MICRO-WAVE DRYING

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04747A001400020016-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 7, 2001
• Sequence Number: 16
• Publication Date: September 1, 1966
• Content Type: MF

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Approved For Release 2001/08/13: CIA-RDP78B04747A00140Od2OO16-8
NPIC/P&DS/P-6-994
1 September 1966
MEMORANDUM FOR: Assistant for Plans and Development, NPIC
SUBJECT: Micro-Wave Drying
a. The current capabilities of bulk processing at Westover
and in the field are dryer limited (1201/minute processing vs.
* 52'/minute drying). PSD has the same problem.
b. Micro-wave drying has been used outside the photographic
area for some time for many drying applications.
1. from Westover AFB, gave me the following particulars
on their request for contractual assistance on electronic micro-wave drying
for photographic processors:
25X1A c. is building micro-wave guides
d
an
is
id
such
e in a prozo-
gu
``""^ type film dryer
2001/minute.
Yer for 35mm., B&W at This prototype
25X1A should be completed in about one month. The primary reason for
develo
in
thi
p
g
s dryer at i.s for color. The speed capa-
25X1A bility for color was not own M"y
is not our problem. Twenty-feet/mi.nute* ore th
but an adequateeandeed
25X1A believes that the drying speed for paper or film of.
25X1A 'any type should be around 1001/minute in 92" widths.
i%pli d. is not interes
25X1A buildin processors for reconnaissance film, but
25X1A
25X1A
25X1A
25X1A
will supply the micro-wave guide for suc applications.
e. has submitted a proposal to Westover
for a high-speed paper or film dryer using the micro-wave
technique and components. This proposal is for for a
prototype dryer capable of 2001/minute on a "new low gamma" film
base and 100'/minute on any B&W film or paper in widths up to
92". Even though color was not a specific requirement in this
proposal sees no reason the dryer could not do color
prints opaper.
f. has the funds for this development and would
like our assistance in getting a sole-source contract with H-F
as soon as possible.
DECLASS REVIEW BY NIMA / DoD
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04747A00$400020016-8
 8. I recommend that P&DS d
elay any procurement activity on a
color film/paper dryer study (Project 100k+'() until thi technique is
thoroughly evaluated. S
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Approved For Release 2001/08/13 : CIA-4D{P78B0747A001400020016-8
SUBJECT: Micro-Wave Drying
25X1A 2. (DDS&T) stated that since this procurement was
unclassi ied, and their charter for contracting is limited to code-word
25X1A items, this contract should go through the Offices of Logistics. He felt
that this would still be faster than Westover's route through Also
25X1A OL is currently contracting wit and this i
h
25X1A
25X1A
*400
25X1A
25X1A
25X1A
25X1A
25X1A
v.ng the material through the gate.
on. In either case (new contra old one), we
mighthbedableatoacombii
the - development with a specific development of our own for our ne
purposes. Also, we would be in an excellent position to monitor the
effort closely.
The P&DS current TPPD shows
nF 67 for a study and
in FY-68 for a developmenta
I
model of
discussions with Development Branch a color film/print dryer.
has
e foricapeed that
they may want to make a separate dryer or film and on
the study or separate studies so indicate. I understa
nd
really wanted something off-th
h
e
-s
elf)if possible,and we just convinced
him a study was necessary in spite of the urgency of his requirement.
4. The capabilities and limitations of the electronic micro-wave
drying technique should be thoroughly investigated to determine if a
study is required. also informed me that several:cnmp
are looking into micro-waves +echn; ~,, /_. _ , anies
-- UILtj has been building successfullyCoperating`~equ
however,
under sub-contract to g Pment for some time and are
25X1A 5, is sending a copy can review Pin detail while communicatingewi thepOfficeoof&Logistics
regarding contract activities.
25X1A 6.
suggested that one of our development people go up
25X1A to and have a look at their
35mm? prototype.
7. I realize that color, and especially problems of curl, is
25X1A different in cut sheet or briefing board type prints than a continuous
processor. However could see no reason this technique
could not be applie . We do have print straighteners, and drying
takes the long time period. Speed, of course, is not our problem, as
previously stated. It may be possible to control emulsion layer drying
by a series of micro-wave evaporative gats. the device is relatively small, we may beeable0totmovetthegategaud, s over
erce
the film or paper instead of mo
78B04747A0014 016-8
 Approved For Release 2001/08/13: CIA-RDP78B04747A001400020016-8
SUBJECT: Micro-Wave Drying
Chief, Plans Branch, P ,
Distribution:
Orig. & 1 -- Addressee
1 P&DS/DB
1 S EDLB
1 -_ P&DS
2 -- P&DS PB
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