Systems and methods for developing relief precursors to obtain relief structures

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system for (thermal) developing a relief precursor. The system comprises a developing means for developing the relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate. The system comprises an exhaust port for receiving an air flow containing volatile components generated during the thermal development of the relief precursor. The system further comprises a liquid collecting means configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid. The liquid is preferably collected using centrifugal force.

Description

[Technical 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 printing sleeves and / or relief structures for use in relief printing, such as flexographic relief printing or letterpress relief printing. The present invention also relates to methods for thermal or solvent development of the relief precursors. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional processes for thermally developing printing plates, precursors are heated, which can cause volatile components to escape and evaporate into the air in the thermal development apparatus. In conventional processes for solvent developing printing plates, some components can escape from the solvent, which can cause contamination in the solvent development apparatus.

[0003] These volatile components can contaminate the equipment and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to separate and collect the volatile components in an appropriate manner. Approaches have been taken to address the contamination problem. However, existing approaches usually have the drawback of being complex and / or requiring a high energy input.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to ensure that the volatile components are separated and collected in a safe and energy efficient manner.

[0005] US Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 084791 discloses a method and apparatus for thermally developing a photosensitive element, and in particular a method and apparatus for controlling vapors and condensates produced during thermal processing of the photosensitive element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 084791 Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to limit contamination within systems for developing relief precursors.It is yet another object of embodiments of the present invention to meet the need for volatile components to be separated and collected during development of relief precursors in a safe and energy efficient manner.

[0008] According to one aspect, a system for developing a relief precursor is provided, the system comprising: a developing means, at least one exhaust outlet, and a liquid collecting means. The developing means is configured to develop the relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure. The developing means can be a thermal developing means or a solvent developing means. The at least one exhaust outlet is configured to receive an air flow containing evaporated volatile components generated during development of the relief precursor. The liquid collecting means is connected to the at least one exhaust outlet and configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid.

[0009]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are based on the insight that by having an exhaust port configured to receive evaporated volatile components, the volatile components can be captured from their evaporation location and delivered to a liquid collection means. In this way, many volatile components can be captured, which is beneficial for safety and environmental reasons. Furthermore, by having a liquid collection means connected to at least one exhaust port 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.

[0010] The systems described herein have advantages over approaches that involve heating components and using catalysts to oxidize the components to form air containing carbon dioxide and water vapor. Such catalysts can be expensive and can result in downtime due to the need to replace the catalyst. Furthermore, the heating in catalytic approaches requires additional, high energy input. The systems described herein can also have higher efficiencies than approaches that use only static adsorbent materials (e.g., activated carbon, charcoal, alumina, zeolites) to capture volatile components.

[0011] Preferably, the liquid collection means is configured to collect the liquid containing the evaporated volatile components using centrifugal force. Such a force can be easily provided, so that the liquid containing the components is easily collected. By allowing the liquid to be collected, the volatile components can be easily disposed of, for example, via an outlet.

[0012] The relief precursor, eg, printing plate relief precursor, can be developed into a developed relief structure, eg, a developed printing plate, by any suitable development means, including thermal development means and solvent development means.

[0013] When the precursor is thermally developed, the developing means is a thermal developing means configured to heat the relief precursor and remove liquefied portions of the heated relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, the evaporated volatile components being generated during heating of the relief precursor. Thermal developing of precursors is described in EP 3629089, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0014] When the precursor is solvent developed, the developing means is a solvent developing means comprising a solvent washing means configured to remove parts of the relief precursor with the aid of a solvent (also called developer or washing liquid). Solvent development is described in EP 4009106. An apparatus suitable for solvent development, also called washing apparatus, is described in WO 2021198012.

[0015] Preferably, the liquid collection means is provided with an outlet configured to allow the collected liquid to be removed from the collection means, so that an operator can easily dispose of the liquid containing the captured components. Thus, the outlet may be designed to convey the liquid, for example, to a container, preferably a removable container, so that the liquid can be stored in the container.

[0016] The liquid collecting means preferably comprises a rotor having one or more impact surfaces for impacting the airflow containing the evaporated volatile components, such that droplets containing the volatile components are formed on the impact surfaces, and the collecting means is preferably configured to shake the droplets off the impact surfaces using centrifugal force. In this way, the droplets carrying the volatile components can be easily separated from the airflow and collected in a safe manner. By causing the components to be separated from the air in the airflow, the airflow is (at least partially) purified.

[0017] Preferably, the housing is configured to direct the resulting liquid to an outlet to allow the liquid to be removed from the collection means. More preferably, a peripheral flow path is defined between the housing and the rotor, the flow path being configured to direct the liquid to the outlet. Preferably, a catch rib is provided adjacent the outlet, configured to capture and direct the liquid to the outlet.

[0018] The rotor is preferably disposed within a housing having an outlet, and a peripheral flow path is defined between the housing and the rotor, the peripheral flow path being configured to direct the liquid to the outlet. In this manner, for example, droplets of liquid that are shaken off the impact surface can be collected via the outlet. The one or more impact surfaces of the rotor preferably extend radially, preferably toward the central rotation axis ca of the rotor.

[0019] The liquid collecting means preferably has a housing, such as a cylindrical outer case, and a rotor, such as a cylindrical drum, rotatably disposed within the housing, the rotor configured to rotate about its central axis, such that liquid on the rotor is forced outward from and / or through the rotor and into the housing by centrifugal force. The outward movement of the liquid on the rotor allows volatile components to be separated and collected in a safe manner without complex steps or high energy input. The housing is preferably configured to direct the resulting liquid to an outlet, allowing the liquid to be removed from the liquid collecting means. More preferably, the housing includes catch ribs disposed within the housing to capture the liquid and direct it to the outlet. The presence of the catch ribs allows more liquid to be collected and subsequently extracted from the liquid collecting means.

