Fountain solution recycling system for commercial printers

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for extending the life of fountain solutions used in commercial printing presses comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter. The sediment prefilter preferably comprises a melt blown polypropylene filter; the separation filter preferably comprises a diatomaceous earth filter; and the post treatment filter preferably comprises a zeolite filter.

1 . A fountain solution recycling system comprising: 
 a first container:    a sediment prefilter mounted within the first container for receiving fountain solution from the dampening recirculation system of a commercial printing press and for removing relatively large particles from the fountain solution;    a second container;    a separation filter mounted within the second container for receiving fountain solution from the sediment prefilter and for removing sub-micron sized particles from the fountain solution; and    a third container;    a post treatment filter mounted within the third container for receiving fountain solution from the separation filter and for removing predetermined ions from the fountain solution;    means for withdrawing fountain solution from a commercial printing press and for sequentially directing the withdrawn fountain solution through the first, second, and third containers and the filters mounted therein;    the sediment prefilter, the separation filter, and the post treatment filter comprising a three-stage treatment system with each stage having a symbiotic relationship with the former stage.    
   
   
       2 . (canceled)  
   
   
       3 . The fountain solution recycling system according to  claim 1  wherein the separation prefilter comprises a housing which contains a strainer formed from melt blown polypropylene.  
   
   
       4 . The fountain solution recycling system according to  claim 1  wherein the separation filter comprises a housing containing diatomaceous earth.  
   
   
       5 . The fountain solution recycling system according to  claim 1  wherein the post treatment filter comprises a housing which contains a zeolite material.  
   
   
       6 - 25 . (canceled)