WO2019151006A1

WO2019151006A1 - Processing system and processing method

Info

Publication number: WO2019151006A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/001608
Authority: WO
Inventors: 金子　修芳; 年宏渡辺; 征人白川
Original assignee: 富士フイルム株式会社
Priority date: 2018-01-31
Filing date: 2019-01-21
Publication date: 2019-08-08
Also published as: JPWO2019151006A1

Abstract

Provided are a processing system and a processing method for processing an exhausted developer solution generated by a developing process for a flexographic printing plate original plate, the exhausted developer solution being processed into a washing liquid suitable for the developing process for the flexographic printing plate original plate. The processing system reuses, as a washing solution, the exhausted developer solution, which includes solids generated by the removal of unexposed portions due to the developing process for flexographic printing plate original plate in which a washing liquid is used, the developing process taking place after image exposure. The processing system has: a processing unit that separates, by centrifugal separation, the exhausted developer solution into a clarified solution and a residue that includes solids; and a bubble-removing unit that removes air bubbles in the clarified solution obtained by the processing unit. The clarified solution from which bubbles have been removed is reused as a washing liquid.

Description

Processing system and processing method

In the present invention, a development fatigue solution containing solid matter generated by removing an unexposed portion of a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure by a development process using a washing solution is reused as a washing solution. The present invention relates to a processing system and a processing method, and more particularly, to a processing system and a processing method for reusing a clarified liquid obtained by removing bubbles after centrifuging a development fatigue liquid as a washing liquid.

Various methods are known for developing a printing plate using a flexographic printing plate precursor. For example, in a development method in which development is performed using an aqueous developer containing water as a main component, the flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure is immersed in an aqueous developer and an unexposed portion is exposed in the aqueous developer with a brush or the like. Development is performed by washing out uncured resin and the like. In this case, the uncured resin or the like is dispersed in the developer. It has been proposed to remove a dispersed uncured resin and reuse it for a developing solution in which an uncured resin or the like is dispersed. The flexographic printing plate precursor described above is also called a photosensitive resin plate, and the developer is also called a washing solution.

For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of treating a washing solution containing solid matter generated when developing a photosensitive resin plate after exposure by removing an unexposed portion while being immersed in the washing solution. ing. In Patent Document 1, solids having a specific gravity smaller than that of the washing liquid are separated and removed using a centrifugal sedimentation type centrifugal separation process having an inside disk, and the processed liquid obtained by separating and removing solids having a lower specific gravity than the washing liquid is obtained. Further, it is described that it is reused as a washing solution.

JP-A-7-328620

The processed liquid obtained by separating and removing solid matter having a specific gravity smaller than that of the wash-out liquid using the centrifugal separation process as described in Patent Document 1 may contain a lot of bubbles. When the processed liquid obtained by centrifugation in Patent Document 1 is washed out and reused as a liquid, the development of the flexographic printing plate precursor becomes insufficient, or when the processed liquid is transported, air bubbles are included, resulting in poor transport efficiency. When the liquid temperature is raised, there is a problem that the heat transfer efficiency is lowered and the temperature rise is slow because bubbles are included in the treated liquid. Thus, the processed liquid containing bubbles is not suitable as a washing-out liquid used for developing the flexographic printing plate precursor.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to develop a development fatigue solution generated by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor using a washing solution into a developing process of a flexographic printing plate precursor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a processing system and a processing method for processing into a suitable washing solution.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a development fatigue including solid matter generated by removing an unexposed portion by washing out a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure and developing it with a liquid. A processing system for reusing a liquid as a washing liquid, a processing section that separates a development fatigue liquid into a clarified liquid and a solid-containing residue by centrifugation, and bubbles in the clarified liquid obtained in the processing section And a degassing part for removing the bubbles, and a clarified liquid from which bubbles have been removed is reused as a washing liquid.
In addition, the present invention re-uses a development fatigue solution containing solids generated by removing unexposed portions by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure as a wash-out solution. A processing system to be used, in which a developing fatigue liquid is separated by centrifugation into a clarified liquid and a solid-containing residue, and the clarified liquid obtained by the processing section is continuously connected to the processing section. And a defoaming section for removing the bubbles, and a clarified liquid from which bubbles are removed is reused as a washing liquid.

