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comprises withdrawing fountain solution from the dampener recirculation system of a printing press and directing the withdrawn fountain solution through a sediment prefilter, a separation filter, and a post treatment filter.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 - 25 . (canceled)  
     
     
         26 . For use in conjunction with a printing press of the type having a fountain solution pump for withdrawing fountain solution from a fountain solution tank and directing the fountain solution through the printing press and back to the tank, an apparatus for cleaning fountain solution 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 the fountain solution tank independently of the fountain solution pump of the printing press and for sequentially directing the withdrawn fountain solution through the first, second, and third containers and the filters mounted therein;    the sediment prefilter, the separation filter, and the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.    
     
     
         27 . The apparatus for cleaning fountain solution according to  claim 26  wherein the separation prefilter comprises a housing which contains a strainer formed from melt blown polypropylene.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus for cleaning fountain solution according to  claim 26  wherein the separation filter comprises a housing containing diatomaceous earth.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus for cleaning fountain solution according to  claim 26  wherein the post treatment filter comprises a housing which contains a zeolite material.