Systems and methods for developing relief precursors to obtain relief structures

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for (thermal) development of relief precursors. The system has a developing device for developing a relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate. The system has an exhaust member for receiving a gas stream having a volatile component generated during thermal development of the relief precursor. The system also has a liquid collection device configured to condense the vaporized volatile component to obtain a liquid. The liquid is preferably collected using centrifugal force.

Description

field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of systems for developing relief precursors, such as systems for thermal or solvent development. The relief precursors can be developed into relief structures, such as printing plates or sleeves and / or relief structures for use in relief printing, such as flexographic or letterpress relief printing. The invention also relates to methods for thermally or solvent-developing relief precursors. background

[0002] In conventional processes for thermally developing printing plates, the precursor is heated and volatile components may escape and evaporate into the air within the thermal development equipment. In conventional processes for solvent-developed printing plates, some components may escape from the solvent, which may cause contamination within the solvent development equipment.

[0003] Volatile components can contaminate equipment and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to separate and collect volatile components in an appropriate manner. Several approaches have been developed to address this contamination issue. However, existing methods often suffer from the drawbacks of being complex and / or requiring high energy input.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to separate and collect volatile components in a safe and energy-efficient manner.

[0005] US 2005 / 084791 discloses a method and apparatus for thermally developing photosensitive elements, and in particular a method and apparatus for controlling vapor and condensation generated during thermal processing of photosensitive elements. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to limit contamination within a system for developing relief precursors.It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to meet the need to separate and collect volatile components during the development of relief precursors in a safe and energy-efficient manner.

[0007] According to one aspect, a system for developing a relief precursor is provided, the system comprising a developing device, at least one exhaust member, and a liquid collection device. The developing device is configured to develop the relief precursor and obtain a developed relief structure. The developing device may be a thermal developing device or a solvent developing device. The at least one exhaust member is configured to receive a gas flow having evaporated volatile components generated during development of the relief precursor. The liquid collection device is connected to the at least one exhaust member and configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid.

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention are based on the recognition that by configuring a vent to receive evaporated volatile components, the volatile components can be captured at the point of evaporation and transferred to a liquid collection device. In this way, a certain amount of volatile components can be captured, which is beneficial for safety and environmental reasons. Furthermore, by having a liquid collection device connected to at least one vent and configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid, the evaporated volatile components can be collected in a safe manner without requiring a large amount of energy.

[0009] The system described herein offers advantages over methods that heat and use a catalyst to oxidize the components to form air with carbon dioxide and water vapor. However, such catalysts can be expensive and may require replacement, resulting in operational downtime. Furthermore, the heating required in catalytic methods requires additional high energy input. Furthermore, the system described herein can achieve higher efficiencies compared to methods that solely use static adsorption materials (e.g., activated carbon, charcoal, alumina, zeolites) to capture volatile components.

[0010] Preferably, the liquid collection device is configured to collect the liquid with the evaporated volatile components using centrifugal force. Such force can be easily provided and results in the liquid with the components being easily collected. By collecting the liquid, the volatile components can be easily disposed of, for example via an outlet.

[0011] The relief precursor (eg, a printing plate relief precursor) can be developed into a developed relief structure (eg, a developed printing plate) by any suitable development apparatus, including thermal development apparatus and solvent development apparatus.

[0012] When the precursor is thermally developed, the developing device is a thermal developing device configured to heat the relief precursor and to remove liquefied portions of the heated relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, wherein evaporated volatile components are generated during the heating of the relief precursor. Thermally developed relief precursors are described in EP 3 629 089 A1 and are incorporated herein by reference.

[0013] When the precursor is solvent-developed, the development apparatus is a solvent development apparatus comprising a solvent rinsing apparatus configured to remove portions of the relief precursor using a solvent (also referred to as a developer or rinse solution). Solvent development is described in EP 4009106 A1. Suitable equipment for solvent development, also referred to as a rinse apparatus, is described in WO 2021198012.

[0014] Preferably, the liquid collection device is provided with an outlet configured to allow the collected liquid to be removed from the collection device. This allows the operator to easily dispose of the liquid containing the captured components. The outlet can be designed to direct the liquid to, for example, a container, preferably a removable container. In this way, the liquid can be stored in the container.

[0015] Preferably, the liquid collection device comprises a rotor having one or more impact surfaces for impacting the airflow with the evaporated volatile components, such that droplets of liquid with the volatile components are formed on the impact surfaces, and wherein the collection device is preferably configured to remove the droplets from the impact surfaces using centrifugal force. In this way, the droplets retaining the volatile components can be easily separated from the airflow and collected in a safe manner. By separating the components from the air within the airflow, the airflow is (at least partially) purified.

[0016] Preferably, the housing is configured to direct captured liquid to an outlet to allow removal of the liquid from the collection device. More preferably, a peripheral channel is defined between the housing and the rotor, the channel being configured to direct the liquid to the outlet. Preferably, a capture rib is provided adjacent the outlet, the capture rib being configured to capture the liquid and direct it to the outlet.

[0017] Preferably, the rotor is arranged within a housing having an outlet, wherein a peripheral channel is defined between the housing and the rotor, the peripheral channel being configured to direct liquid to the outlet. In this manner, for example, liquid droplets removed from the impact surface can be collected via the outlet. The one or more impact surfaces of the rotor preferably extend in a radial direction, preferably toward the central rotational axis ca of the rotor.

[0018] Preferably, the liquid collection device has a housing, such as a cylindrical housing, wherein a rotor, such as a cylindrical drum, is rotatably arranged within the housing, wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about its central axis so that liquid on the rotor is thrown outwardly from and / or through the rotor under the action of centrifugal force, pressing against the housing. By causing the liquid on the rotor to move outwardly, volatile components can be separated and collected in a safe manner without the need for complex steps or high energy input. Preferably, the housing is configured to guide the obtained liquid to an outlet to allow the liquid to be removed from the collection device. More preferably, the housing is provided with capture ribs arranged within the housing to capture the liquid and guide the liquid to the outlet. By having capture ribs, a larger volume of liquid can be collected and a larger volume of liquid can be subsequently extracted from the liquid collection device.

