Kodak Module 9 User Manual
Processing
KODAK
Color Print Films,
Module 9
Process ECP-2E
Specifications
©Eastman Kodak Company, 2006
Table of Contents
FILMS AND PROCESS SEQUENCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
PROCESSING MACHINE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
OPERATING SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
PROCESSING CHEMICALS AND FORMULAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
OPTICAL SOUND PROCESSING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Designated Films. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Film Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Process ECP-2E Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Alternative Ferricyanide or UL Bleach Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Safelights for Darkroom Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Film Storage and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Other Film Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Machine Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Construction Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Filters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Crossover Squeegees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Dryer Cabinet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Film Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
Machine Exhaust and Room Ventilation Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Countercurrent Washes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Mechanical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-9
UL Bleach Formulations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Conversion to UL Bleach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Drying Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Turbulation Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-14
Wash-Water Flow Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Stop Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Bleach Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Final Wash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Rewashing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Packaged Chemicals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Bulk Chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Solution Mixing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Formulas and Analytical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Storage of Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Sound Track Operating Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Sound Track Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
MORE INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
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.
Process ECP-2E Specifications -0
9 PROCESS ECP-2E SPECIFICATIONS
This module contains specifications describing continuous
machine processing of Kodak color print films. The
following modules are also used in conjunction with Process
ECP-2E. Process ECP-2E differs from Process ECP-2D in
that there is no first fix or sound application.
Module 10 Effects of Mechanical and Chemical
Variations in Process ECP-2E
Module 1 Process Control
Module 2 Equipment and Procedures
Module 3 Analytical Procedures (for Chemical
Analyses)
Module 4 Reagent Preparation Procedures (for
Chemical Analyses)
Module 5 Chemical Recovery Procedures
Module 6 Environmental Aspects
FILMS AND PROCESS SEQUENCE
Designated Films
KODAK VISION Color Print Film / 2383
Performance Characteristics and Applications: This film is
designed for making projection-contrast prints from
camera-original color negatives, duplicate negatives, and
internegatives made from color reversal originals. Film 2383
has an ESTAR Safety Base.
For information on color balance, image structure,
sensitometric curves, printing conditions, and film storage,
see KODAK Publication H-1-2383.
KODAK VISION Premier Color Print Film / 2393
Performance Characteristics and Applications: Like its
counterpart KODAK VISION Color Print Film, VISION
Premier Color Print Film is coated on a polyester base
without rem-jet, for a cleaner process and cleaner screen
images. The upper tone scale of VISION Premier Color Print
Film is significantly higher in density than KODAK VISION
Color Print Film, so shadows are deeper, colors are more
vivid, and the image snaps and sizzles on the screen. The toe
areas of the sensitometric curves are matched more closely,
producing more neutral highlights on projection.
Cinematographers can be more creative with lighting and
exposure, and still see remarkable results.
For information on color balance, image structure,
sensitometric curves, printing conditions, and film storage,
see KODAK Publication H-1-2393.
KODAK VISION Color Teleprint Film / 2395 / 3395
Performance Characteristics and Applications: KODAK
VISION Color Teleprint Film / 2395 / 3395 is specifically
designed for making low-contrast contact or optical prints
from camera-original negatives, duplicate negatives, and
internegatives. This film has been optimized to produce low
contrast positive images that closely match the dynamic
range of telecine transfer mediums to produce excellent
video images.
Film 2395 / 3395 is coated on a new ESTAR Base
featuring proprietary Kodak technology that replaces rem-jet
with process-surviving, anti-static layer, and scratchresistant backing layer. This film has an efficient
antihalation layer under the emulsion layers, using patented
solid particle dyes that are decolorized and removed during
processing.
For information on color balance, image structure,
sensitometric curves, printing conditions, and film storage,
see KODAK Publication H-1-2395.
Film Structure
KODAK VISION Color Print Film / 2383, KODAK
VISION Premier Color Print Film / 2393 and KODAK
VISION Color Teleprint Film / 2395 / 3395 are multi-layer
films with incorporated-color couplers. Figure 9-1, is a
diagram of the film structure.
Figure 9-1
Cross Section of Unprocessed Color Print Films
EXPOSING LIGHT
Gel Protective Coat
Green-Sensitive Emulsion
Clear Gelatin Interlayer
Red-Sensitive Emulsion
Clear Gelatin Interlayer
Blue-Sensitive Emulsion
Anti-Halation Dye Layer
Stubbing Layer
U-Coat
Safety Film Base
4.7 Mil ESTAR Base
U-Coat
Conductive Anti-Static Layer
Scratch Resistant T-Coat W/Lube
This drawing illustrates only the relative layer arrangement of the
film and is not drawn to scale.
