JP2018141923A - Method for measuring solid content concentration of exhausted developer, method for treating exhausted developer, and apparatus for treating exhausted developer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for measuring a solid content concentration of an exhausted developer by which a solid content concentration of an exhausted developer produced when a flexographic printing plate precursor is developed by using a developer can be quickly and easily measured with high accuracy, and a method for treating an exhausted developer and an apparatus for treating an exhausted developer.SOLUTION: The method for treating an exhausted developer is to be applied to an exhausted developer containing a solid content that is removed from a flexographic printing precursor by a developer and dispersed by a surfactant in the developer, and the method has steps of: measuring a refractive index of the exhausted developer and a surfactant concentration of the developer; obtaining a solid content concentration of the solid content in the exhausted developer by using the refractive index of the exhausted developer and the surfactant concentration of the developer; determining an add amount of a flocculant to be added to the exhausted developer based on the solid content concentration of the solid content; and adding the flocculant in the add amount to the exhausted developer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method for measuring a solid content concentration of a development fatigue liquid, a development fatigue liquid processing method, and a development fatigue liquid processing apparatus, and in particular, a solid content of a development fatigue liquid generated when a flexographic printing plate precursor is developed using a development liquid. The present invention relates to a concentration measurement method, a development fatigue liquid processing method, and a development fatigue liquid processing apparatus.

  Various methods for developing a printing plate are known. For example, in a development method in which development is performed using an aqueous developer containing water as a main component, development is performed by immersing the printing plate in an aqueous developer and washing out uncured resin or the like in the aqueous developer with a brush or the like. Has been done. However, after washing out for a long period of time, (i) a decrease in developability due to an increase in the solid content concentration in the developer such as an uncured resin component or a surfactant, and (ii) adhesion of development residue to the developing machine. A problem arises that it tends to occur and maintenance of the developing machine is required.

  In contrast to the above, Patent Document 1 discloses that if development of a photoresist is continued for a long period of time, (i) the developer reacts with acid in the photoresist or carbon dioxide gas and oxygen gas in the air. In order to solve problems such as a decrease in the developing ability due to a decrease in alkali concentration due to (ii) a decrease in the remaining film ratio due to an increase in the photoresist concentration in the developer, the color changes to the developer without changing the measurement wavelength. A developing device is described that has means for accurately measuring the photoresist concentration in the developer based on the refractive index of the developer even when turbidity occurs, and that automatically adjusts the photoresist concentration.

Patent Document 2 describes an alkaline developer management system that accurately measures the concentration of carbonates in a developer from the refractive index, absorbance, and conductivity of the alkali developer. As described above, development of an automatic developer management system is being continued in various fields.
Here, the development fatigue fluid generated when the flexographic printing plate precursor is developed using an aqueous developer contains a dispersion formed from the uncured resin and the like that have been washed out. For this reason, it is known to perform a treatment using a flocculant called a floc agent. For example, Patent Document 3 describes a method for treating a waste liquid in which an uncured resin of a photosensitive resin plate having a thin film layer containing an ionic hydrophilic group and an amphoteric metal is washed and developed. Specifically, Patent Document 3 describes a waste liquid treatment method for a photosensitive resin plate in which a polymer cationic floc agent, a cationic inorganic floc agent, and an inorganic alkali metal salt are mixed and added to a waste liquid.

JP 2000-147785 A JP 2011-128455 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-300078

If the above-mentioned dispersion contained in the developer can be removed and the filtrate can be drained into sewage, the amount of industrial waste can be greatly reduced.
However, in order to obtain clear coagulated separated water, that is, a filtrate capable of draining sewage, it is necessary to add an appropriate amount of coagulant. Conventionally, it has been necessary to determine the addition amount of the flocculant by a test called a jar test, or to calculate the solid content concentration of the developing fatigue liquid from the dry weight fluctuation rate and determine the addition amount of the flocculant.

  In the jar test method, it was necessary to repeatedly perform a small-scale test, and lacked convenience. On the other hand, the method based on the dry weight variation method lacks rapidity because it is necessary to obtain the variation rate by drying a part of the developing fatigue solution in an oven for a long time. As described above, at present, the solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution containing the dispersion cannot be measured quickly, simply, and with high accuracy.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems based on the prior art and quickly and easily measure the solid content concentration of a developing fatigue solution generated when developing a flexographic printing plate precursor using a developer. An object of the present invention is to provide a solid content concentration measuring method, a developing fatigue solution processing method, and a developing fatigue solution processing apparatus.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention relates to a development fatigue solution in which a solid content removed from a flexographic printing plate precursor by a developer is dispersed by a surfactant in the development solution. And measuring the surfactant concentration in the developing solution, and using the refractive index of the obtained developing fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution to determine the solid content concentration of the developing fatigue solution The solid content concentration measuring method of the developing fatigue liquid characterized by the above is provided.
It is preferable that the solid content of the development fatigue liquid contains at least one of water-dispersible latex and rubber.

The present invention relates to the development fatigue solution in which the solid content removed from the flexographic printing plate precursor by the developer is dispersed by the surfactant in the developer, and the refractive index of the development fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the development solution. Using the step of measuring, the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution, and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution to determine the solid content concentration of the developing fatigue solution, based on the solid content concentration of the solid content Providing a processing method for developing fatigue liquid, comprising: determining a flocculant addition amount of the flocculant to be added to the development fatigue liquid; and adding a flocculant addition amount of the flocculant to the development fatigue liquid. To do.
It is preferable that the solid content of the development fatigue liquid contains at least one of water-dispersible latex and rubber.

  The present invention relates to a development fatigue solution in which the solid content removed from the flexographic printing plate precursor by the developer is dispersed by the surfactant in the developer, and the refractive index of the development fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the developer. The solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution is obtained using the measurement unit for measuring the refractive index of the development fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the development solution, and based on the solid content concentration of the solid content. An apparatus for processing a processing fatigue liquid, comprising: a calculating section for determining a flocculant addition amount of a flocculant added to the development fatigue liquid; and an addition section for adding a flocculant addition amount of the flocculant to the development fatigue liquid. Is to provide.