[0019] The rotor can be formed as a cylindrical drum with openings for allowing liquid to pass through as the rotor rotates; wherein the openings are formed, for example, as a pattern of holes distributed on the cylindrical drum. By providing holes in the drum, droplets of liquid with evaporated volatile components can be separated and collected in a safe manner.

[0020] The rotor may be provided with one or more blades serving as impact surfaces for impacting the evaporated volatile component, and the one or more blades may generally be arranged such that, upon rotation of the rotor, they generate a flow for attracting the airflow with the evaporated volatile component. In this manner, contaminated air with the evaporated volatile component or air with droplets of the volatile component may be drawn from the evaporation location and conveyed via at least one exhaust member to a liquid collection device, thereby facilitating separation and collection in a safe manner.

[0021] The one or more blades preferably each have a surface area measured from the side affecting the airflow, wherein said surface area is at least 150 cm 2 , preferably at least 200 cm 2 , more preferably at least 275 cm 2 In this way, the efficiency of the collection of volatile components can be increased. The surface area is understood to be the surface area of ​​one side of an individual blade of the one or more blades, more specifically the area that is impacted when the blade rotates.

[0022] Preferably, the rotor is configured to rotate at a speed greater than 800 rpm, preferably greater than 1000 rpm, preferably greater than 1500 rpm, more preferably between 800 rpm and 4000 rpm, such as between 2500 rpm and 4000 rpm. Surprisingly, it has been found that these rotational speeds can achieve good capture rates, allowing the collection of volatile components in a safe manner. It is worth noting that the speed can be controlled manually or automatically by a configured control device (e.g., a controller). The control device can be configured to control the rotational speed of the rotor of the liquid collection device. The control device can be configured to rotate the rotor at a constant or alternating speed.

[0023] The rotor preferably has an inner wall made of and / or covered with a porous material. This allows for improved separation efficiency. Examples of porous materials include open-cell foam, porous membranes, porous metals, metal wool, woven or nonwoven materials. Combinations of these are also possible.

[0024] The system may also be provided with a silencer arranged to mute noise from the liquid collection device, such as noise from the rotor. The silencer preferably comprises foam, such as polyether foam, as this dampens the noise. This dampening is beneficial for the comfort of nearby operators.

[0025] The liquid collection device can be arranged at a higher level than the thermal developer, preferably at least 0.5 meters higher, more preferably at least 1 meter higher. This arrangement allows for easier access to the developed relief (e.g., developed printing plate). This arrangement can further enhance the comfort of nearby operators, as the noise of the collection device (which may have a rotating rotor) is further removed from nearby operators when the system is operated.

[0026] The system may also be provided with a container, preferably a removable container, for storing the collected liquid including the volatile component.

[0027] Preferably, the system is further provided with a gas-liquid separator, which is arranged downstream of the liquid collection device and is connected to receive the flow exiting the liquid collection device (e.g., exiting from the outlet as described above). The separator is configured to separate the liquid from the gas. The gas can be returned to the liquid collection device via a feedback arrangement. The separated liquid can be stored in a container. Preferably, the separator is configured to feed the gas flow back to the liquid collection device and feed it upstream of the muffler or feed it to the muffler.

[0028] Preferably, the system includes one or more conduits connecting the at least one exhaust member to the liquid collection device. The conduit may be provided with one or more drains for draining liquid from the conduit to facilitate maintenance and / or cleaning. The drains are typically positioned within the conduit such that liquid within the conduit is directed to the drains via gravity. This facilitates maintenance.

[0029] The system is preferably configured to allow the air flow with the evaporated volatile components to be at a rate of 50 m 3 / hr to 3000m 3 / hr, preferably 100m 3 / hr to 2900m 3 / hr, more preferably 100m 3 / hr to 1500m 3 / hr, 600m3 / hr is the most preferred 3 / hr to 800m 3 The flow rate of liquid from the exhaust member to the liquid collection device can be about 1 / hr. The flow rate can be controlled by a controller or control system. The flow can be generated by the rotation of one or more blades of the rotor and / or by one or more fans to help generate the airflow.

[0030] The at least one exhaust for receiving the airflow having evaporated volatile components can include a first exhaust, a second exhaust, and optionally a third exhaust. The first exhaust is positioned at a first location, the second exhaust is positioned at a second location, and the optional third exhaust is positioned at a third location. The first location and the second location are selected so that the airflow having evaporated volatile components is received from different locations. In this manner, a greater volume of contaminated air within the system can be captured and purified and / or extracted from the system. Having multiple exhausts facilitates the collection of volatile components, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), components of the rinse solution that evaporate during solvent development, or compounds that evaporate when the relief precursor is heated during thermal development.

[0031] The system may also include one or more restrictor plates disposed in one or more conduits, the one or more restrictor plates connecting the corresponding exhaust to the liquid collection device. Preferably, at least two restrictor plates are disposed in at least two conduits to adjust the relative flow rates within the at least two conduits. The presence of restrictor plates in the conduits can improve the collection of evaporated volatile components by concentrating suction to locations of higher demand.

[0032] The developing means may be any means suitable for converting a relief precursor (typically pre-exposed with UV so as to have cured and uncured portions) into a relief structure, preferably the developing means is a thermal developing means.

[0033] A relief precursor typically includes a photosensitive layer (also called a curable layer). The material within this layer can be cured using UV light. The relief precursor may also include a dimensionally stable support layer for supporting the photosensitive layer. Additional layers may be present between the layers. The photosensitive layer may be pretreated to produce cured and uncured portions, for example by exposing the photosensitive layer to a photosensitive composition. Depending on the technology and material type of the photosensitive layer, either the cured or uncured portion can be liquefied (typically by heating) and subsequently removed by any suitable removal means. An example of exposure is described in EP4009106A1.

[0034] The thermal development apparatus may include a heater (e.g., an IR lamp), a developer (e.g., including a heated roller and a liquefied portion removal system for contacting a web of relief precursor), and a support member (e.g., a support roller). The heater is configured to heat and liquefy a portion of the relief precursor and is preferably selected from the group consisting of an IR lamp, a device for delivering a stream of hot gas or liquid, a heated surface, or a combination thereof. The developer is arranged to remove the liquefied portion or portion from the relief precursor. The support member is arranged to support the relief precursor. Preferably, the support member is selected from the group consisting of a rotating roller, an endless belt, a flat or curved bed, an oscillating belt, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the developer includes a heated roller having a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm to 360 mm, particularly at the location where the support member contacts the developer. This curvature has been found to result in a relief structure with desirable properties.

