SET OF DEVICES FOR IMPROVING THE OFFSET PRINTING SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a set of devices for improving the offset printing system. More specifically, the invention modifies the molecular structure of water by reducing the surface tension so that a smaller amount of water can wet a larger area of the printing plate of the offset system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Offset printing is a planographic process whose essence consists of repulsion between water and grease (greasy paint).
The term off-set comes from "offset lithography" (literally, out-of-place lithography), making reference to indirect printing (in lithography, printing was direct with paper having direct contact with the matrix).

[0003] Nowadays in the offset printing system, a wetting solution or simply source solution composed of several chemicals is used. Among the chemicals that make up a wetting solution there are water, glycol, acids, bases, natural gum, detergent, fungicide, bactericide and others.

[0004] The wetting solution reduces the water surface tension, helps to wash the grease off the offset plate and eliminates fungi and bacteria but has serious drawbacks, such as favoring the emulsification of the paint that causes imbalance during the process with consequent increase of dot gain, loss of brightness, loss of drying, increased ink consumption and paper breakage in the rotary printers, shortening of blanket and roll life and the disposal of water from the wetting system with high level of chemicals.

[0005] There are printers that use isopropyl alcohol in the offset printing process, which help the wetting system by reducing tarnish and possible print defects. This product causes strong smell in the printing room, is aggressive in direct contact with the skin, besides being another chemical for disposal.

[0006] International Patent Application PCT/JP2007/074167 (equivalent to EP 2110243) on behalf of NIPPON LITHOGRAPH, INC. and entitled "system for providing dampening water by lowering the surface tension of water to be used in offset printing, so-called lithographic printing system" describes a water treatment system for providing wetting solution for offset printing which comprises: a channel through which water can flow; a processor for magnetically treating the water passing through the channel; and a photocatalytic processor for photocatalytically treating the water passing through the channel. The abovementioned document reduces 100% of the wetting solution and isopropyl alcohol by 100%.

[0007] JP 2000351193 relates to a damping water circulating treatment apparatus and method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] According to the present invention there is provided:
a dampening water treatment system for an offset printing system comprising:

a cartridge filter for filtering water from a water source;

a buffer tank for storing the treated water;

a refrigerator coupled to the buffer tank for maintaining the treated water at a temperature of 12 to 16°C;

an additional cartridge filter of a micro with backwash;

a return pump;

a rotameter for measuring the treated liters/minute;

a magnetic device for subjecting the flowing water with a magnetic field;

a filter with UV lamp for treating the water; and

components of the electrical part, comprising a circuit breaker, a water solenoid, a photocell, a buzzer, a timer, an hour meter, an electric float, a buttonhole and a reactor;

characterised in that the system further comprises an O₂ eliminator provided downstream of the filter with the UV lamp.

[0009] The present invention provides significant advantages over the devices used in the offset printing system, allowing an increase of its performance and presenting a more favorable cost-benefit ratio.

[0010] Specifically, the present invention modifies the molecular structure of water by reducing the surface tension so that a smaller amount of water can wet a larger area of the printing plate of the offset system.

[0011] The world is increasingly focused on preservation and sustainability of nature and in this context the present utility model was developed for new printers to reduce 100% the use of the wetting solution, which is composed of several chemicals and isopropyl alcohol by 100% in Alcolor printers. In used printers if there are gaps in the rollers there will be a reduction of up to 80% the use of the wetting solution which is composed of several chemicals and isopropyl alcohol by 100% in Alcolor printers.

[0012] The present invention reduces the water surface tension, which is distributed with better uniformity in the offset plate, thus allowing wetting an area with less water.

[0013] The lower the amount of water in the wetting system of an offset printer, the better the print quality will be. By reducing the system water automatically, the ink load should be reduced resulting in a lower emulsification index as a consequence.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The structure and operation of the present invention together with additional advantages thereof may be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings and the following descriptions:

Figure 1 shows a flowchart with the devices present in one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the devices present in one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 3 shows the system devices for improving the offset printing system of one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] While the present invention may be susceptible to different embodiments, the preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description with the understanding that it should be considered exemplary of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to what has been illustrated and described herein.