  According to the present invention, the solid content concentration can be measured quickly, easily and accurately. In addition, the amount of flocculant added to the developing fatigue solution can be obtained quickly, easily and accurately.

It is a mimetic diagram showing an example of a processing system which has a development fatigue fluid processing device of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a developing device. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the solid content concentration of a developing solution, and a refractive index. It is a flowchart which has the developing fatigue fluid processing method of embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, a solid content concentration measuring method, a developing fatigue processing method, and a developing fatigue processing apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail.
In the following, “to” indicating a numerical range includes numerical values written on both sides. For example, when ε is a numerical value α to a numerical value β, the range of ε is a range including the numerical value α and the numerical value β, and expressed by mathematical symbols, α ≦ ε ≦ β.
Further, “same” includes an error range generally allowed in the corresponding technical field.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a processing system having a development fatigue solution processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a developing apparatus.
The processing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an exposure device 12, a developing device 14, and a development fatigue liquid processing device 16.

The exposure device 12 exposes the flexographic printing plate precursor. The configuration of the exposure device 12 is not particularly limited as long as the flexographic printing plate precursor can be exposed. As the exposure device 12, a known device capable of exposing the flexographic printing plate precursor can be used as appropriate.
The developing device 14 develops the exposed flexographic printing plate precursor. The developing device 14 develops a flexographic printing plate precursor using, for example, an aqueous developer containing water as a main component as a developer. The configuration of the developing device 14 is not particularly limited as long as it can develop the exposed flexographic printing plate precursor. As the developing device 14, a known device using an aqueous developer can be used as appropriate.

  The developing device 14 is provided with a supply unit 20 for supplying the developer Q. The supply unit 20 includes a tank (not shown) in which the developer is stored, a flowmeter (not shown) for the developer, and a delivery unit (not shown) that sends out the developer. The delivery unit is, for example, a pump. When the pump has a function of measuring the delivery amount, a flow meter is not necessary.

The development fatigue fluid processing device 16 is for treating the development fatigue fluid generated when the flexographic printing plate is developed by the development device 14 to obtain a clean filtrate capable of draining sewage.
In the development fatigue solution, the solid content removed from the flexographic printing plate precursor by the development solution is dispersed by the surfactant in the development solution. The solid content includes at least one of water-dispersible latex and rubber.

The developing fatigue fluid processing apparatus 16 includes a measurement unit 22, a pump 24, a switching unit 25, a storage unit 26, an addition unit 28, a calculation unit 30, a control unit 32, and a waste liquid tank 34.
In the development fatigue fluid processing device 16, the operation of the measuring unit 22, the pump 24, the switching unit 25, the storage unit 26, the adding unit 28, and the calculating unit 30 is controlled by the control unit 32.

A measuring unit 22 is connected to the developing device 14 via a pipe 21a. The measuring unit 22 and the switching unit 25 are connected via a pipe 21b. The switching unit 25 and the pump 24 are connected via a pipe 21c. The pump 24 and the supply pipe 44 of the developing device 14 are connected via a pipe 21d. A valve 29 is provided in the pipe 21d. The connection between the pipe 21d and the supply pipe 44 is controlled by opening and closing the valve 29.
The switching unit 25 and the storage unit 26 are connected via a pipe 23a. The storage part 26 and the addition part 28 are connected via a pipe 23b. A valve 27 is provided in the pipe 23b.
The reservoir 26 and the waste liquid tank 34 are connected via a pipe 23c. A valve 31 is provided in the pipe 23c.

The above-described valve 27, valve 29, and valve 31 are all connected to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 also controls the opening / closing of the valve 27, the valve 29 and the valve 31.
With the pump 24, the liquid can be circulated in the order of the developing device 14, the measuring unit 22, the switching unit 25, the pump 24, and the developing device 14, and development fatigue liquid Qw that does not require development fatigue liquid treatment (see FIG. 2). Is supplied to the developing device 14. At this time, the valve 29 is opened, the pipe 21d and the supply pipe 44 are connected, and the liquid can be moved. Further, the development fatigue fluid Qw (see FIG. 2) that requires the development fatigue fluid treatment is moved to the reservoir 26 by the pump 24.

  The measuring unit 22 measures the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution Qw (see FIG. 2) and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution Q (see FIG. 2). In the present invention, the surfactant concentration derived from the developer is used to calculate the fixed component concentration. The flexographic printing plate precursor also contains a surfactant and must be distinguished from the surfactant derived from the flexographic printing plate precursor. Since the developer of the present invention contains a known concentration of alkali and surfactant, the developer-derived surfactant concentration can be measured from the alkali concentration even if the developer concentration changes during the development process.

The configuration of the pump 24 is not particularly limited as long as it can be moved, for example, by circulating the development fatigue solution Qw (see FIG. 2) as described above.
The switching unit 25 changes the flow path of the development fatigue liquid Qw (see FIG. 2). As described above, the developing fatigue liquid is circulated in the order of the developing device 14, the measuring unit 22, the switching unit 25, the pump 24, and the developing device 14, and the switching unit 25 causes the developing fatigue liquid Qw (see FIG. 2) to flow. The path is changed, and the development fatigue fluid Qw (see FIG. 2) is moved from the measurement unit 22 to the storage unit 26 via the pipe 23a. For the switching unit 25, for example, a three-way valve is used. Switching of the flow path of the switching unit 25 is performed by the control unit 32. In addition, the switching unit 25 preferably has a flow meter that measures the flow rate of the pipe 23 a that is a flow path to the storage unit 26. As a result, the flow rate of the developing fatigue liquid to the storage unit 26 can be known, and the amount of the developing liquid Q (see FIG. 2) of the developing device 14 can be grasped.