[0035] The support and / or developer may be provided with a compressible layer, preferably having a compression modulus between 10 kPa and 20,000 kPa, at least where the support and developer contact each other. Optionally, a relief precursor may be provided between the support and developer. Thus, the support and developer may be in direct or indirect contact with each other. Designing the support and / or developer, preferably the support, with such a compression modulus may yield a relief structure with improved printing properties. The compression modulus may be measured according to EN ISO 604:2003.

[0036] The developer of the thermal developing device preferably includes one or more of the following: - a rotating drum, preferably a heated roller having a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm to 360 mm, an endless belt, an (oscillating) flat or curved bed, an (oscillating) belt, a brush, a rotating brush or any combination thereof, the rotating drum being preferably a heated roller having a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm to 360 mm, as this achieves the desired removal of the liquefied portion.

[0037] - a material capable of removing, absorbing or adsorbing the liquefied material of the relief precursor, said material preferably comprising a film of woven or non-woven material, a natural or artificial polymer, paper, metal, a composite material or a combination thereof; - a surface intended to come into contact with the relief precursor, said surface being provided with a metal, an alloy, a glass, a ceramic, a polymer, a composite material or a combination thereof.

[0038] In addition to the liquid collection device, the system may also be provided with a separation device, preferably selected from a paper filter, an electrostatic filter, a metal mesh filter, or a metal wool filter. The separation device is preferably arranged downstream of the liquid collection device and connected to receive the air flow exiting the liquid collection device. In this manner, the separation and optional collection of volatile components can be further facilitated without resorting to complex and energy-intensive methods.

[0039] Another aspect relates to the use of a moving impact surface, such as a blade, to collect volatile substances generated by a relief precursor during thermal development of the relief precursor. The impact surface, for example, is the surface of a blade, and the movement preferably includes rotation of the impact surface. Rotation has been found to facilitate the capture and collection of volatile substances (also known as volatile components). More preferably, the blade is attached to a rotating axis that extends substantially parallel to the airflow containing the volatile substances. In this manner, the blade impacts the volatile substances transversely to the airflow, allowing the volatile substances to be captured on the blade surface. The relief precursor typically comprises a photosensitive layer containing a curable or crosslinkable material that cures upon exposure to UV light. After exposure, cured and uncured portions are produced in the photosensitive layer, allowing one portion to be liquefied and removed, leaving the relief pattern within the photosensitive layer. This use provides a benefit in that the relief precursor can be developed in a safer manner.

[0040] Another aspect relates to a method for thermally developing a relief precursor. The method comprises the following steps: - providing a relief precursor; - heating the relief precursor and removing the liquefied portion of the heated relief precursor in order to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; The evaporated volatile components are collected from the airflow by causing the airflow containing the evaporated volatile components to impinge on an impact surface, thereby forming a liquid on the impact surface, and subsequently collecting the liquid. The liquid containing the components is preferably collected using centrifugal force. The impact surface is preferably a rotor blade. The effects and benefits explained in conjunction with the above-described system apply mutatis mutandis to the embodiments of the method. By causing the evaporated volatile components to be collected by impinging the airflow with the volatile components, the relief precursor can be developed in a safer manner. More importantly, by collecting the volatile components, the comfort of nearby operators can be increased. Nearby operators can thus be protected from the generation of unpleasant and / or strong odors. The relief precursor can include a photosensitive layer supported by a mechanically stable support layer.

[0041] Another aspect relates to a method for solvent developing a relief precursor. The solvent developing method comprises the following steps: - providing a relief precursor; typically having an exposed portion and a non-exposed portion; - developing the relief precursor by removing parts of the relief precursor (e.g., the unexposed parts) with a solvent (also called a developer or rinse solution) so as to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; - collecting the evaporated volatile components from the gas stream by impinging said gas stream with the evaporated volatile components on an impingement surface such that liquid forms on said impingement surface and subsequently collecting said liquid.

[0042] The relief precursor may be subjected to a pre-exposure step with UV light to produce exposed and unexposed parts, so that one of the two parts can be washed away during development, thereby obtaining the relief structure.

[0043] The method preferably has the step of rotating the rotor at a speed greater than 800 rpm, preferably greater than 1000 rpm, more preferably greater than 1500 rpm, even more preferably between 800 rpm and 4000 rpm, such as between 2500 rpm and 4000 rpm. Thus, high efficiency and capture or collection of volatile components can be achieved.

[0044] The method preferably includes the step of conveying the air containing the evaporated volatile components from the exhaust member to a liquid collection device (which may have one or more of the features described above). The exhaust member is configured to receive the air flow containing the evaporated volatile components generated during the heating of the relief precursor. The liquid collection device is configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid. The air may be conveyed at a rate of 50 m / s. 3 / hr to 3000m 3 / hr, preferably 100m 3 / hr to 2900m 3 / hr, more preferably 100m 3 / hr to 1500m 3 / hr, 600m3 / hr is the most preferred 3 / hr to 800m 3 The air flow may be provided via any flow generating device (such as a blower or fan) and / or via one or more blades of a rotor of the liquid collection device. The method may further comprise controlling the flow rate using a control device.

[0045] Collecting the liquid preferably comprises collecting the liquid in a container. The container may be removable. In this way, ease of handling is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and purposes of the present invention will become more apparent and the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 3 is a more detailed schematic diagram of a system having a thermal developing device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a thermal developing apparatus.

[0050] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid collection device.

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a flushing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus being provided with a liquid collecting device.

[0052] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a gas-liquid separator.

[0053] It should be easily understood that the same or similar elements denoted by the same reference numerals can have the same features and effects. Detailed description

[0054] The relief precursor as described herein may be any suitable precursor with which a developed relief is formed, preferably by thermal development.The developed relief or relief structure obtained may be used for flexographic and letterpress printing.

[0055] Relief precursors typically include a photosensitive layer with a component that cures or changes properties when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The precursor can be exposed to electromagnetic radiation in (predetermined) selected areas, resulting in cured and uncured portions in the photosensitive layer. Following exposure, the photosensitive layer can be developed, thereby removing either the exposed or unexposed portions, leaving behind the relief pattern. Exposure of the precursor can be performed in several ways.