It is preferable that the defoaming part is a part in which the clarification liquid is swirled in the container to flow and the bubbles are collected and removed in the central part of the container.
The defoaming part is preferably one that removes bubbles by performing vacuum degassing using a gas-liquid separation membrane.
It has a developing section for washing and developing the flexographic printing plate precursor using a liquid, and a storage section for storing the development fatigue liquid generated in the developing section, and the development fatigue liquid stored in the storage section is supplied to the processing section. Thus, it is preferable to separate into a clarified liquid and a residue by centrifugation.
It has a development section that develops the flexographic printing plate precursor using a washing solution, and the development fatigue fluid generated by the development process in the development section is directly supplied to the processing section and separated into a clarified liquid and a residue by centrifugation. It is preferable.

In addition, the present invention re-uses a development fatigue solution containing solids generated by removing unexposed portions by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure as a wash-out solution. A processing method to be used, the first step of separating the development fatigue solution into a clarified solution and a residue containing solids by centrifugation, a second step of removing bubbles in the clarified solution, And a third step of reusing the removed clarified liquid as a washing liquid.
In addition, the present invention re-uses a development fatigue solution containing solids generated by removing unexposed portions by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure as a wash-out solution. A processing method to be used, the first step of separating the developing fatigue liquid into a clarified liquid and a residue containing solids by centrifugation, and removing bubbles in the clarified liquid following the first process. And a third process of reusing the clarified liquid from which bubbles have been removed as a washing liquid.

The second step of removing the bubbles in the clarified liquid is preferably a method in which the clarified liquid is swirled in the container to flow, and the bubbles are collected and removed in the central portion.
The second step of removing bubbles in the clarified liquid is preferably a method of removing bubbles by performing vacuum degassing using a gas-liquid separation membrane.
In the first step, it is preferred that after storing the development fatigue solution generated by washing out the flexographic printing plate precursor and developing it using the solution, the stored development fatigue solution is separated into a clarified solution and a residue by centrifugation. .
In the first step, it is preferable to separate the development fatigue solution generated by washing out the flexographic printing plate precursor with a developing solution and separating it into a clarified solution and a residue by direct centrifugation.

According to the present invention, there is provided a processing system and a processing method for processing a development fatigue solution generated by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor using a washing solution into a washing solution suitable for developing the flexographic printing plate precursor. Can do.

It is a mimetic diagram showing an example of a processing system of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the image development part used for the processing system of embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, based on a preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, a processing system and a processing method of the present invention will be described in detail.
In addition, the figure demonstrated below is an illustration for demonstrating this invention, and this invention is not limited to the figure shown below.
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, various values represented by specific numerical values include an error range generally allowed in the corresponding technical field.

(Processing system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a developing unit used in the processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The processing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a development fatigue solution containing a solid material generated by removing an unexposed portion by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure using a washing solution. A washing solution suitable for development processing of a flexographic printing plate precursor is used. In the processing system 10, for example, a clarified liquid obtained by continuously removing bubbles after centrifuging a development fatigue liquid is reused as a washing liquid, but is not limited thereto. In the processing system 10, after the development fatigue solution is centrifuged, for example, the clarified liquid obtained by centrifugation is once stored in a container to remove bubbles in the clarified liquid and reused as a washing liquid.

The processing system 10 includes an exposure unit 12, a developing unit 14, a switching unit 15, a storage unit 16, a supply unit 18, a processing unit 20, a defoaming unit 22, and a control unit 24.
The operation of each component of the processing system 10 is controlled by the control unit 24. The developing fatigue liquid processing unit 25 is configured by the processing unit 20 and the defoaming unit 22.
The processing system 10 may be configured without the exposure unit 12.

The developing unit 14 is connected to the switching unit 15 through the connection pipe 30. The switching unit 15 is connected to the storage unit 16 via the connection pipe 31. In addition, the switching unit 15 is connected to the processing unit 20 via the connection pipe 34.