The storage unit 26 is a place where the development fatigue liquid is stored, and is configured by a tank, for example. The storage part 26 is also where a flocculant is added to the development fatigue solution. The development fatigue solution is agglomerated and separated in the storage unit 26, and the development fatigue solution is separated into a filtrate and a precipitate.
The adding unit 28 adds a flocculant to the storage unit 26. The addition unit 28 includes a container (not shown) for storing the flocculant, a measuring unit (not shown) for measuring the amount of the flocculant, and a sending unit (not shown) for sending the flocculant to the storage unit 26. Have Note that when the delivery unit has a function of measuring the delivery amount of the flocculant, the measurement unit is unnecessary.

The adding unit 28 measures the coagulant by the determined coagulant addition amount, sends the coagulant to the storage unit 26, and adds the coagulant to the development fatigue liquid. When adding the flocculant, the valve 27 is open, but the opening and closing of the valve 27 is controlled by the controller 32.
In the storage unit 26, after the flocculant is added to the development fatigue liquid, the development fatigue liquid is aggregated and separated into a filtrate and a precipitate. Thereafter, the valve 31 is opened to move the filtrate of the development fatigue liquid from the storage unit 26 to the waste liquid tank 34, and the development fatigue liquid subjected to the development fatigue liquid processing described later is stored in the waste liquid tank 34. The opening and closing of the valve 31 is controlled by the control unit 32 as described above.

  The calculation unit 30 obtains the solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution using the refractive index of the development fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the development solution. And the calculation part 30 determines the coagulant addition amount of the coagulant | flocculant added to a development fatigue | exhaustion liquid based on solid content concentration of solid content. The flocculant addition amount is specified in advance according to the type of flocculant and the solid content concentration, and is stored in the calculation unit 30. The calculation unit 30 calls the flocculant addition amount specified in advance based on the solid content concentration and determines the flocculant addition amount.

The control unit 32 controls each unit of the development fatigue fluid processing apparatus 16 as described above. In addition to this, a threshold value of a solid content concentration that requires predetermined processing is set and stored. . When the calculated solid content concentration exceeds the solid content concentration threshold value, the control unit 32 causes the development fatigue fluid processing device 16 to perform the development fatigue fluid processing.
Further, the control unit 32 supplies the developing solution from the supply unit 20 to the developing device 14 in accordance with the amount of the developing fatigue liquid that has moved to the storage unit 26 obtained by the switching unit 25.
In the development fatigue solution processing apparatus 16, the development fatigue solution Qw (see FIG. 2) that does not require the development fatigue solution treatment is circulated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration that does not circulate may be used.

Here, the developing device 14 develops the flexographic printing plate precursor using an aqueous developer.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the developing device 14 includes a developing tank 40 and a brush 42. The brush 42 is provided on the drive member 43. The brush 42 is provided with a supply pipe 44. The supply pipe 44 is connected to the supply unit 20 (see FIG. 1). In the developing device 14, the developer Q is supplied from the brush 42 to the surface 50 a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 50 through the supply pipe 44 from the supply unit 20.

During development, while supplying the developer Q from the brush 42 to the surface 50a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 50, the drive member 43 is rotated by a drive unit (not shown), and the flexographic printing plate precursor after exposure is applied by the brush 42. 50 surfaces 50a are rubbed. As a result, the uncured portion (not shown) after exposure is removed from the surface 50a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 50 and discharged into the developer Q. A state in which an uncured portion (not shown) after exposure is discharged to the developing solution Q is referred to as a developing fatigue solution Qw. Developer fatigue Qw includes developer Q.
The developing tank 40 is connected to the pipe 21a. It is sent out as a development fatigue liquid Qw from the pipe 21a. On the other hand, the development fatigue fluid Qw that does not require the development fatigue fluid treatment is supplied from the supply tube 44 to the flexographic printing plate precursor 50 via the pipe 21d. The configuration of the developing device 14 is not particularly limited, and the developing device 14 may be a batch type or a conveyance type, or may be a form in which the flexographic printing plate precursor 50 is immersed and developed.

  Further, the flexographic printing plate precursor 50 forms a flexographic printing plate used for flexographic printing, and its configuration is not particularly limited. The flexographic printing plate precursor 50 is preferably one that can be developed with an aqueous developer containing water as a main component, or a so-called water development type flexographic printing plate precursor. As the flexographic printing plate precursor 50, a known flexographic printing plate precursor that can be developed with an aqueous developer can be used.

Next, a method for obtaining the solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution will be described.
As described above, at present, the solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution containing the dispersion cannot be measured quickly, easily, and with high accuracy.
Therefore, as a result of diligent investigation, a value equivalent to the solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution calculated from the conventional dry weight fluctuation rate was calculated from the refractive index of the development fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the development solution. It was found that it can be calculated.
Here, FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the solid content concentration of the developer and the refractive index. All of the straight line L ₁ , the straight line L ₂ , the straight line L ₃ , and the straight line L ₄ in FIG. 3 have different surfactant concentrations in the developer. The relationship of the surfactant concentration in the developer is straight line L ₁ <straight line L ₂ <straight line L ₃ <straight line L ₄ . The surfactant concentration in the developer is the concentration of the surfactant contained in the development fatigue solution.

  As a method for measuring the solid content concentration in the developer, a method for measuring the refractive index of the developer is known, but it cannot be applied to a development fatigue solution. As shown in FIG. 3, it has been found that when the surfactant concentration in the developer is different, the relationship between the refractive index and the solid content concentration is different. For this reason, even if the solid content concentration in the development fatigue solution generated by the development using the developer is the same, the dispersion state of the solid content differs depending on the surfactant concentration in the developer, and the refractive index is estimated to change. Is done.