[0056] The first way is to expose the material through a mask. This photographic mask has transparent areas that define the areas of the precursor to be cured. Electromagnetic radiation passes through the transparent areas and cures the underlying photosensitive layer. A second way to use a mask is to create the relief pattern directly in situ on the relief precursor, for example by using a laser-ablatable mask layer, where the pattern is generated using a laser light source. Other methods such as thermographic writing can be used to create the mask pattern. More details on exposing relief precursors are given in EP 4 009 106 A1 (particularly paragraph 83 and related). Figure 1 and Figure 2 A. Figure 2 B) and EP 4009106 A1, incorporated herein by reference. After exposure, the precursor can be developed. Development of the precursor can be performed in several ways, such as solvent development and thermal development. In thermal development, the precursor is heated to liquefy portions of the precursor so that they can be removed, leaving behind portions that form the relief.

[0057] Figure 1A system 1 for thermally developing a relief precursor RP is schematically shown. After development, a developed relief DR is obtained. The developed relief DR can be any relief structure, such as a printing plate or sleeve and / or a relief structure for relief printing.

[0058] The relief precursor may have a photosensitive layer PL supported by a mechanically stable support layer SL. Other layers may be present, examples being oxygen barrier layers, laser ablatable mask layers, adhesion layers, UV / VIS light and / or IR light absorbing layers, monomer diffusion control layers, surface control layers, protective or cover foils or combinations thereof.

[0059] The obtained relief structure, i.e. developed relief DR, can be used as a flexographic printing plate, relief printing plate, relief printing plate, (flexible) printed circuit board, electronic component, microfluidic component, microreactor, electrophoretic cell, photonic crystal, optical component or Fresnel lens.

[0060] Examples of photosensitive compositions used in the photosensitive layer of the precursor are at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound, at least one photoinitiator or photoinitiator system, a binder. Further details of photosensitive compositions are given in EP 4 009 106 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] Figure 1 A developing device 10 is also shown. The developing device 10 may be a device for developing the relief precursor using a solvent (also referred to as a developer), or a device such as a thermal developing device for heating the relief precursor. When heated, a liquefied portion may be formed, which is then removed to obtain a developed relief DR.

[0062] The developing device 10 can be configured in any suitable manner to remove the liquefied portion of the heated relief precursor. The system 1 is provided with an exhaust 40 for receiving a gas flow containing volatile components generated during the heating of the relief precursor. The volatile components can escape from the relief precursor through partial or complete evaporation. The gas flow is denoted by AFC. The volatile components can be present in the gas flow in any possible phase (e.g., vapor) or in the form of small droplets, resulting in a mist-like gas flow. The exhaust 40 is connected to the liquid collection device 20.

[0063] The exhaust member 40 may also be referred to as an exhaust manifold for collecting evaporated volatile components, or more specifically, air with volatile components. The exhaust member 40 may serve as an inlet or inlet manifold for a device that forms a connection with a liquid collection device, such as one or more conduits.

[0064] More importantly, the liquid collection device 20 can be connected to the at least one exhaust member 40 via any suitable means for forming such a connection, preferably one or more conduits 50. The liquid collection device 20 is configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid. More preferably, the liquid containing the evaporated volatile components can be collected by centrifugal force.

[0065] Figure 1 Also shown is a conduit 50 connecting the exhaust member 40 to the liquid collection device 20. It should be noted that there may be several conduits connecting several manifolds to the liquid collection device 20 (e.g., a manifold 50 may be combined with a manifold 50). Figure 3 (as further explained herein) The manifold is preferably positioned near a location where volatile components may escape from the relief precursor. For example, near or in proximity to a heating source disposed within the system for heating the relief precursor. The one or more conduits 50 may be provided with one or more drain ports for draining liquid from the one or more conduits.

[0066] The air flow with the evaporated volatile component AFC can be 3 / hr to 3000m 3 / hr, preferably 100m 3 / hr to 2900m 3 / hr, more preferably 100m 3 / hr to 1500m 3 / hr, most preferably 600m 3 / hr to 800m 3 A flow rate of 1000 t / hr is delivered from the exhaust member 40 through the conduit 50 to the liquid collection device 20. The flow rate can be provided by any suitable means for generating a flow, such as a blower or fan, so that the evaporated volatile components AFC are delivered to the liquid collection device 50. The means for delivering the flow can be arranged at any suitable location relative to the exhaust member or the collection device 50.

[0067] For example, a fan (not shown) generating suction can be positioned downstream of the liquid collection device 20, drawing the airflow AFC toward the liquid collection device. More preferably, the liquid collection device 20 itself can be configured to create or generate suction. The liquid collection device can include a rotor having one or more blades rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation and configured to generate suction upon rotation. The blades (not shown) can serve as impact surfaces to impact the airflow containing the evaporated volatile component AFC, causing droplets of the volatile component to form on the impact surface. Centrifugal force can then be used to remove the droplets from the impact surface. The liquid collection device is preferably further configured to collect the liquid in a container or to collect the liquid via an outlet.

[0068] It is worth noting that, in addition to the liquid collection device, a separation device (not shown) may also be provided to the system. The separation device is preferably selected from a paper filter, an electrostatic filter, a metal mesh filter, or a metal wool filter. The separation device is preferably arranged downstream of the liquid collection device and connected to receive the air flow AF flowing out of the liquid collection device.

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to another exemplary embodiment. Identical or similar features are denoted by the same reference numerals. System 1 can be implemented as an apparatus having a housing accommodating a developing device 10. The developing device 10 can be a solvent or thermal developing device, preferably a thermal developing device. The liquid collecting device 20 can be as Figure 1 Placed outside the housing as shown or as Figure 2 Shown placed in the housing.

[0070] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to another exemplary embodiment. The figure shows a system 1 having a developing device 10 (preferably a thermal developing device) and a liquid collecting device 20. The figure also shows exhaust members 40, 41, 42 connected to the liquid collecting device 20 via a connecting device 50 (here in the form of a conduit 50).