[0020] The rotor may be formed as a cylindrical drum with openings to allow the liquid to pass through as the rotor rotates, for example as a pattern of holes distributed throughout the cylindrical drum. The presence of holes in the drum allows droplets containing evaporated volatile components to be separated and collected in a safe manner.

[0021] The rotor may be provided with one or more vanes that function as an impact surface for impinging on the evaporated volatile components, and the one or more vanes may typically be arranged to generate a flow for attracting an air flow containing the evaporated volatile components when the rotor rotates. In this way, contaminated air containing the evaporated volatile components or air containing droplets of the volatile components can be sucked from the evaporation location and transferred to a liquid collection means via at least one exhaust port, facilitating easy separation and collection in a safe manner.

[0022] Preferably, the one or more vanes each have a surface area measured from the side that impinges on the airflow, the surface area being at least 150 cm 2 , preferably at least 200 cm 2 , more preferably at least 275 cm2 In this way, the collection efficiency of the volatile components can be increased. The surface area is understood to mean the surface area of ​​one side of each of the one or more blades, more particularly the surface area of ​​the area that is impacted when the blade rotates.

[0023] 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 rotation speeds can achieve good capture rates such that volatile components can be collected in a safe manner. In particular, the speed can be controlled manually or automatically by a control means configured, such as a controller. The control means can be configured to control the rotation speed of the rotor of the liquid collection means. The control means may be configured to rotate the rotor at a constant speed or at an alternating speed.

[0024] The rotor preferably has an inner wall made of and / or coated with a porous material, which can improve separation efficiency. Examples of porous materials include open-cell foam, porous film, porous metal, metal wool, woven or non-woven materials, and combinations thereof.

[0025] The system may further comprise a silencer arranged to suppress noise from the liquid collection means, such as noise from the rotor. The silencer preferably comprises a foam, such as a polyether foam, as this dampens the noise. Such dampening is beneficial to the comfort of nearby operators.

[0026] The liquid collection means may be located higher than the thermal development means, preferably at least 0.5 meters higher, more preferably at least 1 meter higher. Such a location allows for easier access to the developed relief, such as the developed printing plate. This location may be more beneficial to the comfort of nearby operators, as the noise of the collection means (which may have a rotating rotor) is further away from nearby operators when the system is in operation.

[0027] The system may further comprise a container, preferably a removable container, for storing the collected liquid containing the volatile components.

[0028] Preferably, the system further comprises a gas-liquid separator arranged downstream of the liquid collecting means and connected to receive the flow exiting the liquid collecting means, e.g., the flow exiting the outlet. The separator is configured to separate the liquid from the gas. The gas may be returned to the liquid collecting means via a feedback arrangement. The separated liquid may be stored in a container. Preferably, the separator is configured to feed the gas flow back to the liquid collecting means and upstream of or to the muffler.

[0029] Preferably, the system has one or more ducts connecting at least one exhaust port to the liquid collection means. The duct(s) may be provided with one or more drains for draining liquid from the duct to facilitate maintenance and / or cleaning. The drain(s) will typically be located in a position within the duct such that liquid within the duct is guided to the drain by gravity. In this way, ease of maintenance is provided.

[0030] The system is configured such that the airflow containing the evaporated volatile components passes from the exhaust port through one or more ducts to the liquid collection means at a flow rate of 50 to 3000 m / s. 3 / hour, preferably 100 to 2900 m 3 / hour, more preferably 100 to 1500 m 3 / hour, most preferably 600-800m 3 Preferably, the rotor is configured to flow between 1000 and 1500 rpm. The flow rate may be controlled by a controller or control system. The flow can be generated by the rotation of one or more blades on the rotor and / or by one or more fans to help generate the airflow.

[0031] The at least one outlet for receiving the airflow containing the evaporated volatile components may include a first outlet, a second outlet, and an optional third outlet. The first outlet is located at a first location, the second outlet is located at a second location, and the optional third outlet is located at a third location. The first and second locations are selected so that the airflow containing the evaporated volatile components is received from different locations. In this manner, more contaminated air within the system can be captured and purified and / or extracted from the system. The presence of multiple outlets facilitates collection of volatile components, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or components of the wash solution that evaporate during solvent development or components that evaporate during heating of the relief precursor during thermal development.

[0032] The system may further include one or more restrictor plates disposed in one or more ducts connecting each exhaust outlet to the liquid collection means. Preferably, at least two restrictor plates are disposed in the at least two ducts to adjust the relative flow rates in the at least two ducts. The presence of restrictor plates in the ducts can improve the concentration of evaporated volatile components by concentrating suction force in areas of higher demand.

[0033] The developing means can be any means suitable for transforming a relief precursor (typically pre-exposed to UV light so that it has hardened and unhardened portions) into a relief structure, and preferably the developing means is a thermal developing means.

[0034] The relief precursor typically comprises a photosensitive layer (also called a hardenable layer). The material in this layer can be hardened by ultraviolet light. The relief precursor may further comprise a dimensionally stable support layer for supporting the photosensitive layer. Further intervening layers may be present. The photosensitive layer may be subjected to a pre-treatment, for example by exposing the photosensitive composition of the photosensitive layer to light, to create hardened and unhardened portions. Depending on the technique and the type of material of the photosensitive layer, one of the hardened and unhardened portions can be liquefied (usually by heating) and then removed by any suitable removal means. An example of exposure is described in EP 4009106 A1.

[0035] The thermal development means may include a heater (e.g., an infrared lamp), a developer (e.g., a liquefied portion removal system including a heated roll and web for contacting the relief precursor), and a support (e.g., a support drum). The heater is configured to heat the relief precursor to liquefy a portion thereof, and is preferably selected from an infrared lamp, a means for delivering a hot gas or liquid stream, a hot surface, or a combination thereof. The developer is positioned to remove the liquefied portion or portions from the relief precursor. The support is positioned to support the relief precursor. The support is preferably selected from a rotating drum, an endless belt, a flat or curved bed, a vibrating belt, or a combination thereof. The developer preferably includes a heated roll having a radius of curvature in the range of 20 to 360 mm, particularly at the location where the support contacts the developer. Such a curvature has been found to result in a relief structure with desirable properties.