F002_0252AC
The upper green-sensitive layer contains a colorless
coupler that is converted to magenta dye during
development, proportional to green-light exposure. The next
emulsion layer is red-sensitive and contains a colorless
coupler that forms a cyan dye, proportional to red exposure.
The bottom emulsion layer is blue-sensitive, and contains a
colorless coupler that forms a yellow dye, proportional to
blue exposure.
The conductive anti-static layer and scratch resistant
T-coat with lube are process surviving and retain their
properties after processing.
KODAK VISION Color Print Films can be processed
without a prebath and rem-jet removal and rinse, as indicated
in Table 9-1. These films can be processed directly with the
developer solution since they do not have a rem-jet backing
to remove.
Process ECP-2E Specifications 9-1
Process ECP-2E Steps
Table 9-1 Persulfate Bleach Sequence
Step Function
1. Developer Reduces exposed silver halide grains in all three ligh t-se nsiti ve layers. Th e d eveloping agent
2. Stop Stops the development of silver-halide grains and washes Color Developing Agent CD-2
NOTE: The film can now be handled in white light.
3. Wash Removes excess acid stop.
4. Accelerator Prepares the metallic silver presen t for the action of the persulfate bleach.
5. Bleach (persulfate) Converts the metallic silver from both the sound track image and picture image that was
6. Wash Removes residual bleach from the film, preventing contamination of the following solution.
7. Fixer Converts the silver-halide compounds formed in the picture area during bleaching to soluble
8. Wash Removes unused fixer and the residual soluble si lv er thiosul f ate co mple x sa lts f ormed during
9. Final Rinse Prepares the film for drying.
10. Dryer Dries film for subsequent handling.
11. Lubrication Promotes longer print projection life. It may be an in- or off-line operatio n. See Module 2,
is oxidized b y t he exposed silver halide, and the oxidation product couples with the particular
dye coupler incorporated within each layer to produce dye images. A silver image is formed
simultaneously at the expos ed silver-halide sites.
from the film.
formed during color development, to silver-halide compounds that can be removed by the
fixer. In the sound track, the silver image formed during color development is converted to
silver halide by the bleach. It is then redevelope d to a silver image by a black-and-white
developer solution.
silver thiosulfate complex salts that are removed from the film in this fixer and subsequent
wash.
fixing.
Equipment and Procedures.
If a customer wishes to retain the first fix and the first fix wash from Process ECP-2D, the sound application may still be skipped
by threading the film directly from the bleach wash into the second fix.
Alternative Ferricyanide or UL Bleach Sequence
The steps and their functions are the same as in the
recommended process, except the 20-second accelerator and
40-second persulfate bleach is replaced with a 60-second
ferricyanide or UL bleach.
Film Storage and Handling
Ideally, processed film should be stored at 21°C (70°F) or
lower, and 40 to 5 0 percent relative humidity for shortterm or active storage. For long-term storage conditions,
store at 2°C (35°F) or lower at a relative humidity of 20
to 30 percent . In ge neral , dy e stability during long-term
Safelights for Darkroom Illumination
When film is handled in a darkroom, whether printer room or
processing room, safelights are used to provide enough light for
working without fogging the film.
KODAK VISION Color Print Film / 2383, KODAK
VISION Premier Color Print Film / 2393 and KODAK VISION
Color Teleprint Film / 2395 / 3395 can be handled under
illumination provided by standard safelight fixtures fitted with
the KODAK No. 8 Safelight Filter / dark yellow. A sodiumvapor lamp fitted with KODAK WRATTEN Gelatin Filters
storage improves significantly with reduced temperature.
See KODAK Publication No. H-23, The Book of Film
Care, for more information.
Care must be exercised in the handling of print film to
avoid scratches and/or dirt that will be noticeable on the
projected print. Film handlers should use lint-free nylon
or polyester gloves and handle the film by the edges as
much as possible. Suggestions on film handling during
processing are presented in Module 2, Equipment and
Procedures.
No. 23A and 53 or 57, plus a neutral density filter to reduce the
illumination intensity, can also be used. Conduct a careful
safelight test before production work is started. The processing
steps after the stop bath can be carried out in normal room light.