[0071] The exhaust members 40, 41, 42 are arranged to receive a gas flow containing evaporated volatile components AFC. More specifically, the exhaust members 40, 41, 42 are arranged to receive a gas flow containing evaporated volatile components AFC. The volatile components AFC can escape from the relief precursor when the relief precursor is heated, for example, by one or more heating sources (e.g., heater 11). The heater 11 is preferably an IR lamp, so that the relief precursor RF is preheated before contacting the heated roller 12a. The developing device 10 is arranged within a housing, while the liquid collecting device 20 is arranged outside the housing (as described above in conjunction with the embodiment of the present invention). Figure 1 As an alternative, the liquid collecting device 20 may be arranged inside the housing (as described above in conjunction with Figure 2 explained).

[0072] Figure 3 Further shown are examples of a support 13 and a developer 12 arranged to remove liquefied portions from a relief precursor. One or both of the support 13 and developer 12 can be configured to provide additional heat when needed. The support 13 can also be cooled by a passive or active cooling system. The developer 12, as shown, is shown as a system having a heated roller 12a, which is arranged to contact the relief precursor RF so that a web 12b is pressed against it, which carries away the liquefied portion of the relief precursor. The web 12b can be made of a material that can remove, absorb, or adsorb the liquefied material of the relief precursor. Other techniques can be used in addition to or as an alternative to removing the liquefied portion of the relief precursor.

[0073] Figure 3 The liquid collecting device 20 may have any one or more of the features as explained herein, in particular as explained in conjunction with the other figures.

[0074] Figure 3 The liquid collection device 20 is shown positioned above the thermal developer 10, preferably at least 0.5 meters, more preferably at least 1 meter. The liquid collection device 20 can also be arranged so that when the system is installed or in operation, it is at a height h above the ground level GL of at least 1.2 meters, more preferably at least 1.4 meters, and even more preferably at least 1.5 meters. This arrangement improves the comfort of nearby operators and reduces their exposure to (unpleasant) noise. This arrangement further provides convenient access to the developed relief patterns.

[0075] Figure 3 It is further shown that the system 1 is provided with a container 25 to collect the obtained liquid with components from the collecting device 20 via the outlet 24. The container may be removably arranged for easy disposal. The liquid collecting device 20 preferably has a capture rib 23 ( Figure 3 Not shown in Figure 5 ) to capture the liquid and direct it to outlet 24.

[0076] Figure 3 Also shown is a conduit 50 connecting the exhaust members 40, 41, 42 to the liquid collection device 20. It should be noted that one or more exhaust members may be present. The exhaust member may serve as an inlet manifold for drawing in air containing evaporated components that have escaped the relief precursor RP. That is, components may escape from the relief precursor and should be captured and collected to avoid contamination within the system 1. The conduit 50 connecting the exhaust members 40, 41, 42 to the liquid collection device 20 is provided with a drain port 51 for draining liquid from the conduit. The drain port 51 is arranged at a relatively low position compared to one or more of the developing device 10 and the liquid collection device 20. In this way, the liquid in the conduit 50 is directed to the drain port 51 via gravity. In this way, ease of maintenance is provided.

[0077] The conduit 50 is preferably configured to allow for 3 / hr to 3000m 3 / hr, preferably 100m 3 / hr to 2900m 3 / hr, more preferably 100m 3 / hr to 1500m 3 / hr, most preferably 600m 3 / hr to 800m 3 / hr air flow rate, as it was found that such a flow rate is conducive to obtaining high efficiency.

[0078] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated system, a first exhaust member 40 is positioned at a first location above support member 13. A second exhaust member 41 is positioned at a second location lower than the first location. An (optional) third exhaust member 42 is positioned at a third location lower than the first and second locations. In this manner, air streams containing evaporated volatile components are received from various locations within the system and can be extracted via conduit 50 and delivered to liquid collection device 20.

[0079] The conduit 50 may be provided with one or more restrictor plates 52 , 53 . Figure 3 A first restrictor plate 52 is shown disposed in a conduit connecting a first exhaust 40 (also referred to as a manifold) to a liquid collection device. A second restrictor plate 53 is disposed in another conduit connecting to a second exhaust 41. The restrictors can be arranged in any suitable manner to regulate the flow in conduit 50. In this manner, the suction force can be adjusted and set as needed to provide more suction at locations where more extraction of volatile components is desired.

[0080] Restrictor plates can also be included Figure 4 In the example shown.

[0081] Figure 4 An example of a thermal developing device 10 is shown in more detail. The developing device may be combined with Figure 3 The thermal development apparatus is identical to the one previously described. The thermal development apparatus comprises a heater 11, a developer 12, and a support 13. The heater is configured to heat and optionally (pre-)liquefy portions of the relief precursor RP. The heater may be an IR lamp, a device for delivering a stream of hot gas or liquid, a heated surface, or a combination thereof.

[0082] The developer 12 is configured and arranged to remove the liquefied portion from the relief precursor. The support 13 is arranged to support the relief precursor, in particular so that when the heated roller 12a of the developer is pressed against the relief precursor ( Figure 4 The support member 13 shown in the figure is a rotating drum, which optionally has an active cooling system for cooling the back side of the relief precursor.

[0083] Preferably, the heated roller 12a of the developer 12 has a radius of curvature in the range of 20 mm to 360 mm, particularly at the point where the support contacts the developer. The contact point is indicated by 13a. It has been found that this curvature results in a relief structure with desirable properties. The roller 13 preferably has a compressible layer with a compression modulus between 10 kPa and 20,000 kPa to achieve improved properties of the resulting developed relief structure.

[0084] It will be appreciated that the developer 12 can be configured in any suitable manner, for example, including one or more of the following: a rotating drum, an endless belt, an (oscillating) flat or curved bed, an (oscillating) belt, a brush, a rotating brush, or any combination thereof. The developer 12 has a web 12a or is configured to receive a web 12a made of a material capable of removing, absorbing, or adsorbing the liquefied material of the relief precursor.

[0085] Figure 4 Also shown are at least exhaust members 40, 41, and 44, which are positioned to receive the (contaminated) airflow generated when the relief precursor is heated by the heated roller 12a. The exhaust members 40, 41, and 44 are arranged at different locations to receive the generated contaminated air from different locations. In this way, the contaminated air containing volatile components can be transported to the liquid collection device 20 via the duct 50. Preferably, one or more ducts 50 are provided with one or more drain ports 51 for draining liquid from the duct. Typically, the transport of the airflow containing volatile components in the duct 50 is facilitated by a suction flow or force generated by one or more blades of the liquid collection device 20. Furthermore, a fan and / or blower may be provided.