[0036] The support and / or the developer may be provided with a compressible layer, which preferably has a compressive modulus of 10 to 20,000 kPa, at least at the location where the support and the developer are in contact with each other and optionally where the relief precursor is present. Thus, the support and the developer may be in direct or indirect contact with each other. Designing the support and / or the developer, preferably the support, with the above-mentioned compressive modulus may result in a relief structure with improved printing properties. The compressive modulus can be measured according to EN ISO 604:2003.

[0037] The developer of the thermal development means preferably comprises one or more of the following: A rotating drum, a seamless belt, a (vibrating) flat or curved bed, a (vibrating) belt, a brush, a rotating brush, or any combination thereof. The rotating drum is preferably a heated roll with a curvature radius in the range of 20 mm to 360 mm, since such a curvature radius allows for the desired removal of the liquefied portion. A material capable of removing, absorbing or adsorbing the liquefied material of the relief precursor, preferably comprising a film of woven or non-woven material, a natural or artificial polymer, paper, metal, composite or a combination thereof. A surface for contacting the relief precursor, said surface comprising a metal, alloy, glass, ceramic, polymer, composite, or combination thereof.

[0038] In addition to the liquid collection means, the system may further comprise a separation means, preferably selected from a paper filter, an electrostatic filter, a metal mesh filter, or a metal wool filter. The separation means is preferably located downstream of the liquid collection means and connected to receive the air flow exiting the liquid collection means. In this way, further separation and optional collection of volatile components can be facilitated without having to resort to complex, high energy techniques.

[0039] Yet another aspect relates to the use of a moving impingement surface, such as the surface of a vane, to collect volatile materials generated from the relief precursor during thermal development of the relief precursor. This movement preferably includes rotation of the impingement surface. Rotation has been found to facilitate the capture and collection of volatile materials (also called volatile components). More preferably, the vane is a blade attached to an axis of rotation extending substantially parallel to the airflow containing the volatile materials. In this way, the blade impinges on the volatile materials from a direction lateral to the airflow. The volatile materials can be captured on the surface of the blade. Relief precursors typically have a photosensitive layer containing a curable or crosslinkable material that can be hardened upon exposure to ultraviolet light. After exposure, hardened and unhardened portions of the photosensitive layer are created, so that one of these portions can be liquefied and removed, leaving a relief in the photosensitive layer. This use has the advantage of allowing the relief precursor to be developed in a safer manner.

[0040] Yet another aspect relates to a method for thermally developing a relief precursor. This method is providing a relief precursor; heating the relief precursor and removing liquefied portions of the heated relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; and collecting the evaporated volatile components from the air stream by impacting the air stream containing the evaporated volatile components against an impact surface, causing a liquid to form 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 described in relation to the system above also apply mutatis mutandis to this method embodiment. By collecting the volatile components through impact with the air stream containing the evaporated volatile components, the relief precursor can be developed in a safer manner. Furthermore, by collecting the volatile components, the comfort of nearby operators can be increased, thereby protecting nearby operators from unpleasant and / or strong odors that may be generated. The relief precursor may comprise a photosensitive layer supported by a mechanically stable support layer.

[0041] Another aspect relates to a method for solvent developing a relief precursor, the method comprising: providing a relief precursor that typically has exposed and unexposed portions; developing the relief precursor by removing portions of the relief precursor, such as unexposed portions, using a solvent (also called a developer or wash solution) to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; and collecting the evaporated volatile components from the air stream by impacting the air stream containing the evaporated volatile components against an impact surface to form a liquid on the impact surface, and then collecting the liquid.

[0042] The relief precursor may be subjected to a pre-exposure step with ultraviolet light to form exposed and unexposed portions, one of which can then be washed away during development to yield the relief structure.

[0043] The method preferably includes rotating the rotor at a speed greater than 800 rpm, preferably greater than 1000 rpm, more preferably greater than 1500 rpm, and even more preferably between 800 rpm and 4000 rpm, such as between 2500 rpm and 4000 rpm, thereby potentially achieving highly efficient capture or collection of volatile components.

[0044] The method preferably comprises the step of transferring an air flow comprising evaporated volatile components from an exhaust outlet to a liquid collecting means (which may have one or more of the features described above). The exhaust outlet is configured to receive the air flow comprising evaporated volatile components produced during heating of the relief precursor. The liquid collecting means is configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid. The air flow has a flow velocity of 50 to 3000 m / s. 3 / hour, preferably 100 to 2900 m 3 / hour, preferably 100-1500m 3 / hour, most preferably 600-800m 3 / hour. The air flow can be provided by any flow generating means, such as a blower or fan, and / or by one or more blades of a rotor of the liquid collecting means. The method may further comprise the step of controlling the flow rate using a control means.

[0045] Preferably, collecting the liquid comprises collecting the liquid in a container, which may be removable, which provides the advantage of easy disposal.

[0046] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred, non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These and other advantages of the features and objects of the present invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a more detailed schematic diagram of a system including a thermal development means, according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a thermal development means; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a liquid collecting means; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment, where the cleaning apparatus is provided with a liquid collection means; FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment showing a gas-liquid separator; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] It should be readily understood that identical or similar elements referred to by the same reference numerals may have the same features and advantages.

[0049] The relief precursors described herein can be any suitable precursor for forming a developed relief, preferably by thermal development. The resulting developed relief or relief structure can be used in flexographic and letterpress printing.

[0050] A relief precursor typically comprises a photosensitive layer having components that harden or change behavior when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The precursor can be exposed to electromagnetic radiation in selected (predetermined) areas to create hardened and unhardened portions in the photosensitive layer. After exposure, the photosensitive layer can be developed, thereby removing one of the exposed and unexposed portions, leaving behind the relief pattern. Exposure of the precursor can be carried out in several ways.