[0016] The offset printing system is comprised of a mutual rejection between water and paint. The offset plate is composed by graphics and counter-graphics areas. In the graphics area there is a pre-sensitive layer with lipophilic characteristic that rejects the water and has affinity with the ink for being oily. In the counter-graphics area is the aluminum substrate with cavities that accumulate tiny droplets of water with hydrophilic characteristics that reject the paint.

[0017] The present invention reduces the water surface tension, which is distributed with better uniformity in the offset plate, thus allowing to wet an area with less water.

[0018] The lower the amount of water in the wetting system of an offset printer, the better the print quality will be. By reducing the system water automatically, the ink load should be reduced resulting in a lower emulsification index as a consequence.

[0019] The present invention allows the desired water-ink balance to be gained, such as:

• balance of printing throughout the process;
• lower point gain;
• higher brightness;
• better ink drying;
• ink consumption savings;
• paper consumption savings;
• Less paper shredding on rotating printers.

[0020] The present invention comprises the following devices:

(1) - Cartridge filter - to minimize the amount of molecular residues and particulates present in the water from the public network, thus avoiding accumulation of impurities in the bottom of the buffer tank.

(2) - Buffer tank - storing public water treated by this invention and feeding the metering tank with electric float. The return of the tubs falls into the metering tank without having contact with the buffer tank.

(3) Refrigerator - coupled to the buffer tank that stores the water treated by the present invention while maintaining the temperature between 12 - 16°C. The water treated by the present invention already promotes very low emulsification level of the paint and keep with the temperature between 12 - 16°C, reducing even more the possibility of emulsifying. When printers work at high speed, the print cylinders reach high temperatures, which are undesirable for the process, so cooled water helps the performance of the offset printing process.

(4) - Additional cartridge filter of a micro for backwashing - to minimize the amount of molecular residues and particles that may be present in the water from the public network, thus avoiding clogging in the paths that the water will go through in the present utility model. This optimizes the process without interrupting the offset printing process for filter washing.

(5) - Return pump.

(6) - Rotameter for measuring liters/minute treated by the present invention;

(7) Magnetic device - to obtain a good offset printing, it is known that reduction of surface tension and increase of water conductivity are important factors. The development of this invention has always been based on practical PRELLO offset printing tests with wetting system. PRELLO is equipment that faithfully reproduces the printing proofs that will serve as the standard to guide the printer in the execution of the work.
Several studies have shown that water flowing with turbulent flow through certain magnetic field arrays has reduced surface tension and increased conductivity. We prepared several magnetic field arrays that were submitted to PRELLO's practical test and finally we arrived at a model that allowed to make an excellent offset printing with only 20% wetting solution that is used regularly and 0% isopropyl alcohol also regularly used in Alcolor printers.
Several studies have shown that water flowing with turbulent flow through certain magnetic field arrays has reduced surface tension and increased conductivity.
Therefore, several magnetic field arrays were prepared that were submitted to PRELLO's practical test and finally a model was obtained that allowed an excellent offset printing with only 20% wetting solution that is used regularly and 0% isopropyl alcohol also regularly used in Alcolor printers.

(8) - Filter with UV lamp - preferably consists of a UV-C lamp and a special impregnated fabric with titanium dioxide. UV light irradiated on the surface of the impregnated fabric with titanium dioxide with energy equal to or greater than band gap energy, moves one of its electrons from one field of the molecule to another field and, thus, the valence bands are formed. When the UV irradiation is interrupted, the photocatalyst returns to the initial state. In the water absorbed in the impregnated fabric with titanium dioxide these gaps of valence bands generate highly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals that decompose organic compounds. Its oxidizing power is greater than that of ozone and fluorine.