Therefore, in the development fatigue liquid processing apparatus 16, the refractive index and the surfactant concentration in the development liquid are measured in the measurement unit 22 for the development fatigue liquid sent from the development apparatus 14 via the pipe 21a by utilizing the above-described matters. Measure. The measured value of the refractive index and the measured value of the surfactant concentration in the developer are output to the calculation unit 30. The calculation unit 30 calculates the solid content concentration using the refractive index of the development fatigue solution obtained by the measurement unit 22 and the surfactant concentration in the development solution. The following formula is used to calculate the solid content concentration.
Solid content concentration (%) = 6.88 × (refractive index) −741 × (surfactant concentration in developer) +4.65

For the refractive index, the Brix value (%) is used. For this reason, if the measurement part 22 can measure a Brix value (%), a measuring apparatus will not be specifically limited. For the measurement of the Brix value (%), for example, DEGITAL REFRACTOMETER PR-101 (manufactured by Atago Co., Ltd.) can be used.
The refractometer originally detects the degree of refraction (refractive index), but the refractive index is fine and the difference between the samples is small, so there is a concern that accuracy may be reduced due to an error. Therefore, the Brix value was used as the refractive index.

  The surfactant concentration in the developer is the concentration of the surfactant contained in the developer. The surfactant concentration in the developer is 0.0001% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less, preferably 0.001% by mass or more and 0.1% by mass or less, and 0.003% by mass or more and 0.01% by mass or more. Is more preferable.

The measurement of the surfactant concentration in the developer is as follows.
Since the developer contains sodium carbonate, it shows alkalinity. A calibration curve is prepared in advance between the concentration of the surfactant in the developer and the amount of acid (sulfuric acid band (Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ )) at pH (hydrogen ion index) 6. The surfactant concentration in the developer is calculated by determining the amount of sulfuric acid band at pH 6.
For example, when a sulfuric acid band is used to measure the surfactant concentration in the developer, the sulfuric acid band can also be used as a flocculant. This eliminates the need for special reagents and measuring devices for measuring the surfactant concentration in the developer, simplifies development fatigue treatment, and suppresses the increase in cost required for development fatigue treatment. You can also.
In addition, the above-described refractive index and surfactant concentration in the developer may be measured by an in-line method, or after the development fatigue solution is taken out, the above-described refractive index and the surfactant concentration in the developer may be measured. Good.

Next, a developing fatigue solution processing method will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart having the developing fatigue solution processing method of the embodiment of the present invention.
In the processing system 10, the exposure device 12 exposes the surface 50a (see FIG. 2) of the flexographic printing plate precursor 50 (see FIG. 2) with a specific pattern, for example.
Next, the flexographic printing plate precursor 50 (see FIG. 2) is transported to the developing device 14 where the brush 42 (see FIG. 2) is used in the developer Q in the developing tank 40 (see FIG. 2). ) Is developed. A development fatigue solution in which the solid content removed from the flexographic printing plate precursor 50 by development using the developer is dispersed by the surfactant in the developer is obtained.

  The development fatigue fluid Qw is moved to the measurement unit 22 via the pipe 21a. As described above, the measurement unit 22 measures the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution Qw and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution for the developing solution Q (step S10). When measuring the surfactant concentration in the developer, the developer before development may be directly supplied from the supply unit 20 to the measurement unit 22 in order to obtain the surfactant concentration derived from the developer. .

Next, the measured value of the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution Qw and the measured value of the surfactant concentration in the developing solution are output to the calculating unit 30, and the calculating unit 30 determines the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution and the developing solution The solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution is calculated using the surfactant concentration and the above formula (step S12), and the calculated value of the solid content concentration is obtained.
Next, the calculated value of the solid content concentration is output to the control unit 32. The control unit 32 sets and stores a solid content concentration threshold that requires predetermined processing. The solid content concentration threshold value is compared with the calculated solid content concentration value (step S14).

  In step S14, when the calculated value of the solid content concentration does not exceed the threshold value of the solid content concentration, the development fatigue solution treatment is not performed. Then, the measurement of the refractive index of the development fatigue solution Qw and the surfactant concentration in the developer (step S10) and the calculation of the solid content concentration (step S12) are repeated until the solid content concentration threshold is exceeded, Monitor developer fatigue.

On the other hand, in step S14, when the calculated value of the solid content concentration exceeds the threshold value of the solid content concentration, the development fatigue solution treatment is performed. Steps S16, S18, and S20, which will be described later, correspond to the development fatigue treatment process.
In step S14, when the calculated value of the solid content concentration exceeds the threshold value of the solid content concentration, the switching unit 25 switches the flow path of the development fatigue solution Qw, and moves the development fatigue solution Qw to the storage unit 26.
In parallel with the movement to the storage unit 26, the flocculant addition amount of the flocculant is determined (step S16). The flocculant addition amount is specified in advance according to the type of flocculant and the solid content concentration, and is stored in the calculation unit 30. The calculator 30 determines the amount of flocculant added based on the calculated solid content concentration.

Next, the valve 27 is opened, and the determined amount of the flocculant added is added from the addition unit 28 to the storage unit 26 (step S18). Due to the added flocculant, the developing fatigue liquid Qw is agglomerated and separated in the reservoir 26, and the developing fatigue liquid Qw is separated into a filtrate and a precipitate.
Then, the valve 31 is opened, and the development fatigue liquid Qw subjected to the development fatigue liquid treatment is moved from the storage unit 26 to the waste liquid tank 34 and stored in the waste liquid tank 34. In this way, the development fatigue fluid Qw is discarded (step S20). The development fatigue liquid Qw stored in the waste liquid tank 34 after the development fatigue liquid treatment can be discharged into sewage.
Moreover, although the deposit produced in the case of agglomeration separation remains in the storage part 26, this deposit is processed as industrial waste.
Thus, the solid content concentration can be obtained by a simple method of simply measuring the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution. Moreover, since it is only necessary to measure the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution, it can be carried out quickly. Moreover, the obtained solid content concentration has high accuracy. Further, the amount of flocculant added to the developing fatigue solution can be obtained quickly, easily and with high accuracy. As a result, an appropriate amount of a flocculant can be added, a filtrate capable of draining sewage can be obtained, and the amount of industrial waste can be greatly reduced.