[0051] The first method is exposure through a mask. This photographic mask has transparent regions that determine the precursor areas to be hardened. Electromagnetic radiation passes through the transparent regions and hardens the underlying photosensitive layer. The second method uses a mask that is created directly in place on the relief precursor, for example using a laser-ablatable mask layer, and the motif is generated by a laser light source. Other methods, such as thermographic writing, can also be used to generate mask patterns. More details regarding the exposure of relief precursors are provided in EP 4009106, especially paragraph 83 and the relevant parts of Figures 1 and 2, which are incorporated herein by reference. After exposure, the precursor can be developed. Precursor development can be carried out in several ways, such as solvent development or thermal development. In thermal development, heat is applied to the precursor to liquefy parts of the precursor, so that these parts can be removed, and the remaining parts form the relief.

[0052] 1 schematically represents a system 1 for thermally developing a relief precursor RP. After development, a developed relief DR is obtained. The developed relief DR can be any relief structure, such as a printing plate or printing sleeve and / or a relief structure used in relief printing.

[0053] The relief precursor may have a photosensitive layer PL supported by a mechanically stable support layer SL. Other layers may be present, such as an oxygen barrier layer, a laser ablatable mask layer, an adhesive layer, an ultraviolet / visible and / or infrared light absorbing layer, a monomer diffusion control layer, a surface control layer, a protective or cover foil, or a combination thereof.

[0054] The resulting relief structure, i.e. the developed relief DR, can be used as a flexographic printing plate, a letterpress printing plate, a relief printing plate, a (flexible) printed circuit board, an electronic element, a microfluidic element, a microreactor, a phoretic cell, a photonic crystal, an optical element or a Fresnel lens.

[0055] Examples of photosensitive compositions used in the photosensitive layer of the precursor include at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound, at least one photoinitiator or photoinitiator system, and a binder. More details regarding photosensitive compositions are provided in EP 4009106, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0056] 1 further shows a developing means 10. The developing means 10 can be a means for developing the relief precursor with the aid of a solvent (also called a developer) or a means such as a thermal development means for heating the relief precursor. Upon heating, liquefied portions may be formed, which will be removed, thus obtaining the developed relief DR.

[0057] The developing means 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 port 40 for receiving an air flow containing volatile components generated during heating of the relief precursor. The volatile components may escape from the relief precursor by partially or completely evaporating. The air flow is represented by AFC. The volatile components may be present in this air flow in any possible phase, such as vapor, or in the form of small droplets, in which case an atomized air flow is present. The exhaust port 40 is connected to a liquid collecting means 20.

[0058] The exhaust port 40 may also be referred to as an exhaust manifold for collecting evaporated volatile components, or more particularly for collecting air containing volatile components. The exhaust port 40 may function as an inlet or inlet manifold to a means for forming a connection with a liquid collection means, such as one or more ducts.

[0059] Furthermore, the liquid collecting means 20 may be connected to the at least one exhaust outlet 40 via any suitable means for making this connection, preferably via one or more ducts 50. The liquid collecting means 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 using centrifugal force.

[0060] 1 further shows a duct 50 connecting the exhaust outlet 40 to the liquid collection means 20. Note that there may be multiple ducts connecting multiple manifolds to the liquid collection means 20 (as will be further explained in relation to FIG. 3). The manifold is preferably located near a location where volatile components may escape from the relief precursor, for example near or in close proximity to a heating source located in the system to heat the relief precursor. One or more ducts 50 may be provided with one or more drains for draining liquid from the one or more ducts.

[0061] The air flow AFC containing the evaporated volatile components flows from the exhaust port 40 through the duct 50 to the liquid collecting means 20 at a flow rate of 50 to 3000 m / s. 3 / hour, preferably 100 to 2900 m 3 / hour, preferably 100-1500m 3 / hour, most preferably 600-800m 3 / hour. The flow rate can be provided by any suitable flow generating means, such as a blower or fan, so that the airflow containing the evaporated volatile components AFC is delivered to the liquid collection means 20. The flow delivery means can be located in any suitable position relative to the exhaust outlet or the liquid collection means 20.

[0062] For example, a suction-generating fan (not shown) can be positioned downstream of the liquid collection means 20, so that the air flow AFC is drawn toward the liquid collection means. More preferably, the liquid collection means 20 itself may generate or be configured to generate suction. The liquid collection means may have a rotor with one or more blades rotatably arranged about a rotation axis and configured to generate suction upon rotation. The blades (not shown) can function as an impact surface for the air flow AFC containing the evaporated volatile components to impact, thereby forming droplets containing the volatile components on the impact surface. The droplets may then be shaken off from the impact surface using centrifugal force. Preferably, the liquid collection means is further configured to collect the liquid in a container or via an outlet.

[0063] In particular, the system may be provided with separating means (not shown) in addition to the liquid collecting means. The separating means is preferably selected from a paper filter, an electrostatic filter, a metal mesh filter, or a metal wool filter. The separating means is preferably located downstream of the liquid collecting means and connected to receive the air flow AF exiting the liquid collecting means.

[0064] 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to another exemplary embodiment. Like or similar features are referred to by like reference numerals. The system 1 can be embodied as an apparatus having a housing that houses a developing means 10. The developing means 10 can be a solvent developing means or a thermal developing means, preferably a thermal developing means. The liquid collecting means 20 can be located outside the housing as shown in FIG. 1 or can be located within the housing as shown in FIG. 2.

[0065] 3 is a schematic diagram of a system according to another exemplary embodiment. The figure shows a system 1 comprising a developing means 10, preferably a thermal developing means, and a liquid collecting means 20. The figure further shows exhaust outlets 40, 41, 42 connected to the liquid collecting means 20 via connecting means 50, here in the form of a duct 50.

