Choosing a paper process, Processor utilization – Kodak C-41RA User Manual

Page 4

Choosing the Right Chemicals for Your Minilab

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J-36

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

If EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher is

not yet available in your country, use the table and products
below:

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.

F002_0994AC

EKTACOLOR PRIME SP Developer Replenisher (New)

EKTACOLOR RA Developer Replenisher RT

(102 x 152 cm)

prints per day:

Tank

(Litres)

olume

250

125

375

500

750

1250

1000

2500

1875

4 x 6 - inch

F002_0938AC

EKTACOLOR PRIME Developer Replenisher