  The refractive index of the developing fatigue solution Qw and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution are measured (step S10), and the calculation of the solid content concentration (step S12) is repeatedly performed until the solid content concentration threshold is exceeded, When monitoring the development fatigue solution, for example, the number of flexographic printing plate precursors to be developed in advance is determined, and after reaching the number of development processing, the refractive index of the development fatigue solution Qw and the surfactant concentration in the development solution You may make it implement a measurement (step S10) and calculation of solid content concentration (step S12).

Hereinafter, the development fatigue solution will be described in detail.
<Development fatigue solution>
The development fatigue fluid that is a processing target of the development fatigue fluid treatment method of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a development fatigue fluid containing an uncured resin removed by development, but in order to form a general photosensitive resin layer. The development fatigue liquid containing the conventionally known photosensitive resin composition can be used as a processing target.
Moreover, since it is preferable that the development fatigue | exhaustion liquid processing method makes development fatigue | exhaustion liquid at the time of image development by a LAM (Laser Ablation Masking) system into a process target, uncured resin removed by image development is a photosensitive resin composition. It is preferable that it is the photosensitive resin contained.
In addition to the photosensitive resin, such a photosensitive resin composition includes, for example, a composition containing a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization inhibitor, a plasticizer, and the like. The development fatigue solution that is the subject of the development fatigue treatment method may contain a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization inhibitor, a plasticizer, and the like in addition to the uncured resin.

<Uncured resin>
Examples of the uncured resin contained in the development fatigue liquid include water-dispersible latex, rubber component, polymer component, and uncrosslinked ethylenically unsaturated compound (polymer).
Examples of the water dispersible latex include polybutadiene latex, natural rubber latex, styrene-butadiene copolymer latex, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer latex, polychloroprene latex, polyisoprene latex, polyurethane latex, methyl methacrylate-butadiene copolymer latex, Water-dispersed latex polymers such as vinylpyridine copolymer latex, butyl polymer latex, thiocol polymer latex, and acrylate polymer latex, or other components such as acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. Examples thereof include a polymer obtained by copolymerization.
Examples of the rubber component include butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicon rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, and epichlorohydrin rubber.
The polymer component may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic, and specifically includes polyamide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, and the like.

Examples of the ethylenically unsaturated compound (polymer) include a (meth) acryl-modified polymer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond in the molecule.
Examples of the (meth) acryl-modified polymer include (meth) acryl-modified butadiene rubber and (meth) acryl-modified nitrile rubber.
“(Meth) acryl” is a notation representing acryl or methacryl, and “(meth) acrylate” described later is a notation representing acrylate or methacrylate.

  The uncured resin contained in the development fatigue solution is not particularly limited, but is preferably 70% by mass or less, and more preferably 35% by mass or less.

<Polymerization initiator>
The polymerization initiator that may be contained in the development fatigue liquid is preferably a photopolymerization initiator.
Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include alkylphenones, acetophenones, benzoin ethers, benzophenones, thioxanthones, anthraquinones, benzyls, and biacetyls. Among them, alkylphenones are preferable. .
Specific examples of photopolymerization initiators for alkylphenones include 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethane-1-one, 1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone, and 2-hydroxy- 2-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-1-one and the like can be mentioned.

  The concentration of the polymerization initiator that may be contained in the development fatigue solution is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 1.0% by mass or less.

<Polymerizable compound>
Examples of the polymerizable compound that may be contained in the development fatigue solution include ethylenically unsaturated compounds corresponding to so-called monomer components other than the above-described ethylenically unsaturated compounds (polymers).

  The ethylenically unsaturated compound may be a compound having one ethylenically unsaturated bond or a compound having two or more ethylenically unsaturated bonds.

  Specific examples of the compound having one ethylenically unsaturated bond include 2-hydroxyethyl (meth) acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth) acrylate, and 3-chloro-2. -Hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, (meth) acrylate having a hydroxyl group such as β-hydroxy-β '-(meth) acryloyloxyethyl phthalate; methyl (meth) acrylate, ethyl (meth) acrylate, propyl (meth) acrylate, Alkyl (meth) acrylates such as butyl (meth) acrylate, isoamyl (meth) acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate, lauryl (meth) acrylate and stearyl (meth) acrylate; Chloalkyl (meth) acrylates; halogenated alkyl (meth) acrylates such as chloroethyl (meth) acrylate and chloropropyl (meth) acrylate; methoxyethyl (meth) acrylate, ethoxyethyl (meth) acrylate, butoxyethyl (meth) acrylate, etc. Alkoxyalkyl (meth) acrylates; phenoxyalkyl (meth) acrylates such as phenoxyethyl acrylate and nonylphenoxyethyl (meth) acrylate; ethoxydiethylene glycol (meth) acrylate, methoxytriethylene glycol (meth) acrylate, methoxydipropylene glycol ( Alkoxyalkylene glycol (meth) acrylates such as meth) acrylate; 2,2-dimethylaminoethyl (meth) acrylate , 2,2-diethylaminoethyl (meth) acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth) acrylate, and 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate.

