COLOR FILM/PRINT DRYER STUDY -- STAFF STUDY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B05167A001800070003-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 1, 2014
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: December 6, 1966
• Content Type: MISC

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/01 : CIA-RDP78B05167A001800070003-6
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6 December 1966
COLOR FILM/PRINT DRYER CTUDY -- STAFF STUDY
#10047
1. PROBLEM
To improve the NPIC capability in reproducing color photography by
increasing the ability to handle cut sheet color materials.
2. FACTS BEARING ON THE PROBLEM
a. The two new automatic color processing machines in NPIC/PSD can
yield increased production. These machines do not include any drying
system.
b. On every mission, NPIC prepares color viewgraphs showing the
flight path of the mission. Normally, more than 50 viewgraphs each of
several tracks are prepared for each mission.
c. The automatic color processing equipment in NPIC/PSD can process
sheet film or color paper at the rate of 200 8" x 10" sheets or equivalent
each hour.
d. The dryer cabinets for film, which can handle about 60 sheets
per hour, cannot handle the output of automatic color processing equip-
ment. '
e. There are no high quality, rapid color film or color paper
dryers commercially available that will solve the drying requirement of
the color sheet material produced in NPIC.
3. DISCUSSION
a. Current Procedure
(1) Cut sheet color films are presently dried in a drying
chamber or cabinet. The films are usually placed in film hangers
in the drying cabinet and hot air is circulated around the film.,
This method is time consuming and does nat dry the film in a quality
fashion, that is, the film is not dried so that there is no evidence
of watermaiks, abrasions, scratches, image distortion, peeling,
curl, fading, color shifts, mottling, etc.
(2) Glossy color prints are dried in much the same way as
glossy black and white prints. During the drying process, the
emulsion is kept in contact with a highly polished chromed surface,
usually a drum. The gelatin of the emulsion forms to the surface
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of the chromed plate or drum, leaving the print with a high gloss
finish. The drying process for glossing color prints, using
commercial black and white dryers, is very critical. The tempera-
ture and speed of the dryer have to be kept within close tolerances.
The output is limited because the dryers must use a slower speed
for color print materials.
(3) There are no commercial print dryers that can rapidly dry
color prints matte, in a quality manner. The most accepted method
uses hot air drying racks. The prints are placed face up on a
saran mesh shelf in the rack, where hot air is circulated around
them. This process takes at least 20 minutes and leaves curled
and wavy prints, which then have to be flattened in a dry mounting
press. During the flattening process there is danger of cracking
the emulsion.
(4) Another method of drying prints matte is allowing them to
air dry without applying heat. This method usually prevents severe
curling but requires several hours of drying time.
b. Origin of Concept
The need for advanced color film and paper dryers has been
recognized for several years. The requirement was formalized
in a recommendation from the NPIC Technical Development Staff
in July 1966. The need for improved color film dryers has also
been recognized by the Photo Lab of the Production Services
Division of NPIC...
c. Selection of Contractor
NPIC has solicited nine industrial corporations to bid on a
Color Film/Print dryer study. Five have submitted proposals. Of
the five, the proposal from
illustrates
a tnorougn understanding of the requii-ements as outlined in the
development objectives.
d. Proposed Program
proposes an eight-month program to investigate advanced
techniques for drying photographic color prints and color sheet films.
The most promising drying techniques will be investigated, and upon
NPIC approval, the most feasible approaches will be breadboarded.
The breadboards will demonstrate the recommended techniques and re-
sult in design parameters for an advanced color film and paper
dryer or dryers.
e. Program Phasing
? The contractor will submit monthly reports on expenditures;
work performed, and results obtained. After five months, the
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neclassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/01 : CIA-RDP78B05167A001800070003-6
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contractor will present recommended drying techniques, and upon
concurrence of NPIC personnel, breadboard hardware will be con-
structed to demonstrate the most promising techniques. From these
breadboard demonstrations the contractor will formulate, in the
final report, design parameters for an optimized color sheet
material dryer or dryers.
f. Coordination
This project has been coordinated with DDS&T/ORD. Members of
the Community have received advance narrative description of the
Project through the Committee on Photographic Exploitation (COPE).
g. Alternatives
An alternative to the study program would be to solicit bids
for hardware development. This method would probably result in
acquiring equipment that may not use the most efficient technique
in color material drying.
4. CONCLUSIONS
The new color processing machines in NPIC have increased the capability
to produce color sheet prints or transparencies. Rapid dryers using advanced
techniques are needed to accommodate the production from the two Color Auto-
mat Processors.
past experience in the area of film technology and photo-
processing techniques well qualifies them to perform the study.
5. RECOMMENDATION
It is recommen
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0-
t approval be granted to contract with
at a funding level of $67,313 for a Co or Film
.Frint Dryer study.
6. REFERENCES AND ATTACHMENTS
Tab A. Catalog Form
Tab B. Development Objectives (2)
Tab C. Program Phasing
Attachment:
Proposal
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/05/01 : CIA-RDP78B05167A001800070003-6