[0066] The exhaust ports 40, 41, 42 are arranged to receive the air flow AFC containing evaporated volatile components. More particularly, volatile components may escape from the relief precursor when it is heated, for example by one or more heating sources, such as the heater 11. The heater 11 is preferably an infrared lamp, so that the relief precursor RP is preheated before being brought into contact with the heated roll 12a. The developing means 10 is arranged in a housing, and the liquid collecting means 20 is arranged outside this housing (as explained above with reference to Figure 1). Alternatively, the liquid collecting means 20 may be arranged inside the housing (as explained above with reference to Figure 2).

[0067] 3 further illustrates an example of a support 13 and a developer 12 arranged to remove the liquefied portions from the relief precursor. One or both of the support 13 and the developer 12 can be configured to provide additional heat if necessary. The support 13 may also be cooled by a passive or active cooling system. The illustrated developer 12 is shown as a system having a heated roll 12a arranged in contact with the relief precursor RP, such that a web 12b is pressed against the relief precursor to remove the liquefied portions of the relief precursor. The web 12b can be made of a material capable of removing, absorbing, or adsorbing the liquefied material of the relief precursor. Other techniques may additionally or alternatively be used to remove the liquefied portions of the relief precursor.

[0068] The liquid collection means 20 of Figure 3 may have any one or more of the features described herein, particularly those described in relation to the other Figures.

[0069] 3 shows that the liquid collection means 20 is positioned higher than the thermal development means 10, preferably at least 0.5 meters higher, and more preferably at least 1 meter higher. The liquid collection means 20 may also be positioned in this manner when the system is installed or operated, with the liquid collection means 20 positioned at a height h from the ground level GL. This height h is at least 1.2 meters, more preferably at least 1.4 meters, and even more preferably at least 1.5 meters. This arrangement takes into account the comfort of nearby operators and reduces their exposure to (annoying) noise. Such an arrangement also allows for easier access when reaching for the developed relief.

[0070] Figure 3 further shows that the system 1 is provided with a container 25 for collecting the resulting liquid containing the components from the collection means 20 via the outlet 24. The container may be removably arranged to allow for easy disposal. The liquid collection means 20 preferably has a catch rib 23a (not shown in Figure 3 but further shown in Figure 5) for capturing and directing the liquid to the outlet 24.

[0071] FIG. 3 further shows a duct 50 connecting the exhaust ports 40, 41, 42 to the liquid collecting means 20. In particular, there can be one or more exhaust ports. The exhaust port(s) can function as an inlet manifold for sucking in air containing evaporated components that have escaped from the relief precursor RP. That is, components may escape from the relief precursor, but these components should be captured and collected to avoid contamination within the system 1. The duct 50 connecting the exhaust ports 40, 41, 42 to the liquid collecting means 20 is provided with a drain 51 for draining liquid from the duct. The drain 51 is located at a relatively low position compared to one or more of the developing means 10 and the liquid collecting means 20. In this way, the liquid in the duct 50 is guided to the drain 51 by gravity. This provides for easy maintenance.

[0072] Duct 50 is 50 to 3000m 3 / hour, preferably 100 to 2900 m 3 / hour, preferably 100-1500m 3 / hour, most preferably 600-800m 3 / hour, as such flow rates have been found to be beneficial in achieving high efficiency.

[0073] In the system shown in Figure 3, the first exhaust outlet 40 is located at a first position above the support 13. The second exhaust outlet 41 is located at a second position lower than the first position. The third (optional) exhaust outlet 42 is located at a third position lower than the first and second positions. In this way, an air flow containing evaporated volatile components can be received from different locations within the system, and this air flow can be extracted via duct 50 and delivered to the liquid collecting means 20.

[0074] The duct 50 may be equipped with one or more restrictor plates 52, 53. Figure 3 shows a first restrictor plate 52 arranged in a duct connecting the first outlet 40 (also called a manifold) to the liquid collection means. A second restrictor plate 53 is arranged in another duct connecting the second outlet 41. The restrictor plates can be arranged in any suitable manner to regulate the flow through the duct 50. In this way, the suction force can be adjusted and set as desired, providing more suction where more volatile components need to be extracted. Restrictor plates may equally be included in the example shown in Figure 4.

[0075] Figure 4 shows in more detail an example of a thermal development means 10. This development means can be the same as the development means described in relation to Figure 3. The thermal development means comprises a heater 11, a developer 12, and a support 13. The heater is configured to heat the relief precursor RP and optionally (pre-)liquefy part of it. The heater can be an infrared lamp, a means for delivering a hot gas or liquid flow, a hot surface, or a combination thereof.

[0076] The developer 12 is constructed and arranged to remove the liquefied portion from the relief precursor. The support 13 is arranged to support the relief precursor, and in particular therefore may provide back pressure when the heated roll 12a of the developer is pressed against the relief precursor (not shown in FIG. 4). The illustrated support 13 is a rotating drum optionally having an active cooling system for cooling the backside of the relief precursor.

[0077] The heated roll 12a of the developer 12 preferably has a radius of curvature in the range of 20 to 360 mm, particularly where the support contacts the developer. The contact point is designated 13a. Such a curvature has been found to result in a relief structure with desirable properties. The drum 13 preferably has a compressible layer with a compressive modulus between 10 and 20,000 kPa to achieve improved performance of the resulting developed relief structure.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the developer 12 may be configured in any suitable manner, for example, as comprising one or more of a rotating drum, an endless belt, a (vibrating) flat or curved bed, a (vibrating) belt, a brush, a rotating brush, or any combination thereof. The developer 12 has or is configured to receive a web 12b made of a material capable of removing, absorbing, or adsorbing the liquefied material of the relief precursor.