Other Film Characteristics
For information on the physical characteristics of Kodak
motion picture films (including edge identification,
antihalation backing, perforations, and dimensional
change characteristics), as well as cores, spools, winding,
and packaging, refer to KODAK Publication No. H-1,
KODAK Motion Picture Film.
9-2 Process ECP-2E Specifications
PROCESSING MACHINE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Machine Design
The films intended for Process ECP-2E are processed in roll
form in a continuous processing machine. Film is
transported through the various solution tanks, emulsion side
out, on a series of spools. These spools are mounted in racks
that fit into the tanks, and film is threaded over the spools so
that it travels in a continuous spiral on each rack. The film
should not be allowed to contact any part of the machine that
can damage either the support or the emulsion side of the
film. A soft rubber tire has been used successfully on flat
spools to create a uniform film-support surface consisting of
many soft, flexible fingers.
can be helpful in minimizing physical damage to the film,
can be used on all rollers that contact the film base.
Rollers contacting the emulsion should be undercut as
shown in Figure 9-2. Soft-touch tires can leave marks on the
emulsion. Some machines use undercut rollers with
sprockets to drive the film.
Figure 9-2
Soft-Touch Tire (Left) and Undercut Roller (Right)
*
Such a soft-touch surface, which
The required treatment or solution time for each
processing solution and wash is obtained by installing an
appropriate number of racks in the various solutions and
washes for a specific film transport speed. The size and
number of racks are predetermined by the machine
manufacturer. Some machine manufacturers build racks
with the upper spools fixed and the lower spools mounted on
a floater or slider. With such racks, solution times can be
controlled by adjusting the positions of the floaters. To
provide adequate agitation of the developer at the emulsion
surface, the developer tank is equipped with a turbulator. A
turbulator is a submerged series of tubes, having nozzles or
drilled holes at various locations along the tubes, pointing
toward the film strand. The turbulator can be an integral part
of the machine rack. For more information on turbulator
design, see Module 2, Equipment and Procedures.
The processor should be a conventional deep-tank
machine. Submerged rollers and rack-drive assemblies are
recommended for all solutions to minimize the splattering of
solutions and aerial oxidation of the developer and fixer.
Figure 9-3 is a schematic of a typical processing machine for
Process ECP-2E using the recommended persulfate bleach.
Figure 9-4 is a schematic of a typical processing machine for
Process ECP-2E using the alternate ferricyanide or UL
bleaches. Squeegees should be used at all the locations
shown in the schematic to reduce contamination and
minimize loss of solution by carry-over into subsequent
solutions.
Eastman Kodak Company does not market processing
machines or auxiliary equipment suitable for Process
ECP-2E. However, a list of some manufacturers of
processing equipment can be obtained through the
Professional Motion Imaging offices.
F002_0254AC
* Described in A Soft-Touch Surface Designed for Scratch-Free MotionPicture Film Processing, Journal of the SMPTE, 79:712-715, August 1970.
Process ECP-2E Specifications 9-3
Figure 9-3 Machine Schematic for Process ECP-2E with Persulfate Bleach Sequence
DRYER
Normal Room Light
SQUEEGEE
EXHAUST
EXHAUST
FINAL
RINSE
WASH
FIXER
WASH
BLEACH
PERSULFATE
BLEACH
ACCELERATOR
40180 40 20 40 40 40 60 10
STOPDEVELOPER WASH
Dark
FILM FEED ON
Solution times are in seconds.
F002_1280EC
9-4 Process ECP-2E Specifications
Figure 9-4 Machine Schematic for Process ECP-2E with Ferricyanide or “UL” Bleach Sequence
DRYER
Normal Room Light
Dark
SQUEEGEE
EXHAUST
RINSE
6040 1040
6040180 40
WASH FINAL
FIXER
WASH
FERRICYANIDE
STOP
DEVELOPER WASH
or
"UL"
BLEACH
BLEACH
Solution times are in seconds.
FILM FEED ON
F002_1281EC
Process ECP-2E Specifications 9-5
Construction Materials
The construction materials recommended for the developer,
stop, fixer, and bleach solutions are listed in Table 9-2. All
the bleaches are quite corrosive. The UL bleach is slightly
more corrosive than ferricyanide bleach, but less corrosive
than persulfate bleach. Titanium, Hastelloy C, and
engineering plastics such as PVC are, therefore,
recommended materials for persulfate bleach. Use plastics
compatible with low pH solutions (less than pH 5).