The developing unit 14 is connected to the supply unit 18 that supplies the washing liquid Q (see FIG. 2) via the connection pipe 32 and the connection pipe 33. Further, the developing unit 14 is connected to the storage unit 16 via a connecting pipe 32. The connection pipe 32 is provided with the pump 40, the heater 26, and the valve 27 in the order described above from the side close to the storage unit 16.
The heater 26 is for adjusting the liquid temperature of the liquid supplied to the developing unit 14, and the configuration is not particularly limited as long as the liquid temperature can be adjusted to a preset temperature. As the heater 26, for example, an in-line type in which a heating element is provided inside the connection pipe 32 is used. In addition, the heater 26 is not necessarily required, and may be configured without the heater 26.
The valve 27 switches the supply path of the liquid supplied to the developing unit 14. The valve 27 supplies at least one of the washing solution and the clarification solution to the developing unit 14. The valve 27 is connected to the control unit 24, and the opening and closing of the valve 27 is controlled to switch the supply path of the liquid supplied to the developing unit 14.

The processing unit 20 and the defoaming unit 22 are connected via a connection pipe 35, and a pump 41 is provided in the connection pipe 35. The storage tank or the like is not provided between the processing unit 20 and the defoaming unit 22, and the clarified liquid obtained in the processing unit 20 by the pump 41 is provided only by the connection pipe 35 and the pump 41. Is directly supplied to the defoaming section 22. In this way, a form in which there is no storage tank or the like between the processing unit 20 and the defoaming unit 22 is said to be continuously connected to the processing unit 20. Moreover, the defoaming part 22 and the storage part 16 are connected via a connecting pipe 36.
In the processing system 10, the bubbles in the clarified liquid are removed by the defoaming section 22 continuously from the clarified liquid obtained in the processing section 20, and the clarified liquid from which the bubbles are removed is stored in the storage section 16 via the connection pipe 36. Supplied.

The storage unit 16 and the processing unit 20 are connected via a connection pipe 37. The connection pipe 37 is provided with a pump 42, and a liquid stored in the storage unit 16, for example, a developing fatigue liquid is supplied to the processing unit 20 by the pump 42.
Any of the above-described pump 40, pump 41, and pump 42 is not particularly limited as long as a liquid such as a developing fatigue liquid can be moved to a target location, and the amount of liquid to be moved is not limited. In accordance with the head of the liquid to be moved and the like, it is appropriately used. The operations of the above-described pump 40, pump 41, and pump 42 are controlled by the control unit 24.

The exposure unit 12 exposes the flexographic printing plate precursor. The flexographic printing plate precursor after the imagewise exposure is the one in which the flexographic printing plate precursor is exposed by the exposure unit 12. The configuration of the exposure unit 12 is not particularly limited as long as the flexographic printing plate precursor can be exposed. As the exposure unit 12, a known apparatus capable of exposing the flexographic printing plate precursor can be appropriately used.

The developing unit 14 develops the exposed flexographic printing plate precursor, and the flexographic printing plate precursor exposed by the exposing unit 12 is conveyed.
The developing unit 14 develops the flexographic printing plate precursor after image-wise exposure using, for example, an aqueous developer containing water as a main component as a washing solution. The configuration of the developing unit 14 is not particularly limited as long as it can develop the flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure. As the developing unit 14, a known apparatus using an aqueous developer can be used as appropriate. The developing unit 14 may have a configuration called a clamshell type that develops the flexographic printing plate precursor in a batch system, or may have a transport type configuration that performs development while transporting the flexographic printing plate precursor. Moreover, the form which immerses and develops the flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure may be sufficient.

The switching unit 15 changes the flow path of the development fatigue liquid Qw (see FIG. 2). The switching portion 15 changes the flow path of the development fatigue liquid Qw (see FIG. 2), and the development fatigue liquid Qw (see FIG. 2) is moved to the storage section 16 or the processing section 20. For example, a three-way valve is used for the switching unit 15. Switching of the flow path of the switching unit 15 is performed by the control unit 24. Further, the switching unit 15 preferably has a flow meter for measuring the flow rates of the connection pipe 31 and the connection pipe 34 that are flow paths to the storage unit 16. Thereby, the flow volume of the developing fatigue liquid to the storage unit 16 and the processing unit 20 can be measured, and the supply amount of the washing liquid Q (see FIG. 2) and the clarified liquid necessary for the developing unit 14 can be grasped.