[0079] 4 further shows at least exhaust ports 40, 41, 44 arranged to receive the (contaminated) air flow generated when the relief precursor is heated by the heating roll 12a. The exhaust ports 40, 41, 44 are arranged at different positions to receive the contaminated air flow generated from different locations. In this way, the contaminated air containing volatile components can be transported to the liquid collecting means 20 via the duct 50. Preferably, one or more ducts 50 are provided with one or more drains 51 for discharging the liquid from the duct. Typically, the transport of the air flow containing volatile components through the duct 50 is promoted by an induced flow or suction force created by one or more vanes of the liquid collecting means 20, although a fan and / or blower may also be provided.

[0080] The duct 50 is configured to allow the air flow containing evaporated volatile components to flow from the exhaust ports 40, 41, 42 through one or more ducts 50 to the liquid collection means 20 at a distance of 50 to 3000 m as measured at the inlet of the collection means 20. 3 / hour, preferably 100 to 2900 m 3 / hour, preferably 100-1500m 3 / hour, most preferably 600-800m 3 / hour. The flow rate in each duct can be set as desired by placing one or more restrictor plates 52, 53, 54. If liquids are to form in the ducts, these may be drained via drain outlets 51. The drain outlets are preferably positioned so that liquid in duct 50 flows to the drain outlet under the influence of gravity.

[0081] FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of the liquid collecting means 20. This figure shows the liquid collecting means 20 having a rotor 21 equipped with vanes 22. The vanes 22 preferably extend inward from the (inner) side wall of the rotor 21 toward the rotation axis ca. Other vane configurations are possible, as long as the impingement of the vanes with the air flow AFC containing the volatile components results in the formation of droplets containing the volatile components on the impingement surface of the vanes. In this way, at least some, and preferably all, of the volatile components are separated from the air flow, thus purifying the air flow AF. The rotor 21 is configured such that the droplets are thrown off the impingement surface 22 by centrifugal force and are forced against the outer rotor housing 23. The component C is then removed via an outlet 24 and may optionally be collected in a container 25 (not shown in FIG. 5 ).

[0082] The airflow AFC may be delivered to the liquid collection means 20 in any suitable manner, preferably via one or more ducts 50 (as described above). The vanes 22 may be configured to create suction as the vanes rotate. In this way, the airflow AFC may be extracted from within the system and drawn into the liquid collection means 20.

[0083] Although the blades can extend in any radial direction, it is preferred that the blades extend toward a central axis of rotation ca. Rotor 21 is preferably a perforated drum having side walls such that the blades extend inwardly from the side walls toward the axis of rotation.

[0084] 5 shows a housing 23 within which the rotor 21 is rotatably disposed. The housing 23 is configured to direct the resulting liquid to an outlet 24 to allow the liquid to be removed from the collection means. The housing is preferably cylindrical. The housing may also be formed as an assembly (not shown) having upper and lower housing parts, which are removably connected to one another. In this way, the housing 23 can be opened, thereby making it easier to access the internal components (such as the rotor) when cleaning or maintenance is required.

[0085] A peripheral flow path 28 configured to direct the liquid to the outlet 24 is defined between the housing 23 and the rotor 21. The liquid may then be directed to a container (not shown). FIG. 5 further shows that the housing 23 is provided with catch ribs 23a. The catch ribs are configured to capture and direct the liquid to the outlet 24. In this manner, the liquid containing component C can be disposed of. The outlet 24 may deliver the liquid containing the component to a container 25 configured for easy removal. The catch ribs are disposed inside the housing 23 and can have any shape, such as an L-shape or a U-shape, for capturing and directing the liquid to the outlet 24. The catch ribs 23a preferably extend along the entire inner periphery of the inner wall. The housing may further have a lower portion with an inlet for receiving the contaminated airflow AFC. The housing 23 may further have an upper portion. The catch ribs 23a are disposed at the upper portion of the housing 23. FIG. 5 further shows that the rotor is disposed between the inlet 26 and the outlet 24 when viewed longitudinally. In other words, the inlet 26 is upstream of the rotor 21 and the outlet 24 is downstream.

[0086] The catch rib 23 a is positioned downstream of the outlet 24 and is arranged to catch and direct the liquid to the outlet 24 .

[0087] 5 further shows an optional second outlet 29. The second outlet 29 is configured to allow additional removal of liquid from the collection means 20. The second outlet is preferably located in the lower part of the housing 23, preferably at the bottom to allow liquid to be removed. The second outlet 29 is preferably located in a position within the housing such that liquid can be removed by gravity. Outlet 24 is typically located further upstream of the second outlet 29.

[0088] The rotor 21 may be arranged according to any suitable arrangement relative to gravity, and is preferably arranged so that the axis of rotation ca extends in the same direction as gravity.

[0089] FIG. 5 shows the rotor 21 as having a perforated drum, with openings 21b in the sidewall of the rotor 21. The openings 21b (or holes) are distributed throughout the drum, which preferably has a cylindrical shape. The openings 21b can be provided as openings (also called perforations) of any suitable shape or pattern. The perforations can be provided by any suitable technique and can have any shape (such as slits or circles). Any shape is possible as long as the liquid on the vanes 22 can pass through and be forced against the outer housing 23. The openings 21b preferably have a pattern of holes or perforations, which are approximately circular and preferably have a diameter of between 0.5 and 2 cm.

[0090] FIG. 5 uses arrows to indicate how components contained in the air flow AFC are separated from the air to purify the air AF. By rotating the rotor 21 around its central axis ca, centrifugal force presses liquid on the rotor 21, particularly on the vanes 22, outward against the housing 23. If one or more vanes 22 are provided with perforations 21b, the liquid may be forced through these perforations. The vanes 22 are arranged to generate a flow (or suction force) to attract the air flow AFC containing the evaporated volatile components as the rotor rotates. The rotation of the rotor 21 is shown by the arrow in a counterclockwise direction. Of course, a clockwise direction is also possible. The rotation can be controlled in any suitable manner by the control means 60. The rotor 21 is preferably configured to generate a flow to attract the contaminated air AFC from the system, and the flow velocity of this flow AFC is between 50 and 3000 m / s. 3 / hour, preferably 100 to 2900 m 3 / hour, preferably 100-1500m 3 / hour, most preferably 600-800m 3 / hour. The vanes are configured to induce an air flow AFC through the duct 50. A safety grid (not shown) may be provided between the duct 50 and the liquid collecting means and / or between the duct and the rotor 21.