Red brass is commonly found in ferricyanide bleach
systems, it will quickly be dissolved by persulfate bleach and
UL bleach. In addition to machine tanks, it is often found in
fittings, flowmeters, heat exchangers, and valves. Small redbrass parts have been found even when the bleach tank is
constructed of titanium, Hastelloy C, or PVC.
The following materials are compatible with ferricyanide
or “UL,” but not acceptable with persulfate bleach.
Monel is a commonly used staple material; it is dissolved
by persulfate bleach in several hours. Stainless-steel staples
are recommended for extended lifetime in persulfate bleach.
Standard carbon-steel staples will show some corrosion, but
maintain their integrity in persulfate bleach much longer
than Monel-type staples. In all cases, it is a good practice to
avoid extended exposure of staples to any bleach solution.
Some plastic and elastomeric materials will be degraded
by persulfate bleach. This degradation is accelerated by the
presence of chlorine in the bleach. Some materials known to
be degraded by persulfate bleach are low-density
polyethylene, acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene, nylon 6/6,
and neoprene. All plastics and elastomeric materials (other
than PVC, RTV-60, silicone, and Vitron) should be tested
before being used in persulfate bleach. Most plastics,
including PVC, will discolor in persulfate bleach, but retain
their mechanical properties. Tygon tubing, which turns
white, is an example of this effect.
For best process control, equip the holding tank for the
color developer replenisher with a tight-fitting floating
cover. The cover will minimize air oxidation of the solution,
and absorption of carbon dioxide from the air, which would
change the pH. Clearance between the cover and the tank
wall should not be greater than
Polyethylene sheeting of
adequate covers in sizes up to 3 feet (1 metre) in diameter. A
dust cover alone permits air to come in contact with the
solution and will allow some air oxidation to take place. Dust
covers should be used for non-developer solution to
minimize dirt in the replenisher tanks.
Additional information on materials construction and
information on their use are given in The SPSE Handbook of
Photographic Science and Engineering, Materials of
Construction for Photographic Processing Equipment
section. You may also contact the Kodak Information Center
at 1-800-242-2424.
1
⁄4 inch (6.4 mm).
1
⁄2 inch (12.7 mm) thickness makes
9-6 Process ECP-2E Specifications
Table 9-2 Construction Materials for Process ECP-2E
Solution
Plastics
(Polyvinyl
Chloride or
Polyolefins)
Titanium Hastelloy C
Austenitic
Stainless Steel
AISI Type 316
*
Bleach (Ferricyanide or “UL”):
Tanks and Racks •
Mixing Tanks •
Replenisher Holding Tanks •
Piping, Pumps, Valves, and Filter Cores •
Overflow Holding Tank •
†
†
†
†
†
••
••
••
••
••
Bleach (Persulfate):
Tanks and Racks •
Mixing Tanks •
Replenisher Holding Tanks •
Piping, Pumps, Valves, and Filter Cores •
Overflow Holding Tank •
†
†
†
†
†
••
•••
‡
••
••
••
Accelerator:
Tanks and Racks •
Mixing Tanks •
Replenisher Holding Tanks •
Piping, Pumps, Valves, and Filter Cores •
†
†
†
†
•••
•••
•••
•••
Stop:
Tanks and Racks •
Mixing Tanks •
Replenisher Holding Tanks •
Piping, Pumps, Valves, and Filter Cores •
†
†
†
†
••
•••
•••
§
§
••
Others:
Tanks and Racks ••••
Mixing Tanks ••••
Replenisher Holding Tanks ••••
Piping, Pumps, Valves, and Filter Cores ••••
* AISI Type 316 Stainless Steel has been extensivel y tested and is satisfactory for the uses listed in the table above. Refer to The SPSE Handbook of
Photographic Science and Engineering, Materials of Construction for Photographic Processing Equipment Section for information on other Austenitic
Stainless Steels.
† Plastics compatible with low pH solutions should be used (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene). The compatibility of other
plastics should be evaluated under actual use.
‡ Short-term storage of persu lfate bleach in stainless steel tanks is ac ceptable.
§ Provided the concentration of sulfuric acid specified for the stop is not exceeded and fresh replenisher is always used.
Process ECP-2E Specifications 9-7
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