Metafix Delivers Photochemical Solutions

At Metafix, nothing is more important than being responsible to our customers. We accomplish this by providing reliable products and by giving our customers the tools they need to hold us accountable. For Metafix, this is possible because we're not just an equipment supplier. We perform all of our own research and development, manufacture our products under ISO 9002 certification and run a silver refining operation. We also strive to work closely with end users so that we learn first-hand the problems they face and provide them with solutions.

Solutions

For years, high volume photo processors had to use an electrolytic unit as a primary system to recover silver, then tail the unit with two or more metallic replacement cartridges (MRCs) in order to meet compliance limits. Now, Metafix technology offers a simple and cost-effective alternative. By using our advanced metering systems coupled with MRCs containing MetaWool, photo processors can desilver at a rate equal to high amperage electrolytic units, meet the strictest silver discharge limits and reduce floor space required for the recovery system.

MetaWool is a revolutionary MRC medium that uses iron efficiently, performs consistently and virtually eliminates channeling. With higher flow rates than most other MRCs, there's no longer any need for an electrolytic unit. For example, as a primary silver recovery system, a single MiX-5000 MRC desilvers at 1 liter (.26 gal.)/minute -- equivalent to a 120 amp electrolytic system -- and maintains silver levels well below 5 ppm. Using multiple MiX-5000 MRCs in parallel increases desilvering rate and capacity. For extremely high volume operations, Metafix produces MRCs that have flow rates of up to 10 liters (2.64 gal.)/minute.

Taking the pain out of the drain

As a result of working closely with the end user, Metafix found that silver recovery and compliance are only part of the problem. Rust-clogged drains present a huge challenge to photo processors, especially minilab operators. Once we realized this problem, Metafix went to work quickly to find a solution.

MRCs contribute to the rust problem. The medium in the cartridges is typically iron. When the silver-rich solution contacts this iron, the iron dissolves and is carried out of the MRC in the desilvered effluent. As this effluent commingles in the drain with the alkaline developer, the pH of the overall solution rises, causing the iron to precipitate as a solid iron oxide -- more commonly called rust. Rust also forms when the commingled effluent comes into contact with air. As rust builds up in the sewer pipes it will begin to restrict the flow of water. If the problem isn't addressed, the drains will eventually back-up in the photo lab. Photographic bleach and bleach-fix also add to the problem as they both contain iron in the form of iron-EDTA complexes.

Our solution to the problem is the Enviro-Jet, an automated commingling tank that virtually keeps drains free of iron forever. The Enviro-Jet accepts all spent photo processing chemicals -- both desilvered and nonsilver-rich -- commingles them, and jets them down the drain under pressure. The solution clears the drain before any rust has a chance to form. After the batch of solution is discharged, the Enviro-Jet flushes the drain to remove any residual chemicals from the pipes. Pipes stay clog-free without using drain cleaners that are potentially hazardous to employees' health, corrosive to sewer pipes and may cause pH to exceed sewer ordinance limits. The Enviro-Jet is also used for many other functions. Its wet-vac feature flushes and empties MRCs to meet transportation regulations, rinses and empties processor tanks and vacuums spills.

At Metafix, all of the equipment and programs we develop are consistent with the principles in the photographic industry Code of Management Practice for Silver Dischargers (CMP). By offering superior products and by working with our customers to ensure we address their needs, Metafix has distinguished itself as a truly responsible full-service silver recovery company. For information about Metafix products, please call (800) 667-8921.