[0086] The conduit 50 is configured to allow a flow of gas with evaporated volatile components at a rate of 50 m / s (as measured at the inlet of the collecting device 20). 3 / hr to 3000m 3 / hr, preferably 100m 3 / hr to 2900m 3 / hr, more preferably 100m 3 / hr to 1500m 3 / hr, the most preferred is 600m 3 / hr to 800m 3 A flow rate of 1000 t / hr flows from the exhaust members 40, 41, 42 to the liquid collection device 20 through one or more conduits 50. The flow rate in each conduit can be set as needed by arranging one or more flow restriction plates 52, 53, 54. If liquid forms in the conduit, it can be discharged through the drain 51. The drain is preferably positioned so that the liquid in the conduit 50 flows to the drain under the influence of gravity.

[0087] Figure 5 A preferred embodiment of a liquid condensation device 20 is shown. The figure shows a liquid collecting device 20 having a rotor 21 which is provided with blades 22. The blades 22 preferably extend inwardly from the (inner) side wall of the rotor 21 towards the axis of rotation ca. Other configurations of the blades may be possible, as long as the blades impact the air flow AFC with volatile components such that droplets with the volatile components are formed on the impact surfaces of the blades. In this way, at least some, preferably all, of the volatile components are separated from the air flow such that the air flow AF is purified. The rotor 21 is configured such that the droplets are removed from the impact surface 22 and are pressed against the outer rotor housing 23 using centrifugal force. The component C can then be removed via the outlet 24 and optionally collected in a container 25 ( Figure 5 not shown).

[0088] The airflow AFC can be delivered to the liquid collection device in any suitable manner, preferably via one or more conduits 50 (as described above). The blades 22 can be configured so that suction is generated when the blades rotate. In this way, the airflow AFC can be extracted from the system and drawn to the liquid collection device 20.

[0089] The blades may extend in any radial direction, although preferably the blades extend towards the central rotation axis ca.The rotor 21 is preferably a perforated drum having side walls from which the blades extend in an inward direction towards the rotation axis.

[0090] Figure 5 A housing 23 is shown, having a rotor 21 rotatably disposed therein. Housing 23 is configured to direct the collected liquid to an outlet 24 to allow removal of the liquid from the collection device. The housing is preferably cylindrical. The housing can also be formed as an assembly (not shown) having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion that are removably connected to each other. In this manner, housing 21 can be opened to provide easy access to internal components (such as the rotor) if cleaning or maintenance is required.

[0091] A peripheral passage 28 is defined between the housing 23 and the rotor 21, the peripheral passage being configured to direct the liquid to the outlet 24. The liquid may then be directed to a container (not shown). Figure 5It is further shown that the housing 23 is provided with a capture rib 23a. The capture rib is configured to capture liquid and guide the liquid to the outlet 24. In this way, a liquid having a component C can be provided. The outlet 24 can transport the liquid together with the component to a container 25 configured to allow easy removal. The capture rib is arranged on the inner side of the housing 23 and can have any shape, such as an L-shape or a U-shape, to capture the liquid and guide it to the outlet 24. Preferably, the capture rib 23 extends along the entire inner circumference of the inner side wall. The housing can have a lower portion having an inlet for receiving the contaminated air flow AFC. The housing 23 can also have an upper portion. The capture rib 23 is located in the upper portion of the housing 23. Figure 5 It is further shown that, as seen in the length direction, the rotor is arranged between the inlet 26 and the outlet 24. In other words, the inlet 26 is upstream of the rotor 23 and the outlet 24 is downstream of the rotor 23. The capture rib 23a is arranged downstream of the outlet 24 and is arranged to capture liquid and guide it to the outlet 24.

[0092] Figure 5 An optional second outlet 29 is also shown. Second outlet 29 is configured to allow additional removal of liquid from collection device 20. Preferably, second outlet 29 is disposed in a lower portion of housing 23, preferably at the bottom, so that liquid can be removed. Preferably, second outlet 29 is disposed in a position in the housing that allows for the removal of liquid via gravity. Outlet 24 is typically disposed further upstream of second outlet 29.

[0093] The rotor 21 may be arranged according to any suitable arrangement with respect to gravity, preferably such that the axis of rotation ca extends in the same direction as gravity.

[0094] Figure 5 The rotor 21 is shown having a perforated drum, the sidewalls of which are provided with openings 21b. The openings 21b (or holes) are distributed across the drum, which is preferably cylindrical. The openings 21b can be provided as openings (also referred to as perforations) having any suitable shape or pattern. The perforations can be provided using any suitable technique and can have any shape (such as slits or circular shapes). Any shape is possible, as long as the liquid on the blades 22 can pass through and be pressed against the outer shell 23. Preferably, the openings 21b have a pattern of holes or perforations, with the perforations being substantially circular, preferably having a diameter between 0.5 cm and 2 cm.

[0095] Figure 5The air flow AFC having components to be separated from the air is shown using arrows so that the air AF is purified. By rotating the rotor 21 about its central axis ca, the liquid on the rotor 21, in particular the liquid on the blades 22, is pressed outwardly against the housing 23 under the action of centrifugal force. In the case where one or more blades 22 are provided with perforations 21b, the liquid can be forced through the perforations. The blades 22 are arranged so that they generate a flow (or suction) for attracting the air flow AFC having evaporated volatile components when the rotor rotates. The rotation of the rotor 21 is indicated by the arrow in the counterclockwise direction. Of course, a clockwise direction is also possible. The rotation can be controlled in any suitable manner by the control device 60. The rotor 21 is preferably configured to generate a flow that attracts contaminated air AFC from the system, the flow rate of the flow AFC being 50m / s. 3 / hr to 3000m 3 / hr, preferably 100m 3 / hr to 2900m 3 / hr, more preferably 100m 3 / hr to 1500m 3 / hr, most preferably 600m 3 / hr to 800m 3 The blades are configured to draw the air flow AFC through the duct 50 . A safety grid (not shown) may be provided between the duct 50 and the liquid collecting device and / or between the duct and the rotor 21 .

