Marking Agent Concentration for LEP Ink Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid electrophotographic (LEP) presses face challenges in maintaining ink quality when concentrating LEP ink to higher solids content, as existing methods irreversibly change particle structures, leading to waste VOCs and inefficiencies in imaging oil recycling.
Innovation Solution
A method to concentrate marking agents to a solids content of 40 wt % to less than 90 wt % without substantially modifying the particle structure, using techniques like centrifugal and electrostatic forces, and controlled evaporation to remove excess liquid carrier, allowing for re-dispersion without degrading ink quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If LEP ink is concentrated to higher solids content, then VOC waste is reduced and handling efficiency is improved, but particle structure is irreversibly changed and ink quality is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the marking agent by concentrating it to 40-90 wt% solids content while maintaining particle structure integrity through controlled concentration processes. This allows the ink to be in a usable concentrated state without irreversible particle structure changes, resolving the contradiction between reducing VOC waste and maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary concentration of the marking agent to high solids content (40-90 wt%) before distribution and storage. This preliminary action allows the concentrated marking agent to be shipped and stored in a compact form, then re-dispersed later when needed, reducing VOC waste during transport and storage while maintaining particle structure through proper concentration techniques
2Manufacturing precision
If LEP ink is diluted to lower solids content for use in presses, then ink quality is maintained, but VOC waste increases and handling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary concentration of the marking agent to high solids content (40-90 wt%) before distribution and storage. This preliminary action allows the concentrated marking agent to be shipped and stored in a compact form, then re-dispersed later when needed, reducing VOC waste during transport and storage while maintaining particle structure through proper concentration techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the marking agent can be concentrated for storage and transport, then re-dispersed to the appropriate solids content for press operation. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization of both VOC waste reduction and ink quality maintenance depending on the operational stage
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging oil is recovered and reused in the press, then VOC waste is generated, but ink quality is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid carrier (imaging oil) from the marking agent through concentration processes, separating the solid particles from the volatile liquid component. This extraction allows the marking agent to be stored and transported in a concentrated form with minimal liquid carrier, reducing VOC waste while maintaining particle structure integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards excess liquid carrier during concentration and recovers the solid marking agent particles for reuse. By concentrating the marking agent to high solids content, the system minimizes the amount of VOC-containing liquid carrier that needs to be managed, while the solid particles can be re-dispersed and reused in the press
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the production of concentrated marking agents that maintain imaging quality and reduce VOC waste by allowing for efficient recycling and reuse of imaging oil, decreasing the need for VOC-containing liquid carriers and improving handling and storage of the concentrated product.
Implementation Method 1
using techniques like centrifugal and electrostatic forces
Implementation Method 2
using techniques like centrifugal and electrostatic forces
Implementation Method 3
controlled evaporation to remove excess liquid carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A marking agent concentration method includes concentrating the marking agent by removing at least some liquid carrier between particles without substantially removing retained liquid carrier within the particles and without substantially modifying the particle structure, which is supported by the retained liquid carrier. The concentrated marking agent is supplied to distributors or end users of liquid marking agent. A concentrated marking agent includes solid clumps of agglomerated particles and a liquid carrier retained within the particles' individual structure. The clumps exhibit a median size greater than 90 μm. The concentrated marking agent exhibiting a solids content of from 40 wt % to less than 90 wt %. A hard imaging method includes combining a concentrated marking agent with additional liquid carrier, applying a shear force, dispersing particles from clumps, forming a liquid marking agent, and forming a hard image using the liquid marking agent.