Biological Growth
The fountain solution and mixing system becomes contaminated with a biological growth that feeds on the ingredients in the chemistry, resulting in a degradation of the chemistry.
| Cause | Cure |
|---|---|
| Water supply is contaminated with growth. | Treat water with a peroxide or bleach to kill organisms, put in a water process such as RO system. |
| Airborne organisms | Keep lid on recirculator closed and any exposed portion of press dampening system. |
| System becomes contaminated from paper, ink, and other materials. | Stop and clean press mix system, consult chemistry supplier for proper cleaning procedures. |
| Press mix solution is allowed to stand for an extended period of time. | Stop and clean system per the supplier recommendations. Empty tanks and lines in press dampening system if press is going to be down for an extended period of time. |
| Dead spaces in delivery lines and stagnant solution in trays were not properly cleaned or maintained. | Develop a standard operating procedure for a routine cleaning of the press dampening system. |
| Filters | Check and replace filters on a timely basis |
