MICRO-WAVE DRYING

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78B04770A001700020014-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 28, 2006
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: September 1, 1966
• Content Type: MF

Approved For Release 2 & : CIA-RDP78B04770A001700020014-8
NPIC/P&DS/P-6-994
1 September 1966
SUBJECT: Micro-Wave Drying
1. from Westover AFB, gave me the following particulars 25x1
on their reques or contractual assistance on electronic micro-wave drying
for photographic processors:
a. The current capabilities of bulk processing at Westover
and in the field are dryer limited (1201/minute processing vs.
521/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.
c. uis building micro-wave guides and at the
present time is using such'a guide in a proto-
type film dryer for 35mm., B&W at 200'/minute This prototype
should be completed in about one month. The primary reason for
developing this dryer at Is for color. The speed capa-
bility for color was not known by but excessive speed
believes that the drying speed for-paper or film of
any type should be around 100'/minute in 92" Widths.
d. is not interested in
II II
prints or paper.
e. has submitted a proposal to Westover
for a high-spee _paper or film dryer using the micro-wave
technique and components. This proposal is for for a
prototype dryer capable of 200'/minute on a "new low gamma" film.
base and 100'/minute on any B&W film or paper in widths up to
9". Even though gcz;Lor__ was not a sp-Qcific requirement in this
proposal, sees no reason the dryer could not do color
f. has the funds for this deirelopment and would
like our assistance in getting a sole-source contract with H-F
as soon as possible.
pe
will supply the micro--wave guide for such applications.
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Approved For Release 2006/06/28: CIA-RDP78B04770A001700020014-8
 Approved For Release 2006/06/28'' CIP78B04770A001700020014-8
2. DDS&T) stated that since this procurement was
unclassified, and their charter for contracting is-limited to coc_ew word
items, this contract should go through the Officesof Logistics. He felt
that this would still be faster than Westover's route through 0 Also,
OL is currently contracting withand this might be handled as an add-
on. In either case (new contrac or old one), we might be able to combine
development with a specific development of our own for our
purposes. Also, we would be in an excellent position to monitor the
effort closely.
3. The P&DS current TPPD shows In FY-i-67 for a study and
in FY-68 for a developmental mo e of a color film/print dryer.
In discussions with Development Branch, has indicated that
they may want to make a separate dryer for film and one for pa er if
the study or separate studies so indicate. I understand
really wanted something off-the-shelf, if possible.4nd we just convinced
him a study was necessary in spite of the urgency of his requirement.
-I-. The capabilities and limitations of the electronic micro-wave
drying technique should be thoroughly investigated-to determine if a
study is required. I also informed me that several. co anies
are looking into micro-wave techniques (includin and
the potentials are great across the board. owever,
has been building successfully operating equipment for some time and are
under sub-contract to
5. is sending a copy of the 171roposal to P&DS and we
can review it in detail while communicating wl the Office of Logistics
regarding contract activities.
6. suggested that one of our development people go up
to and have a look at their 35mm. prototype.
7. I realize that color, and especially problems of curl, is
different in cut sheet or briefing board type prints than a continuous
processor. However, I Icould see no reason this technique
could not be applied. 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 gates. On the other hand, since
the device is relatively small, we may be able to move the gate over
the film or paper instead of moving the material through the gate.
8. I recommend that P&DS delay any procurement activity on a
color film/paper dryer study (Project 100+7) until this technique is
thoroughly evaluated.
U
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Approved For Release 2006/06/28: CIA-RDP78BO477OA001700020014-8
 a it P78 B04770A001700020014-8
SUBJECT: Micro-Wave Drying
Chief, Plans Branch, P&DS, NPIC
Distribution:
Orig. & 1 -- Addressee
1 -- P&DS/DB
1 -- P&DS EDLB
&DS
2 --
iL
Approved For Release 2006/06/28: CIA-RDP78B04770A001700020014-8