The storage part 16 is a place where at least the development fatigue liquid and the clear liquid from which bubbles are removed by the defoaming part 22 are stored. For example, a container (not shown) for storing the development fatigue liquid and the clear liquid are stored. And a container (not shown) for storing. In that case, you may install one or more piping which connects the container which stores a developing fatigue liquid, and the container which stores a clarification liquid. In addition, a pump for feeding a developing fatigue solution or a clarification solution can be installed in the middle of the pipe.
The storage unit 16 may be configured to store the development fatigue solution and the clarification solution in the same container.
Moreover, the structure which has a container in which the washout liquid is stored may be sufficient as the storage part 16. FIG.
The developing fatigue liquid stored in the storage unit 16 is supplied to the processing unit 20 by the pump 42 through the connection pipe 37 as a flow path.
The clarified liquid stored in the storage unit 16 and from which bubbles are removed is supplied to the developing unit 14 by the pump 40 using the connection pipe 32 as a flow path.

The supply unit 18 includes, for example, a tank (not shown) in which the washout liquid is stored, a flowmeter (not shown) of the washout liquid, and a delivery unit (not shown) that sends out the washout liquid. The delivery unit is configured by a pump, for example. When the pump has a function of measuring the delivery amount, a flow meter is not necessary.

The processing unit 20 separates the development fatigue liquid into a clarified liquid and a residue containing solid matter by centrifugation.
In the processing unit 20, the solid material 29 removed from the development fatigue solution is collected by a receiving tray 28 provided below the processing unit 20.
On the other hand, the development fatigue liquid from which the solid material 29 has been removed, that is, the above-described clarified liquid is supplied to the defoaming section 22 through the connection pipe 35 by the pump 41.
As described above, the development fatigue solution is a washing solution containing a solid material generated by removing an unexposed portion of the flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure. The term “containing solid matter in the washing liquid containing solid matter” means a state in which the solid matter is dissolved or dispersed.
The clarified liquid is a liquid from which a part of solids contained in the development fatigue liquid has been removed.

If the processing part 20 utilizes centrifugation, the structure will not be specifically limited, A well-known centrifuge can be utilized, for example, a basket type thing is used. For example, the processing unit 20 stores the developing fatigue liquid in a container, rotates the container, moves a solid substance having a large mass to the inner wall of the container, and separates the clarified liquid and the solid substance. The solid matter is taken out as a residue from the processing unit 20.

The defoaming part 22 removes bubbles in the clarified liquid continuously with respect to the clarified liquid obtained in the processing part 20. The configuration of the defoaming unit 22 is not particularly limited as long as the bubbles in the clarified liquid can be removed, and a known device that removes the bubbles in the liquid can be used.
As the defoaming section 22, for example, it is possible to use a liquid that swirls and flows the clarified liquid in a container (not shown), and collects and removes bubbles in the center of the container. What is called is available.
Moreover, as the defoaming part 22, what removes bubbles by performing vacuum degassing using a gas-liquid separation membrane (not shown) can be used, and what is called a membrane deaerator can be used. It is.

The processing portion 20 and the defoaming portion 22 can centrifuge the development fatigue solution and obtain a clear solution from which bubbles have been removed. The development fatigue solution is converted into a washing solution suitable for the development processing of the flexographic printing plate precursor. Can be processed. As a result, the development fatigue solution can be reused as a wash-out solution, so that the wash-out solution can be used effectively and the use efficiency of the wash-out solution can be increased.
Further, as described above, the processing unit 20 and the defoaming unit 22 continuously remove the bubbles in the clarified liquid obtained by removing solids from the developing fatigue solution by centrifugation, and the storage unit 16 Supply clear liquid. By processing the development fatigue solution continuously as described above, the processing time can be shortened and the productivity can be improved and the configuration of the processing system 10 can be simplified as compared with the case where the clarified solution is once stored in a container or the like. And the cost of the apparatus can be reduced.
Moreover, it is not limited to arrange | positioning the process part 20 and the defoaming part 22 continuously as mentioned above, Between the process part 20 and the defoaming part 22, the clarification obtained by the process part 20 It can also be set as the structure which has arrange | positioned the container (not shown) which stores a liquid. In this case, the clarified liquid obtained by the processing unit 20 may be once received in a container, and the liquid taken out from the container may be defoamed by the defoaming unit 22 and returned to the original container. After returning to the original container, the defoamed clarified liquid is supplied to the storage unit 16. Alternatively, the clarified liquid obtained by the processing unit 20 may be once received in a container, and the liquid taken out from the container may be defoamed by the defoaming unit 22 and supplied to the storage unit 16.