(9) - (O₂) eliminator

(10) - during the water treatment process and especially in the passage through the filter with UV lamp, occurs the formation of O₂ which is eliminated at this stage.

[0021] Therefore, as can be seen in the operation of the present invention, the water from the public network passes through the cartridge filter (1) for the return pump (5), through the magnetic device (7), through the special filter with UV lamp (8), through the O₂ eliminator (9), through the refrigerator (3) and finally to the buffer tank (2).

[0022] Figure 1 shows a flowchart with the devices present in one embodiment of the present invention, wherein (1) represents the cartridge filter, (2) buffer tank, (3) refrigerator, (4) special cartridge filter for backwashing (5) pump, (6) rotameter, (7) magnetic device, (8) UV filter with photocell, (9) O₂ eliminator and (10) represents the return tank of the printer. This tank only receives water from the buffer tank, but no water from it goes to the buffer tank thus avoiding contamination of the whole system.

[0023] The components of the electrical part are: circuit breaker; water solenoid, photocell, buzzer, timer, hour meter, electric float, buttonhole and reactor.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a front view of the printing system devices, wherein (11) and (12) represent a metal tube, (13) represents a metal ring, (14) represents a sealing ring, (15) represents a quick coupling, (16) represents a flange, (17) represents an adjusting ring, (18) represents a metal tube, (19) represents a magnet and (20) represents a metal threaded bush

[0025] Figure 3 shows the system devices for improving the offset printing system of one embodiment of the present utility model, wherein (21) represents a special fabric impregnated with titanium dioxide, (22) represents a synthetic tube, (23) represents a glass tube, (24) represents a UV lamp, (25) represents a synthetic flange, (26) represents a photocell, (27) represents a quick coupler, (28) represents a fixing bar and (29) represents a metal nut.

[0026] In view of the foregoing, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:

It is ecologically correct, reducing 80% of the chemical wetting solution and isopropyl alcohol by 100%;

Reduced ink consumption by working with less water on the printing plate due to the reduced water surface tension. When we reduce the wetting water compulsorily we have to lower the ink load.

[0027] Reduced paper consumption by faster cleaning of printer machine startup.

[0028] Excellent ink transfer, balance throughout the printing process, better drying and brightness, lower point gain among other benefits due to the low emulsification of the ink.

[0029] Increases the life of blanket and printer rolls that are harmed by the wetting solution and isopropyl alcohol; and
Lower aggressiveness to health of employees working at the printer.

Claims

1. A dampening water treatment system for an offset printing system comprising:

a cartridge filter (1) for filtering water from a water source;

a buffer tank (2) for storing the treated water;

a refrigerator (3) coupled to the buffer tank (2) for maintaining the treated water at a temperature of 12 to 16°C;

an additional cartridge filter (4) of a micro with backwash;

a return pump (5);

a rotameter (6) for measuring the treated liters/minute;

a magnetic device (7) for subjecting the flowing water with a magnetic field;

a filter with UV lamp (8) for treating the water; and

components of the electrical part, comprising a circuit breaker, a water
solenoid, a photocell, a buzzer, a timer, an hour meter, an electric float, a buttonhole and a reactor;

characterised in that the system further comprises an O₂ eliminator
provided downstream of the filter with the UV lamp (8)

2. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that it uses only 20% of wetting solution and is free of isopropyl alcohol.

3. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter with UV lamp (8) consists of a UV-C lamp and a special fabric impregnated with titanium dioxide and photocell.

4. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the buffer tank (2) stores the treated water and feeds the metering tank with an electric float.

5. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the water from the public network passes through the cartridge filter (1) for a return pump (5), passes through the magnetic device (7), then by the special filter with UV lamp (8), then by the O₂ eliminator (9), the refrigerator (3) and finally to the buffer tank (2).