[0091] Rotation of the rotor 21 can be provided by any suitable means, such as a motor, preferably an electric motor. The motor is capable of generating a rotational speed sufficient to attract contaminated air AFC from the system. The motor can be controlled in any suitable manner by control means 60 to control the rotational speed of the rotor 21. Preferred rotational speeds are above 800 rpm, preferably above 1000 rpm, preferably above 1500 rpm, and more preferably between 800 rpm and 4000 rpm, such as between 2500 rpm and 4000 rpm.

[0092] FIG. 5 further shows a silencer 80 located downstream of the rotor. The silencer is preferably configured to suppress noise from the rotor. The silencer may be a foam, such as a polyether foam. The silencer may also comprise or consist of metal and sound-deadening wool. The inclusion of a silencer can improve the comfort of nearby operators.

[0093] 5 shows rotor 21. Rotor 21 is shown as having an inner wall 21c, which may be made from and / or coated with a porous material, such as open-cell foam, porous film, porous metal, metal wool, woven or nonwoven material, etc.

[0094] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 1000 for processing a relief plate precursor, such as a printing plate precursor RP (also designated P). This apparatus is, for example, a cleaning apparatus for cleaning the relief plate precursor with a liquid (also called a cleaning liquid or a developer) and / or for solvent development. Other possible treatments include brushing, rinsing, spraying, drying, irradiating, thermal development, heating, cooling, removing material from the relief plate precursor, treating the relief plate precursor with a gas or liquid, polishing the relief plate precursor, cutting the relief plate precursor, treating the relief plate precursor with electromagnetic waves, or a combination thereof. More details regarding this apparatus are described in WO2021198012, in particular pages 9-11. FIG. 6 further shows that the apparatus is equipped with a liquid collection means 20, an exhaust port 40 (sometimes called a manifold), and a duct 50, which may have one or more of the features already described above. When cleaning the plate, some components (indicated by AFC) may evaporate from the cleaning liquid (not shown), which can then be collected by the liquid collection means 20 via the exhaust port 40.

[0095] 7 shows a liquid collection means 20, which may have one or more of the features described herein. The collection means may be connected to one or more exhaust ports (not shown) as described above and may receive an air flow AFC, for example, via an inlet 26. As mentioned above, volatile components in the air flow AFC are captured by the liquid collection means 20, which may be extracted via an outlet 24. The extracted flow Cgl from the outlet 24 may include a mixture of liquid and gas, such as air.

[0096] The system preferably further comprises a gas-liquid separator 90, which is positioned downstream of the liquid collecting means 20 and configured to receive the stream Cgl containing the condensed volatile components from the outlet 24.

[0097] 7 shows that gas-liquid stream Cgl provided to separator 90 is separated into gas stream Cg and liquid stream Cl. Gas-liquid separator 90 is preferably connected to outlet 24 to receive gas-liquid stream Cgl therefrom. Separator 90 is preferably configured to deliver liquid stream Cl to vessel 25 so that the liquid can be stored in vessel 25. Separator 90 may be configured to discharge stream Cg directly to the surrounding environment or may be configured to feed stream Cg back to liquid collection means 20.

[0098] The flow Cg may exit the system directly (not shown), for example via the discharge outlet 62, or may first be fed back to the liquid collection means 20. Any suitable feedback configuration may be used, such that the flow Cg is fed back before being discharged from the system, for example via the final discharge outlet 62. The separator 90 is preferably configured to feed the gas flow Cg back to the liquid collection means 20. The gas flow Cg is preferably fed to a silencer 80 and / or upstream thereof (indicated by an arrow) to attenuate noise generated by this flow, thereby improving the comfort of nearby operators.

[0099] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in various ways and based on various principles. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above-described embodiments and figures are merely illustrative and serve only to enhance the 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, comprising: a developing means (10) configured to develop said relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; at least one exhaust port (40, 41, 42) for receiving an air flow containing evaporated volatile components produced during development of said relief precursor; a liquid collecting means (20) connected to the at least one exhaust port, the liquid collecting means (20) being configured to condense evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid; Equipped with The liquid collecting means (20) is configured to collect the liquid containing evaporated volatile components using centrifugal force.

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is a system for thermally developing the relief precursor, the developing means being a thermal developing means (10) configured to heat the relief precursor and remove a liquefied portion of the heated relief precursor to obtain the developed relief structure, and the evaporated volatile component is generated during heating of the relief precursor.

3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the collection means comprises an outlet (24) configured to allow the collected liquid to be removed from the liquid collection means (20).

4. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the liquid collecting means (20) comprises a rotor (21) having one or more impact surfaces (22) for impacting the air flow containing the evaporated volatile components, droplets containing the volatile components being formed on the impact surfaces, and the collecting means is preferably configured to shake off the droplets from the impact surfaces using centrifugal force.

5. 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the one or more impact surfaces (22) of the rotor (21) extend radially, preferably towards the central rotation axis (ca) of the rotor.

6. the liquid collecting means (20) comprises a housing (23), such as a cylindrical housing, and the rotor (21) is rotatably disposed within the housing; 6. The system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about a central axis (ca) of the rotor, and liquid on the rotor is forced outward against the housing by centrifugal force.

7. 7. A system according to claim 3 or 6, wherein the housing (23) is configured to direct the obtained liquid to the outlet (24) to allow the liquid to be removed from the collecting means.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein a peripheral flow path (28) is defined between the housing and the rotor, the flow path configured to direct liquid to the outlet.

9. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein a catch rib (23a) is disposed within the peripheral channel, the catch rib (23a) configured to capture and direct liquid toward the outlet (24).

10. 10. A system according to any one of 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, the openings being formed, for example, as a pattern of holes distributed over the cylindrical drum.

11. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the rotor (21) comprises one or more vanes (22) for impinging on the evaporated volatile components, the vanes being arranged to generate a flow for attracting the air flow containing the evaporated volatile components when the rotor rotates.

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

13. The system according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the rotor (21) has an inner wall (21c) made from and / or coated with a porous material, such as open-cell foam, porous film, porous metal, metal wool, woven or non-woven material.

14. control means (60) configured to control the rotation speed of the rotor (21) of the liquid collecting means (20); The system of any one of claims 4 to 13, further comprising:

15. The system further comprises a silencer (80) arranged to suppress noise from the liquid collection means (20), such as noise from a rotor; A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the silencer preferably comprises a foam such as a polyether foam.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said liquid collecting means (20) is positioned higher than said developing means (10), preferably at least 0.5 metres higher, more preferably at least 1 meter higher.

17. a container (25), preferably a removable container, for collecting the liquid containing said volatile components; The system of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising:

18. one or more ducts (50) connecting said at least one exhaust outlet (40, 41, 42) to said liquid collecting means (20); The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising:

19. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more ducts (50) include one or more drains (51) for draining liquid from the ducts.

20. The air flow containing the evaporated volatile components passes from the exhaust port through the one or more ducts (50) to the liquid collecting means at a flow rate of 50 to 3000 m / s. ３ / hour, preferably 100 to 2900 m ３ / hour, more preferably 100 to 1500 m ３ 20. The system of claim 18 or 19, configured to flow between 1 / hour.

21. said at least one exhaust port (40, 41, 42) for receiving said air flow containing evaporated volatile components; a first exhaust port (40) disposed at a first position; a second exhaust port (41) disposed at a second position; an optional third exhaust port (42) located at a third location; Equipped with A system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the first location and the second location are selected to receive the air flow containing evaporated volatile components from different locations.

22. The system comprises: one or more restrictor plates (52, 53) arranged in said one or more ducts (50) connecting each exhaust outlet (40, 41, 42) to said liquid collecting means (20); Furthermore, A system according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein at least two restrictor plates are arranged in the at least two ducts to preferably adjust the relative flow velocities in said at least two ducts.

23. The heat developing means (10) a heater (11) configured to heat the relief precursor, preferably selected from an infrared lamp, a means for delivering a hot gas or liquid flow, a hot surface, or a combination thereof; a developer (12) arranged to remove liquefied portions from said relief precursor; a support (13) for supporting said relief precursor; Equipped with The system according to any one of claims 2 to 22, wherein the support is preferably selected from a rotating drum, an endless belt, a flat or curved bed, a vibrating belt, or a combination thereof.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein the developer (12) has a heated roll (12a) with a radius of curvature in the range of 20 to 360 mm.

25. 25. A system according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the support (13) and / or the developer (12) comprise a compressible layer, the compressible layer preferably having a compressive modulus of elasticity between 10 and 20000 kPa, at least at the location where the support and the developer contact each other.

26. The developing unit (12) a rotating drum, a seamless belt, a (vibrating) flat or curved bed, a (vibrating) belt, a brush, a rotating brush, or any combination thereof; - a material capable of removing, absorbing or adsorbing the liquefied material of said relief precursor, preferably comprising a film of woven or non-woven material, a natural or artificial polymer, paper, metal, composite or a combination thereof; and a surface for contacting said relief precursor, said surface comprising a metal, alloy, glass, ceramic, polymer, composite, or combination thereof; The system of any one of claims 23 to 25, comprising one or more of:

27. a gas-liquid separator (90) disposed downstream of the liquid collecting means (20) and connected to the liquid collecting means to receive the flow (Cgl) exiting the liquid collecting means; 27. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a gas-liquid separator configured to separate liquid from gas.

28. 1. Use of a moving impingement surface, such as the surface of a vane (22), for collecting volatile materials arising from a relief precursor (RP) during development of said relief precursor (RP), said movement preferably including rotation of said impingement surface.

29. 1. A method for thermally developing a relief precursor, comprising: providing a relief precursor; heating the relief precursor and removing liquefied portions of the heated relief precursor to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; collecting evaporated volatile components from the air stream by impinging the air stream containing the evaporated volatile components against an impingement surface (22) to form a liquid on the impingement surface, and thereafter collecting the liquid; wherein the liquid containing the component is collected using centrifugal force.

30. 1. A method for solvent developing a relief precursor using a solvent, comprising: providing a relief precursor; developing the relief precursor by removing portions of the relief precursor using a solvent to obtain a developed relief structure, such as a printing plate; collecting evaporated volatile components from the air stream by impinging the air stream containing the evaporated volatile components against an impingement surface (22) to form a liquid on the impingement surface, and thereafter collecting the liquid; A method comprising:

31. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the liquid containing the component is collected using centrifugal force.

32. The collision surface is a blade (22) of a rotor (21), The method comprises: rotating said 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; The method of any one of claims 29 to 31, further comprising:

33. The method comprises: transferring said air containing evaporated volatile components from an exhaust port (40, 41, 42) for receiving an air flow containing evaporated volatile components generated during development of said relief precursor to a liquid collecting means (20) configured to condense the evaporated volatile components to obtain a liquid; The air has a flow rate of 50 to 3000 m ３ / hour, preferably 100 to 2900 m ３ / hour, more preferably 100 to 1500 m ３ / hour, most preferably 600-800m ３ 33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the transfer is carried out between 1 hour and 24 hours.

34. said relief precursor (RP) A method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, comprising a photosensitive layer (PL) supported on a mechanically stable support layer (SL).

35. collecting the liquid includes collecting the liquid in a container; The method of any one of claims 29 to 34, comprising:

Images