result of ineffective fixing. The symptoms are:• There are large increases in density (i.e., greater than

+ 0.10 R, G, and B) in both the D-min and D-max steps of the control strip. The overall contrast is only slightly increased.

• The infrared density of the D-max patch is normal. Normally, an infrared density (at 1,000 nm) of less than 0.07 is acceptable, between 0.07 and 0.14 is marginal, and greater than 0.14 is unacceptable. A sound track densitometer is a suitable instrument for this measurement.

• Opaque streaks are generally visible when the strip is viewed with reflected light.

Verification Test:

1. Re-fix the processed control strip for 1 to 2 minutes in a small volume of a fresh fixer replenisher solution or known good fixer replenisher. Agitate by moving the film manually. Wash the film for 30 to 40 seconds under running water.

2. Dry the film and reread the densities. If the D-min and D-max readings are down to normal control levels after refixing and/or the opaque streaks disappear, the problem can be attributed to retained silver halide.


Solution By-pass TestUse this test to check out any processing solution when it is suspected of causing a photographic deviation. It is particularly useful in avoiding unnecessary dumping of a suspected processing solution. Although the test is often used with secondary solutions, it can also be used to check out prebath and developer problems if an adequate “sink-line” process (i.e., with a controlled temperature bath) is available.

1. Obtain a sample of the suspected solution.

2. Mix a fresh sample of the solution in question or use a known good solution of the same type, i.e., from another processing machine.

3. In a sink-line process, run one set of control strips through the suspected solution, and the other set through the known good solution. Use normal processing times and temperatures. If possible, process both sets together at the same time. Use the same solutions for both sets of strips for all other processing steps.

Note: For secondary solutions, strips can often be processed in the machine up to the point in question. After cutting out the strip at the crossover, proceed as described above in a sink-line process. The strips may be spliced onto machine leader at the exit of the suspected solution and processed together for the remaining steps.

4. Compare the photographic results from the suspected solution and the known good solution. If the set of strips processed in the suspected solution deviates in the same direction as the actual photographic deviation, the suspected solution is causing the photographic effect. If the results between the two solutions are similar, repeat the test to check the other processing solutions, one at a time.

Note: Since sink-line tests may not give exactly the same results as machine runs, it is important to look at the difference between the sets of strips, even if they do not exactly match normal control strips.

Fixed-out Strip TestUse this test to help distinguish development-related sources of high green D-mins from those caused by secondary solutions.

1. Fix out a strip of KODAK Color Print Film for 1 to 2 minutes in a fresh fixer or replenisher solution. Wash and dry.

2. Process the above fixed-out strip along with a strip of unexposed print film (D-min).

3. Measure the red, green, and blue (D-min) densities of both strips and compare the readings.

4. Results/Action:

a. If high green D-mins disappear in the fixed-out strip, the stain is development related.

b. If high green D-mins persist, a secondary solution problem is implicated.

Process Omitting First Fixer Test (ECP-2D only)Use this test to help isolate the source of high green D-mins caused by secondary solutions.

1. Process a strip of KODAK Color Print Film omitting the first fixer. This can be done right on the film processor by skipping the first fixer racks.

2. Read the red, green, and blue densities of this strip and compare the results with the D-min of a normally processed strip of print film.

3. Results/Action:

a. If high green D-mins disappear in the print film strip when omitting the first fixer, the first fixer is most likely the solution causing the stain. Proceed with checking fixer pH levels and CD-2 contamination. Also, check ferricyanide bleach pH and/or any buffering agents that may have been added (a nonstandard addition).

Note: High green D-mins can also disappear in this test if the stop or stop wash is inadequate.

b. If high green D-mins persist, check for a contaminated solution after the first fix.


PROCESSED FILM PROBLEMS

Problem Appearance Possible Source of Problem Suggestion Corrective Action

Black lines and comets

Short, black lines and comets on emulsion surface. Shiny in reflected light.

Under certain conditions, the electrolytic silver cell in the fixer recirculation systems produces small, flocculent silver flakes. These flakes get into the fixer tank, attach to the emulsion, and then go through the fixer squeegee, where each one is smeared into a line or comet.

Use a 10- to 15-micron filter in the fixer return line from the cell, or correct operation of the cell.

Dirt particles Dark spots and marks. Easiest to see under high-intensity specular lighting.

Dirt may consist of dust, cloth filaments, hair, skin flakes, chemical crystals, scum, etc. Such dirt can come from machine operators, air-conditioning units, incorrect construction materials, lack of solution or dryer air filters, water hardness, poor housekeeping, etc.

Establish and follow good laboratory cleanliness procedures. For more information on laboratory cleanliness, refer to Module 2, Equipment and Procedures.

Yellow particles on surface.

Low fixer pH causes the formation of sulfur particles in the fixer.

Maintain the fixer pH within specifications.

Dots equally spaced apart, repeating

Showers of dots on emulsion.

Soft touch tire pressing on the emulsion during processing.

Be certain the emulsion does not ride on spools with soft-touch tires.

Emulsion skivings Small particles of emulsion sheared from the film edges and deposited on the film surface.

Spools improperly aligned, or with burrs. Check the machine spools.

Ferrotyping Irregular, shiny areas on the emulsion surface.

Wet or tacky emulsion at windup. Adjust the dryer to provide adequate film drying.

High windup tension on unprocessed films. Reduce the windup tension.

