Dual replenisher system reduces chemical losses and maintains optimum solution concentration during long nonprocessing cycles of photo processing machines. Using a single 3-position switch and solenoid control valves, the system provides instantaneous flow control to each processing tank

Kolber, J. M.

English

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LL oI1I	 I ILl: I 
Solenoid 
Valves 
Process
 Stream l Leader 
Stream	 Flowrator 
ii_fl Bypass Pump Valve
Film
Overflow 
Machine 
Drive 
Motor	 - 
M
Processor Tank
December 1967	 Brief 67-10485 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Dual Photochemical Replenisher System Reduces Chemical Losses 
3-Position Switch 
Film 
Off	 0 
Leader	 0 
Film Reel 
Flow 
Control 
Valves
Drain 
From Replenishment Tank 
The problem: 
To reduce chemical losses and maintain optimum 
solution concentration during long nonprocessing 
cycles of photo processing machines. Most photo 
processing cycles are relatively short with little 
chemical loss. However, in some special situations, 
where rapid film processing requires considerable 
leader time while maintaining optimum solution con-
centration, severe losses may result if no adjustment 
is made in the amount of developer flowing into the 
processing tank.
The solution: 
A dual replenisher system, incorporating a single 
3-position switch and solenoid control valves, pro-
vides instantaneous flow control to each processing 
tank, permitting cumulative savings during periods of 
intermittent operations. 
How it's done: 
The schematic drawing shows a typical tank section 
of a film processing machine and its replenisher sys-
tem. In the development of film, the density of the 
developed image depends upon the strength of the de-
veloper, the length of time the film is in the developer, 
(continued overleaf) 
qW
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights. 
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and the temperature of the solution. Since the machine 
keeps the film in the developer for a determined period 
of time, sufficient replenisher must be added to main-
tain the strength of the developer. 
Less replenisher is required when the leader goes 
through the processing tank than when the film is 
processed. To conserve the chemicals, there are two 
feed circuits: one governs the replenishing rate for 
the film; the other governs the replenishing rate for 
the leader. A 3-position switch operates the solenoid 
valves to select the flow rate, depending upon whether 
film or leader is moving through the unit at a given 
time. 
During film processing, higher replenishment is ob-
tained by setting the 3-position switch to the "film" 
position. This closes the solenoid valve in the leader 
stream and opens the solenoid valve in the process 
stream. Setting the switch to "leader" position re-
verses the valve sequence and low replenishment is 
obtained. Flow rates for different types of film are 
varied readily by adjustment of the flowrator valves 
in each stream.
The electrical circuit is interlocked with the drive 
motor on the processor to facilitate automatic shut-
down of the replenisher system. The switching system 
virtually elminates the chance of accidental activation 
during down time. 
Notes: 
I. Depending upon the leader and film processing 
times, savings may be estimated on the basis of 
film processing replenishment costs ranging from 
3 to 5 times the cost of processing the leader. 
2. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Kennedy Space Center 
Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899 
Reference: B67-10485 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: Joseph M. Kolber 
(KSC-67-I II) 
Brief 67-10485	 Category 02


Dual photochemical replenisher system reduces chemical losses

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