[0096] Rotation of rotor 21 can be provided by any suitable means, such as a motor 50, preferably an electric motor. The motor can generate a rotational speed sufficient to draw polluted air (AFC) from the system. The motor can be controlled by control device 60 in any suitable manner to control the rotational speed of rotor 21. Preferred rotational speeds are greater than 800 rpm, preferably greater than 1000 rpm, preferably greater than 1500 rpm, and more preferably between 800 rpm and 4000 rpm, such as between 2500 rpm and 4000 rpm.

[0097] Figure 5 Further shown is a muffler 80 positioned downstream of the rotor. The muffler is preferably configured to suppress noise from the rotor. The muffler may be a foam, such as polyether foam. The muffler may also comprise or consist of metal and muffler cotton. The inclusion of a muffler may improve the comfort of nearby operators.

[0098] Figure 5 A rotor 21 is shown. The rotor 21 is shown as having an inner wall 21c. The inner wall may be made of and / or covered with a porous material, such as open cell foam, porous membrane, porous metal, metal wool, woven or non-woven material.

[0099] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrates an apparatus 1000 for processing a relief plate precursor, such as a printing plate precursor RP (also designated P). The apparatus is, for example, a washing apparatus for washing the relief plate precursor with a liquid (also referred to as a washing liquid or developer) and / or solvent-developing the relief plate precursor. Other treatments are also possible, such as brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiation, thermal development, heating, cooling, removing material from the relief plate precursor, treating the relief plate precursor with a gas or liquid, grinding the relief plate precursor, cutting the relief plate precursor, treating the relief plate precursor with electromagnetic waves, or combinations thereof. Further details of this apparatus are described in WO2021198012, particularly in conjunction with pages 9-11. Figure 6 Further shown is an apparatus having a liquid collection device 20, an exhaust 40 (also referred to as a manifold), and a conduit 50, which may have one or more of the features described above. During plate flushing, some components (denoted by AFC) may evaporate from the flushing liquid (not shown) and may then be collected by the liquid collection device 20 via the exhaust 40.

[0100] Figure 7 A liquid collection device 20 is shown, which may have one or more features as described herein. The collection device may be connected to one or more exhaust members (not shown) as described above to receive the airflow AFC, for example, via an inlet 26. As previously described, volatile components within the airflow AFW are captured by the liquid collection device 20 and may be extracted via an outlet 24. The stream Cgl extracted from the outlet 24 may include a mixture of liquid and gas (e.g., air).

[0101] Preferably, the system is further provided with a gas-liquid separator 90 , which is arranged downstream of the liquid collecting device 20 and is configured to receive the flow having the condensed volatile component Cgl from the outlet 24 .

[0102] Figure 7 The gas-liquid stream Cg1 provided to the separator 90 is shown to be separated into a gas stream Cg and a liquid stream C1. Preferably, the gas-liquid separator 90 is connected to the outlet 24 to receive the gas-liquid stream Cg1 therefrom. Preferably, the separator 90 is configured to deliver the liquid stream C1 to the container 25 so that the liquid can be stored in the container 25. The separator 90 can be configured to discharge the stream Cg directly into the surrounding environment, or can be configured to feed the stream Cg back to the liquid collection device 20.

[0103] Flow Cg can exit the system directly (not shown), for example, via outlet 62, or can first be fed back to liquid collection device 20. Any suitable return flow arrangement can be used to feed flow Cf back into the system before exiting the system, for example, via final outlet 62. Preferably, separator 90 is configured to feed flow Cg back into liquid collection device 20. Preferably, flow Cg is fed to silencer 80 and / or upstream of silencer 80 (indicated by arrows) to suppress the noise generated by the flow. In this way, the comfort of nearby operators is improved.

[0104] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in different ways and based on different principles. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The embodiments and drawings described above are purely illustrative and are intended only to increase understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A system (1) for developing a relief precursor, the system comprising: a developing device (10) configured for developing the relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; at least one exhaust member (40, 41, 42) for receiving a gas flow having evaporated volatile components generated during development of the relief precursor; A liquid collecting device (20) is connected to the at least one exhaust member, the liquid collecting device being configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain liquid, wherein the liquid collecting device (20) is configured to collect the liquid with the evaporated volatile components using centrifugal force.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The system is a system for thermally developing the relief structure; wherein the developing device is a thermal developing device (10), the thermal developing device (10) being configured for heating the relief precursor and for removing a liquefied portion of the heated relief precursor to obtain the developed relief structure; and wherein the evaporated volatile components are generated during the heating of the relief precursor.

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid collecting device (20) is provided with an outlet (24) configured to allow the collected liquid to be removed from the collecting device.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid collection device (20) comprises a rotor (21) having one or more impact surfaces (22) to impact the gas stream with the evaporated volatile component so that droplets with the volatile component are formed on the impact surfaces, and wherein the collection device is preferably configured to remove the droplets from the impact surfaces using centrifugal force.

5. System according to the preceding claim, wherein The one or more impact surfaces (22) of the rotor (21) extend in a radial direction, preferably towards a central rotational axis (ca) of the rotor.

6. System according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein: The liquid collecting device (20) comprises a housing (23), such as a cylindrical housing, wherein the rotor (21) is rotatably arranged within the housing; The rotor is configured to rotate about its central axis (ca) such that liquid on the rotor is pressed outwardly against the housing by centrifugal force.

7. System according to the preceding claim and claim 3, wherein The housing (23) is configured to direct the captured liquid to the outlet (24) to allow removal of the liquid from the collection device.

8. System according to the preceding claim, wherein A peripheral passage (28) is defined between the housing and the rotor, the passage being configured to direct liquid to the outlet.

9. System according to the preceding claim, wherein Capturing ribs (23a) are arranged within the peripheral channel and are configured to capture liquid and direct it to the outlet (24).