Unwinding and rewinding unprocessed cold film without allowing it to reach room temperature.

Always allow adequate time for film to come to room temperature before using.

Fungus or algae deposits

Light irregular smears, streaks, and spots.

Fungi and algae tend to form on the inside walls of the wash tanks. Their presence is indicated by a slippery and slimy feel to the tank walls.

A 5 1/4 percent solution of sodium hypochlorite, available as household liquid bleach (e.g., Clorox), can be used to clean the tank in order to control the formation of fungi and algae. See Control of Biological Growths in Module 2.

Magenta fingerprints

Touching the emulsion surface prior to processing. The film should be handled with lint-free nylon or Dacron gloves.

Newton’s rings Fuzzy, erratic, faintly colored lines.

High or uneven printer gate pressure. Adjust printer.

Low relative humidity in printing room. Raise relative humidity to 60 percent.

Preprint film was dried too fast or overdried. Adjust drying conditions of preprint film.

Cyan stain Contamination of Developer by hypo or RA-1. Discard developer.

Pink stain Magenta color balance in low density areas.

High level of CD-2 in stop or first fixer (ECP-2D only). See Figure 10-16, High D-min (Green Only).

Reticulation Rough emulsion surface.

High solution temperatures. Adjust to specifications.

Dryer temperature too high or relative humidity too low.

Adjust to specifications.

Scalloped or fluted edges

Excessive tension on the film strand. Check the processing machine for excessive tension in the film loops caused by a high rack or improper machine drive. Check for improper threading. Rectify either condition.


Scratches Light lines parallel to the film edges.

Deposits on rem-jet buffer. Install a buffer-cleaning nozzle, and replace the buffer roller regularly. Water from the cleaning nozzle must not run onto unsprayed rem jet. KODAK Anti-Calcium, No. 4, or equivalent, in the prebath prevents the precipitation of calcium or magnesium salts.

Old, hard, worn, crystal-laden, or maladjusted wiper-blade squeegees.

Use spring-loaded wiper blade squeegees of 40-durometer hardness or less. Keep them clean, and replace them when worn.

Cinching a roll of film before or after processing. Be certain that the machine take-up does not jerk the film roll. Train film handlers in proper film rewinding techniques.

Improper loading of processing machine. Always handle film with care. Examine equipment for sharp edges, burrs, etc, and eliminate them.

Machine spools that are not rotating freely or are out of line.

Check spools regularly, and replace bearings when necessary.

Chemical crystals or other foreign material on spools. Spools and racks should be cleaned regularly according to the procedures in the machine maintenance section of this manual.

Improper machine threading (a twist in the film) or improper splices.

These problems should be corrected according to normal processing procedures.

Shoreline Fuzzy contour lines near the edges of the film.

Nonuniform drying of the film emulsion. Reduce the temperature, or increase the relative humidity of the air in the drying cabinet.

Static marks Magenta and/or yellow spots and dots.

Rapid rewinding or transporting film in low relative humidity.

Unprocessed film should not be rewound at high speed. The relative humidity in the rewinding area should be 50 percent or greater.

Emulsion contact with flat electrophoretic rollers before processing.

Only undercut rollers should come in contact with the emulsion surface. Use conductive materials on the rewind, load accumulator, etc, and ground them.

Tacky film Inadequate final film squeegee action. Check the air flow, alignment and cleanliness of the final squeegee.

Inadequate drying conditions. Check the temperature, relative humidity, and flow rate of the air in the dryer cabinet. The heaters or the fan may not be functioning properly, or the air filters may be plugged with dirt. If the dryer uses recirculated air, be sure it is mixed properly with incoming air. Also check the humidity control of recirculated air. If the film is still tacky after all possible normal corrective measures have been taken, as a temporary measure, increase the temperature of the dryer air. Because increased air temperature can be injurious to the film, such action requires close attention to the physical appearance of the film.

Water spots Irregular areas on emulsion surface best seen in specular reflected light.

Lines, drops, or puddles of water allowed to enter the dryer on the film.

The final squeegee in the process must be very efficient and must remove virtually all water from the emulsion surface.



Fingering (ECP-2D only)

The edge of the sound track looks like tiny fingers reaching into the picture area

High surfactant level. Low thickener level. Check viscosity of sound track developer, if low, replace.

Application too heavy. Increase distance between applicator wheel and film.

Film insufficiently dry. Set-up or adjust pretreatment sqeegees and hot air treatments.

Bends or turns in the development path. For higher transport speeds less tolerance exists for film movement in the Z axis direction.


EntertainmentImaging

Minor Revision 7/06Printed in U.S.A.

Processing KODAK Color Print Films, Module 10Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Processes ECP-2D and ECP-2E

Processing KODAK Color Print Films, Module 10, Effects of Mechanical & Chemical Variations in Processes ECP-2D and ECP-2E

MORE INFORMATIONFor more information on motion picture products, call or write to the Entertainment Imaging office nearest you.

Or access Kodak’s home page on the Internet, web site address—

http://www.kodak.com/go/motionClick on either “Photography” or “Customer Solutions,”

then choose the Entertainment Imaging area. You may want to bookmark our location so you can find us more easily.

Kodak, Vision, 2383, 2393, 2395, and 3395 are trademarks.

Documents

Processing kodak motion picture films module 10 effects of mechanical & chemical variations in proce