Abstract An acidic aqueous cleaning solution for removing deposits from photographic equipment, especially continuous processing photographic equipment. The composition comprises a solution and preferably an aqueous solution of hydrogen ions in a concentration of from 0.10 to 8.0 moles per liter, ammonium ions in a concentration of from 0.01 to 1.0 moles per liter, and sulfate ions in a concentration of from 0.10 to 6.0 moles per liter. The compositions of this invention are especially useful for removing deposits from continuous diffusion transfer processing equipment. These deposits possibly comprise lime introduced with tap water mixed with photographic chemicals such as dissolved silver halides and gelatin.
The cleaning composition of claim 1 wherein said combination contributes to yield in said solution hydrogen ions in a concentration of from about 1.0 to about 3.0 moles per liter, ammonium ions in a concentration of from about 0.05 to about 0.2 moles per liter and sulfate ions in a concentration of from about 0.50 to about 2.0 moles per liter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cleaning composition of claim 2 where the source of the hydrogen ion is an acid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cleaning composition of claim 3 where the acid is sulfuric acid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The cleaning composition of claim 4 where the source of the ammonium ions is an ammonium salt.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The cleaning composition of claim 5 where the ammonium salt is ferric ammonium sulfate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The cleaning composition of claim 1 having the following formulation: H2SO4(97.2 %) 10- 250 ml. FeNH4(SO4)2.12H2O 10- 250 g. Water to 1 liter of solution.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The cleaning composition of claim 1 having the following formulation: H2SO4(97.2 %) about 50 ml. FeNH4(SO4)2.12H2O about 50 g. Water to 1 liter of solution