  Specific examples of the ethylenically unsaturated compound having two or more ethylenically unsaturated bonds include alkyldiol di (meth) acrylates such as 1,9-nonanediol di (meth) acrylate; diethylene glycol di (meth) acrylate Polyethylene glycol di (meth) acrylate such as polypropylene glycol di (meth) acrylate such as dipropylene glycol di (meth) acrylate; trimethylolpropane tri (meth) acrylate, pentaerythritol tri (meth) acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra (meth) ) Addition of compounds with ethylenically unsaturated bonds and active hydrogen such as unsaturated carboxylic acids or unsaturated alcohols to acrylate, glycerol tri (meth) acrylate, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether Polyvalent (meth) acrylate obtained by reaction; polyvalent (meth) acrylate obtained by addition reaction of unsaturated epoxy compound such as glycidyl (meth) acrylate and a compound having active hydrogen such as carboxylic acid or amine; Examples thereof include polyvalent (meth) acrylamides such as methylenebis (meth) acrylamide; polyvalent vinyl compounds such as divinylbenzene;

  The concentration of the polymerizable compound that may be contained in the development fatigue solution is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30.0% by mass or less, and more preferably 15.0% by mass or less.

<Polymerization inhibitor>
Specific examples of the polymerization inhibitor that may be contained in the development fatigue solution include hydroquinone monomethyl ether, p-methoxyphenol, di-t-butyl-p-cresol, pyrogallol, t-butylcatechol, benzoquinone, 4,4'-thiobis (3-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis (4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), N-nitrosophenylhydroxyamine primary cerium salt and the like. .

  The concentration of the polymerization inhibitor that may be contained in the development fatigue solution is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.3% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.15% by mass or less.

<Plasticizer>
Examples of the plasticizer that may be contained in the development fatigue liquid include liquid rubber, oil, polyester, and phosphoric acid compounds.
Specific examples of the liquid rubber include liquid polybutadiene, liquid polyisoprene, and those modified with maleic acid or an epoxy group.
Specific examples of the oil include paraffin, naphthene and aroma.
Specific examples of the polyester include adipic acid-based polyester.
Specific examples of phosphoric acid compounds include phosphate esters.

  The concentration of the plasticizer that may be contained in the development fatigue solution is not particularly limited, but is preferably 30% by mass or less, and more preferably 15% by mass or less.

<Developer>
The developer contained in the development fatigue solution is preferably an aqueous developer, and may be a solution composed only of water, or contains 50% by mass or more of water, and a water-soluble compound is added. An aqueous solution may be used.
Examples of water-soluble compounds include surfactants, acids, and alkalis.

Examples of the surfactant include an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and an amphoteric surfactant. Among these, an anionic surfactant is preferable.
Specific examples of the anionic surfactant include aliphatic carboxylates such as sodium laurate and sodium oleate; higher alcohol sulfates such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium cetyl sulfate and sodium oleyl sulfate; Polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate salts such as sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate; polyoxyethylene alkyl allyl ether sulfate salts such as sodium polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether sulfate, sodium polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether sulfate; Alkyl sulfonates such as alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, sodium dodecyl sulfonate, sodium dialkyl sulfosuccinate; Alkyl sulfonates such as killed disulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium triisopropyl naphthalene sulfonate; higher alcohol phosphates such as disodium lauryl phosphate monosodium lauryl phosphate and sodium lauryl phosphate Ester salts; polyoxyethylene lauryl ether phosphoric acid monoester disodium, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphoric acid ester salts such as sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether phosphoric acid diester; and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. In addition, although the sodium salt was mentioned as a specific example, it is not specifically limited to a sodium salt, The same effect can be acquired also with calcium salt or ammonia salt.

  Specific examples of nonionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene oleyl ether or polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, and polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether or polyoxyethylene octylphenyl ether. Ethylene alkyl phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycols, polyethylene glycol monostearate or polyethylene glycol monooleate, mono- and diesters of polyethylene glycol with fatty acids such as polyethylene glycol dilaurate, sorbitan monolaurate or sorbitan monooleate Such as fatty acid and sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate or Esters of sorbitan polyoxyethylene adducts such as xylethylene sorbitan monocyteate or polyoxyethylene sorbitan trilaurate and fatty acids, esters of fatty acids such as sorbit monopartimitate or sorbit dilaurate, sorbites, polyoxy Esters of sorbite polyoxyethylene adducts such as ethylene sorbite monostearate or polyoxyethylene sorbitdiolate with fatty acids, esters of fatty acids such as pentaerythritol monostearate with pentaerythritol, glycerol monolaurate, etc. Fatty acid and glycerin esters, fatty acid alkanolamides such as lauric acid diethanolamide or lauric acid monoethanolamide, lauryldimethylamine oxy Examples include amine oxides such as amides, fatty acid alkanolamines such as stearyl diethanolamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, triethanolamine fatty acid esters, phosphates, carbonates, silicates and other salt compounds exhibiting alkalinity. . These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Specific examples of the cationic surfactant include primary and secondary amine salts such as monostearyl ammonium chloride, distearyl ammonium chloride, and tristearyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, and distearyl dimethyl ammonium. Quaternary ammonium salts such as chloride, stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, alkylpyridinium salts such as N-cetylpyridinium chloride or N-stearylpyridinium chloride, N, N dialkylmorpholinium salts, polyethylene polyamine fatty acid amide salts, aminoethylethanol Acetates of urea compounds of amides of stearic acid with amines, 2-alkyl-1-hydroxyethylimidazolinium chlora De, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  Specific examples of amphoteric surfactants include amino acid types such as sodium laurylamine propionate, carboxybetaine types such as lauryl dimethyl betaine or lauryl dihydroxyethyl betaine, and sulfones such as stearyl dimethyl sulfoethylene ammonium ethylene ammonium betaine. Examples include betaine type, imidazolinium betaine type, and restin. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Specific examples of the acid include inorganic acids or organic acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, malic acid, maleic acid, and paratoluenesulfonic acid. Is mentioned.
Specific examples of the alkali include lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate and the like.