Ansprüche

1. Feuchtwasserbehandlungssystem für ein Offset-Drucksystem, Folgendes umfassend:

einen Patronenfilter (1) zum Filtern von Wasser von einer Wasserquelle;

einen Puffertank (2) zum Speichern des behandelten Wassers;

einen Kühlschrank (3), der an den Puffertank (2) gekoppelt ist, zum Halten des behandelten Wassers auf einer Temperatur von 12 bis 16 °C;

einen zusätzlichen Patronenfilter (4) eines Mikroprozessors mit Rückwaschung;

eine Rückförderpumpe (5);

einen Rotameter (6) zum Messen der behandelten Liter/Minute;

eine magnetische Vorrichtung (7) zum Aussetzen des fließenden Wassers einem magnetischen Feld;

einen Filter mit einer UV-Lampe (8) zum Behandeln des Wassers; und
Komponenten des elektronischen Teils, umfassend einen Leistungsschalter, ein Wassersolenoid, eine Photozelle, einen Summer, eine Zeitschaltuhr, einen Stundenzähler, einen elektrischen Schwimmer, ein Knopfloch und einen Reaktor;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das System ferner einen Ausscheider für O₂ umfasst, der
stromabwärts des Filters mit der UV-Lampe (8) bereitgestellt ist.

2. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es nur 20 % des Benetzungsmittels verwendet und frei von Isopropylalkohol ist.

3. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Filter mit der UV-Lampe (8) aus einer UV-C-Lampe und einem speziellen Gewebe, das mit Titandioxid imprägniert ist, und einer Photozelle besteht.

4. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Puffertank (2) das behandelte Wasser speichert und den Dosierungstank mit einem elektrischen Schwimmer speist.

5. System nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Wasser von dem öffentlichen Netzwerk durch den Patronenfilter (1) für eine Rückförderpumpe (5) hindurch passiert, durch die magnetische Vorrichtung (7) hindurch passiert, dann durch den speziellen Filter mit der UV-Lampe (8), dann durch den Abscheider für O₂ (9), den Kühlschrank und schließlich zu dem Puffertank (2) hindurch passiert.

Revendications

1. Système de traitement d'eau de mouillage pour un système d'impression offset comprenant :

un filtre à cartouche (1) pour filtrer l'eau provenant d'une source d'eau ;

un réservoir tampon (2) pour stocker l'eau traitée ;

un réfrigérateur (3) raccordé au réservoir tampon (2) pour maintenir l'eau traitée à une température de 12 à 16 □C ;

un filtre à cartouche supplémentaire (4) d'un micro-lavage à contre-courant ;

une pompe de retour (5) ;

un rotamètre (6) pour mesurer les litres/minute traités ;

un dispositif magnétique (7) pour soumettre le flux d'eau à un champ magnétique ;

un filtre à lampe UV (8) pour traiter l'eau ; et

des composants de la partie électrique, comprenant un disjoncteur, un solénoïde à eau,
une photocellule, un vibreur sonore, une minuterie, un compteur d'heures, un flotteur électrique, un bouton-poussoir et un réacteur ;

caractérisé en ce que le système comprend en outre un éliminateur d'O² situé en aval
du filtre à lampe UV (8).

2. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il n'utilise que 20% de solution de mouillage et est exempt d'alcool isopropylique.

3. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le filtre à lampe UV (8) est constitué d'une lampe UV-C et d'un tissu spécial imprégné de dioxyde de titane et d'une photocellule.

4. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le réservoir tampon (2) stocke l'eau traitée et alimente le réservoir de dosage doté d'un flotteur électrique.

5. Système selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'eau provenant du réseau public passe à travers le filtre à cartouche (1) pour une pompe de retour (5), passe par le dispositif magnétique (7), puis par le filtre spécial avec une lampe UV (8), puis par l'éliminateur d'O2 (9), le réfrigérateur (3) et enfin jusqu'au réservoir tampon (2).

Drawing