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 9, wherein: The rotor (21) comprises a cylindrical drum (21a) having openings (21b) for allowing liquid to pass through when the rotor rotates; wherein the openings are formed, for example, as a pattern of holes distributed on the cylindrical drum.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 10, wherein: The rotor (21) comprises one or more blades (22) for impinging the evaporated volatile component; and wherein the blades are arranged such that the blades generate a flow for attracting the airflow with the evaporated volatile component when the rotor rotates.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 11, wherein: The rotor (21) is configured to rotate at a speed greater than 800 rpm, preferably greater than 1000 rpm, preferably greater than 1500 rpm, more preferably between 800 rpm and 4000 rpm.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 13, wherein: The rotor (21) has an inner wall (21c) made of and / or covered with a porous material, such as open-cell foam, porous membrane, porous metal, metal wool, woven or non-woven material.

14. The system according to any of the preceding claims 4-13, further comprising a control device (60) configured to control the rotation speed of the rotor (21) of the liquid collecting device (20).

15. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The system is further provided with a silencer (80) arranged for silencing noise from the liquid collecting device (20), such as noise from a rotor, the silencer preferably comprising foam, such as polyether foam.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The liquid collecting device (20) is arranged at a higher position than the developing device (10), preferably at least 0.5 meters higher, more preferably at least 1 meter higher.

17. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a container (25), preferably a removable container, for collecting the liquid comprising the volatile component.

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more conduits (50) connecting the at least one vent (40, 41, 42) to the liquid collection device (20).

19. System according to the preceding claim, wherein The one or more conduits (50) are provided with one or more drains (51) for draining liquid from the conduits.

20. The system according to any one of claims 18-19, wherein The system is configured to allow the air flow with the evaporated volatile components to flow at a rate of 50 m 3 / hr to 3000m 3 / hr, preferably 100m 3 / hr to 2900m 3 / hr, more preferably 100m 3 / hr to 1500m 3 A flow rate of between 1000 and 1000 psi / hr flows from the exhaust member to the liquid collection device through the one or more conduits (50).

21. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one exhaust member (40, 41, 42) for receiving a gas flow having evaporated volatile components comprises: a first exhaust member (40) disposed at a first position; a second exhaust member (41) arranged at a second position; an optional third vent member (42) disposed at a third position; The first location and the second location are selected such that the airflow having the evaporated volatile component is received from different locations.

22. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising one or more flow restricting plates (52, 53), wherein the one or more flow restricting plates (52, 53) are arranged in the one or more conduits (50) connecting the corresponding exhaust members (40, 41, 42) to the liquid collecting device (20); wherein preferably, at least two flow restricting plates are arranged in at least two conduits so as to adjust the relative flow rates in the at least two conduits.

23. The system of claim 2 and any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The thermal developing device (10) comprises: a heater (11) configured to heat the relief precursor; The heater is preferably selected from: an IR lamp, a device for delivering a stream of hot gas or liquid, a hot surface or a combination thereof; a developer (12) arranged to remove the liquefied portion from the relief precursor; A support member (13), the support member (13) being used to support the relief precursor; The support is preferably selected from the group consisting of: a rotating drum, an endless belt, a flat or curved bed, an oscillating belt or a combination thereof.

24. System according to the preceding claim, wherein The developing machine (12) has a heating roller (12a), and the curvature radius of the heating roller (12a) is in the range of 20 mm to 360 mm.

25. System according to any of the two preceding claims, wherein The support (13) and / or the developer (12) are provided with a compressible layer, preferably having a compression modulus between 10 kPa and 20,000 kPa at least at the location where the support and the developer contact each other.

26. A system according to any one of the three preceding claims, wherein: The developer (12) includes one or more of the following: Rotating drum, endless belt, (oscillating) flat or curved bed, (oscillating) belt, brush, rotating brush or any combination thereof; a material capable of removing, absorbing or adsorbing the liquefied material of the relief precursor, the material preferably comprising a film of a woven or non-woven material, a natural or artificial polymer, paper, metal, a composite material or a combination thereof; A surface for contacting the relief precursor, wherein the surface is provided with metal, alloy, glass, ceramic, polymer, composite material or a combination thereof.

27. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a gas-liquid separator (90) arranged downstream of the liquid collection device (20) and connected to the liquid collection device so as to receive the flow (Cgl) leaving the liquid collection device, wherein the separator is configured to separate liquid from gas.

28. Use of a moving impact surface, such as the surface of a blade (22), for collecting volatile substances generated from a relief precursor (RP) during development of said relief precursor (RP), said movement preferably comprising a rotation of said impact surface.

29. A method of thermally developing a relief precursor, the method comprising the steps of: providing a relief precursor; heating the relief precursor and removing a liquefied portion of the heated relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; The evaporated volatile components are collected from the gas stream by causing the gas stream with the evaporated volatile components to impact an impact surface (22) such that liquid forms on the impact surface and then collecting the liquid, wherein centrifugal force is used to collect the liquid with the components.

30. A method of solvent developing a relief precursor with a solvent, the method comprising the steps of: providing a relief precursor; developing the relief precursor by removing portions of the relief precursor with a solvent so as to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; The evaporated volatile components are collected from the gas stream by causing the gas stream with the evaporated volatile components to impinge on an impingement surface (22) such that liquid forms on the impingement surface and then collecting the liquid.

31. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein The liquid with the components is collected using centrifugal force.

32. The method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein The impact surface is a blade (22) of a rotor (21), wherein the method further comprises: The rotor is rotated at a speed greater than 800 rpm, preferably greater than 1000 rpm, preferably greater than 1500 rpm, more preferably between 800 and 4000 rpm, such as between 2500 and 4000 rpm.

33. The method according to any one of the preceding method claims, comprising: The air with the evaporated volatile components is conveyed from the exhaust member (40, 41, 42) for receiving the air flow with the evaporated volatile components generated during the development of the relief precursor into a liquid collecting device (20), the liquid collecting device being configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain liquid; wherein the air is preferably conveyed at a speed of 50 m 3 / hr to 3000m 3 / hr, preferably 100m 3 / hr to 2900m 3 / hr, more preferably 100m 3 / hr to 1500m 3 / hr, 600m3 / hr is the most preferred 3 / hr to 800m 3 / hr flow rate delivery.

34. The method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein The relief precursor (RP) comprises: A photoactive layer (PL) is supported by a mechanically stable support layer (SL).

35. The method according to any one of the preceding method claims, wherein Collecting the liquid includes collecting the liquid in a container.

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