<Flocculant>
In this step, an inorganic coagulant and an organic coagulant are added to the development fatigue solution.
Here, the inorganic coagulant has a function of forming a small aggregate (micro floc) by floating intermolecular force (van der Waals force) from floating substances caused by uncured resin contained in the development fatigue fluid. It means an inorganic coagulant.
The organic coagulant has the function of forming small aggregates (micro flocs) by floating intermolecular force (van der Waals force) from suspended substances contained in the development fatigue fluid. An organic coagulant is generally used, and is generally a polymer having a relatively low molecular weight and a molecular weight of 10,000 to less than one million.
The order of addition of the inorganic coagulant and the organic coagulant is not particularly limited, and the inorganic coagulant and the organic coagulant may be added simultaneously, and the inorganic coagulant and the organic coagulant are added in this order. Alternatively, an organic coagulant and an inorganic coagulant may be added in this order.

<Inorganic coagulant>
Specific examples of the inorganic coagulant include, for example, sulfate band (aluminum sulfate), polyaluminum chloride (PAC), ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, and aluminate. Examples include soda, activated silicic acid, and aluminum hydroxide. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

Among these, a sulfuric acid band (Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ ) is preferable because the amount of phosphorus discharge can be sufficiently reduced even when the development fatigue solution contains a phosphate compound derived from a plasticizer. .
This is considered that aluminum phosphate is taken into micro flocs by the reaction shown by the following formula by using a sulfuric acid band.
(Formula) 2PO ₄ ³ + Al ₂ (SO ₄ ) ₃ → 2AlPO ₄ (solid) + 3SO ₄ ²⁻
In addition, by using a sulfate band, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and iodine consumption can be reduced.

  The amount of the inorganic coagulant added is preferably 4000 to 6000 ppm, more preferably 4500 to 5500 ppm, and still more preferably 4000 to 5000 ppm with respect to 1% by mass of the plasticizer.

<Organic coagulant>
As the above-mentioned organic coagulant, it is preferable to use a cationic coagulant among conventionally known organic coagulants.
Specific examples of the cationic coagulant include polyamine, polyethyleneimine, polyvinylamine, polyetheramide, polyhydroxypropyldimethylammonium chloride, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride, melamic acid colloid, and dicyandiamide. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

  The amount of the organic coagulant added is preferably 500 to 1500 ppm, more preferably 750 to 1250 ppm, and further preferably 900 to 1100 ppm with respect to 2.5% by mass of the uncured resin. preferable.

The order of addition of the inorganic coagulant, the organic coagulant and the coagulant is not particularly limited except that the coagulant is added before the addition of the inorganic coagulant and the organic coagulant.
The flocculant is a flocculant having an action of collecting small aggregates (micro flocs) condensed by intermolecular force to form large aggregates (floc), and generally has a molecular weight of 2 million or more 2 It is a polymer with a relatively large molecular weight of less than 10 million.

<Flocculant>
Specific examples of the flocculant include nonionic flocculants such as polyacrylamide; anionic flocculants such as acrylamide / sodium acrylate copolymer and acrylamide / acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid soda copolymer. A cationic flocculant such as alkylamino methacrylate quaternary salt polymer, alkylamino acrylate quaternary salt / acrylamide copolymer, polyamidine hydrochloride, acrylamide / acrylic acid / alkylamino (meth) acrylate quaternary salt copolymer; Is mentioned.
Among these, a cationic flocculant is preferable because of its high dissolution rate in the waste liquid.

The amount of the flocculant added to the flocculant is preferably 5 to 50% by mass of the amount of the organic coagulant added, and is preferably 15 to 35% by mass because of the excellent filterability of the floc formed. It is more preferable.
Moreover, it is preferable that it is 10-100 ppm with respect to 2.5 mass% of uncured resin, It is more preferable that it is 30-70 ppm, and it is 40-60 ppm with respect to 2.5 mass% of uncured resin. Is more preferable.

  The present invention is basically configured as described above. As mentioned above, the solid content concentration measuring method, the developing fatigue solution processing method, and the developing fatigue solution processing apparatus of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the gist of the present invention is described. It goes without saying that various improvements or changes may be made without departing from the scope.

The features of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the following examples. The materials, reagents, used amounts, substance amounts, ratios, processing details, processing procedures, and the like shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the specific examples shown below.
In this example, development fatigue treatment was performed based on Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 shown below. In addition, in the column of the solid concentration measurement method of the following Table 1 showing the development fatigue solution treatment method, Examples 1 to 8 are represented as “refractive index + surfactant concentration in the developer”, and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 are “ It was expressed as “dry weight fluctuation rate”.

The apparatuses and chemicals used in Examples 1-8 and Comparative Examples 1-8 are shown below.
<Imaging machine>
-CDI Spark 4835 Inline (manufactured by ESKO)
<Exposure machine>
・ Ultraviolet exposure machine Concept 302 ECDLF (product name) (Glunz & Jensen)
<Developer>
・ SB-926 (manufactured by GS TR)
<Development target>
・ FLENEX FW-L (manufactured by FUJIFILM Global Graphic Systems)
<Developer>
-Aqueous solution of finish power & pure powder SP (manufactured by Rekit Benkieser Japan) (concentration is described in the column of “surfactant concentration” in Table 1 below)
<Chemicals used in the aggregation process>
・ Sulfuric acid band (manufactured by Asada Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)
・ Polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (FK Flock Z series, manufactured by Fujikamizu Co., Ltd.)
・ Alkylaminoacrylate quaternary salt ・ acrylamide copolymer (Sunfloc CE series, manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries)
<Preparation of Development Fatigue Solution> (Examples 1-8, Comparative Examples 1-8)
The above-described development object was subjected to back exposure by exposing it from the back surface of the original plate with 80 W energy for 10 seconds using the above-described ultraviolet exposure machine. Then, using the above-mentioned imaging machine, it imaged by ablating a mask layer, and main exposure was implemented by exposing at 80 W from the surface (back surface of the back surface) for 1000 seconds.
The unexposed resin is removed from the main exposed original plate using the above-described developer and a washing machine SB-926 at 50 ° C. with a brush to remove the uncured resin. A developing fatigue solution having a solid content concentration was obtained. Regarding the development fatigue liquid, waste liquid samples 1 to 8 were used.

