Practical Application of an Ion-Exchange Method for Color-Developer Reuse

The continuous processing of photographic films and papers generates chemical overflows that have high material value and a potential for reuse. The author reviews the practical application of ion-exchange equipment and the methods which can be used for the recovery of a color-developer overflow from a continuous process for Ektacolor paper. First, a pilot plant is described, and its operational functioning and results are discussed. Then, a production unit for batch recovery of color-developer overflow from the same continuous machine is described. Some practical considerations are also given regarding future recovery methods of other developers by application of the techniques of ion exchange.