[Evaluation]
<Evaluation of refractive index of developing fatigue fluid>
It was measured using DEGITAL REFRACTOMETER PR-101 (manufactured by Atago Co., Ltd.) A few drops of development fatigue solution were dropped on the prism portion of PR-101 with a dropper, and the Brix value (%) was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1 below. The Brix value was the average of the values measured five times.

<Development fatigue solution concentration evaluation>
Several kinds of development fatigue solutions 500 g having different concentrations with known surfactant concentrations in the developer were prepared, and a sulfuric acid band (manufactured by Asada Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was added while stirring. A calibration curve for the amount of sulfuric acid band and the concentration of surfactant in the developer was prepared using the weight of the sulfuric acid band at which the pH of the solution after addition of the sulfuric acid band was 6. Thereafter, the concentration of the surfactant in the developer was calculated by determining the weight of the sulfuric acid band at which the pH of the various measurement samples became 6 when the sulfuric acid band was added. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

<Method for measuring solid content concentration by refractive index>
With respect to the development fatigue solution, solid concentration and surfactant concentration were known, and development fatigue solutions (solid concentration calculated from the dry weight fluctuation rate) having different concentrations were prepared, and Brix values were measured. From the results, a solid content concentration calculation formula consisting of the Brix value, the solid content concentration, and the surfactant concentration in the developer was obtained. The solid content concentration of the developing fatigue solution was calculated from the Brix value obtained by the above method and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution.
For Comparative Examples 1 to 8, a development fatigue solution (solid content concentration calculated from the dry weight fluctuation rate) having a known solid content concentration and a different concentration was prepared, and the Brix value was measured. From the result, a solid content concentration calculation formula consisting of the Brix value and the solid content concentration was obtained. The solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution was calculated from the Brix value obtained by the above method. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

<Method for measuring solid content concentration by dry weight fluctuation rate>
10 g of various samples were taken in an aluminum container and dried at 95 ° C. for 12 hours in an oven PHH-201 (manufactured by ESPEC).
After drying, the solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution was determined by measuring the weight of the residue. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

<Evaluation of time required for evaluation>
The measuring method of the time required for evaluation based on the refractive index was the time taken to calculate the solid content concentration by measuring the Brix value and the surfactant concentration in the developer.
On the other hand, the measuring method of the time required for evaluation based on the dry weight fluctuation rate was set to the time until 10 g of each sample was measured and then the weight of the residue was measured after drying at 95 ° C. for 720 minutes.

The results shown in Table 1 are obtained from the solid content concentration obtained from “refractive index + surfactant concentration in developer” in Examples 1 to 8 and “dry weight fluctuation rate” in Comparative Examples 1 to 8. The solid content concentration has an error rate of 27% at the maximum, but it is understood that the accuracy is sufficient to estimate the addition amount of the flocculant. In addition, in what was illustrated in the present Example, it has confirmed that the filtrate which can drain sewage is obtained until the error rate is 30%.
Furthermore, regarding the time required for evaluation, when looking at the results of Examples 1 to 8 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8, there is no drying step in “refractive index + surfactant concentration in developer” of Examples 1 to 8, The time required for evaluation was greatly reduced, the amount of the flocculant added could be determined quickly, and the development fatigue solution could be processed.
As described above, according to the present invention, the amount of the flocculant added to the developing fatigue solution can be obtained quickly, easily and accurately.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Processing system 12 Exposure apparatus 14 Developing apparatus 16 Development fatigue | exhaustion liquid processing apparatus (processing apparatus)
20 Supply part 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Piping 22 Measuring part 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d Piping 24 Pump 25 Switching part 26 Reserving part 27, 29, 31 Valve 28 Addition part 30 Calculation part 32 Control part 34 Waste liquid tank 40 Development Tank 42 Brush 43 Drive member 44 Supply pipe 50 Flexographic printing plate precursor 50a Surface Q Developer Qw Developer fatigue solution S10, S12, S14, S16, S18, S20 Step

Claims (5)

About the development fatigue solution in which the solid content removed from the flexographic printing plate precursor by the developer is dispersed by the surfactant in the developer,
Measure the refractive index of the developer fatigue and the surfactant concentration in the developer,
Using the refractive index of the obtained developing fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution, the solid content concentration of the solid content of the developing fatigue solution is obtained. Method for measuring solid content concentration.   The method for measuring a solid concentration of a developing fatigue liquid according to claim 1, wherein the solid content of the developing fatigue liquid contains at least one of water-dispersible latex and rubber. Measure the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution for the developing fatigue solution in which the solid content removed from the flexographic printing plate precursor by the developing solution is dispersed by the surfactant in the developing solution. And a process of
Using the refractive index of the developing fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the developing solution to determine a solid content concentration of the solid content of the developing fatigue solution;
Determining a flocculant addition amount of a flocculant to be added to the development fatigue solution based on the solid content concentration of the solid content;
And a step of adding the flocculant in an amount of the flocculant added to the development fatigue liquid.   The development fatigue fluid processing method according to claim 3, wherein the solid content of the development fatigue fluid includes at least one of water-dispersible latex and rubber. For the development fatigue solution in which the solid content removed from the flexographic printing plate precursor by the developer is dispersed by the surfactant in the developer, the refractive index of the development fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the developer are determined. A measuring section to measure,
Using the refractive index of the development fatigue solution and the surfactant concentration in the development solution, the solid content concentration of the development fatigue solution is obtained, and based on the solid content concentration of the solid content A calculation unit for determining the amount of flocculant added to the developing fatigue solution,
A developing fatigue solution processing apparatus, comprising: an addition unit for adding the flocculant addition amount of the flocculant to the developing fatigue solution.