Next, the developing unit 14 will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. The developing unit 14 is not limited to that shown in FIG. Moreover, illustration of the control part 24 is abbreviate | omitted in FIG.
The developing unit 14 shown in FIG. 2 has a configuration called a batch system. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the developing unit 14 includes a developing tank 50 and a brush 52. The brush 52 is provided on the drive member 53. The brush 52 is provided with a supply pipe 54. The supply pipe 54 is connected to the supply unit 18. In the developing unit 14, the washout liquid Q is supplied from the brush 52 to the surface 60 a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 from the supply unit 18 through the connection pipe 33, the connection pipe 32, and the supply pipe 54.

At the time of development, while supplying the washing liquid Q from the brush 52 to the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, the driving member 53 is rotated by a driving unit (not shown), and the flexographic printing after imagewise exposure is performed by the brush 52. The surface 60a of the plate precursor 60 is rubbed. Thereby, the uncured part (not shown) after the exposure is removed from the surface 60a of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 and discharged into the washing liquid Q. A state where an uncured portion (not shown) after the exposure is washed out into the liquid Q is referred to as a development fatigue liquid Qw. The development fatigue solution Qw includes a washing solution Q.
The developing tank 50 is connected to the connecting pipe 30, and the developing fatigue liquid Qw is sent from the connecting pipe 30 to the switching unit 15. On the other hand, the washing liquid Q is supplied from the supply unit 18 to the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 through the connection pipe 33, the connection pipe 32, and the supply pipe 54.

Further, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 forms a flexographic printing plate used for flexographic printing, and its configuration is not particularly limited. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 is preferably one that can be developed with an aqueous developer containing water as a main component, or a water development type flexographic printing plate precursor. As the flexographic printing plate precursor 60, a known flexographic printing plate precursor that can be developed with an aqueous developer can be used. The flexographic printing plate precursor 60 may be a CTP (Computer-To-Plate) compatible flexographic printing plate having a black layer layer applied on the surface thereof.

(Processing method)
Next, a processing method will be described using the processing system 10. Note that the processing method is not limited to using the processing system 10.
In the processing system 10, the exposure unit 12 exposes the surface 60a (see FIG. 2) of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 (see FIG. 2) with a specific pattern, for example. Thereby, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 (see FIG. 2) after imagewise exposure is obtained.
Next, the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 (see FIG. 2) after the imagewise exposure is conveyed to the developing unit 14, and in the developing unit 14, the brush 52 (in the washing liquid Q in the developing tank 50 (see FIG. 2)). 2), the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 (see FIG. 2) is developed. By the development process using the washing liquid Q, the solid matter generated by removing the unexposed portions of the flexographic printing plate precursor 60 after imagewise exposure is dispersed in the washing liquid Q (see FIG. 2). As a result, a development fatigue solution Qw (see FIG. 2) containing solids is generated.

The development fatigue fluid Qw generated by the above development process is transferred to the switching unit 15 through the connection pipe 30. The switching unit 15 is set so that the development fatigue solution is transferred to the storage unit 16, and the development fatigue solution is transferred to the storage unit 16 and stored in the storage unit 16.
The developing fatigue liquid in the storage unit 16 is supplied to the processing unit 20 through the connection pipe 37 by the pump 42. In the processing unit 20, the developing fatigue liquid is separated into a clarified liquid and a residue containing the solid material 29 by centrifugation, and the processing unit 20 discharges the solid material 29 to the tray 28. The step of separating the development fatigue solution into a clarified solution and a residue containing the solid material 29 by centrifugation is the first step.
On the other hand, the clarified liquid is supplied to the defoaming unit 22 through the connection pipe 35 by the pump 41, and the bubbles in the clarified liquid are removed by the defoaming unit 22 continuously from the processing unit 20. As a result, a clear liquid that can be reused as a washing liquid can be obtained. In addition, the process of removing the bubble in the clarified liquid obtained by centrifugation is a 2nd process. The first step and the second step may be performed in succession to the first step without entering another step in the middle, or the first step and the second step. Another process in the middle may be inserted between the processes. When another process enters, for example, after the first process, the clarified liquid obtained in the first process is once received in the container, and the second process is performed on the liquid.

The clarified liquid from which bubbles are removed is supplied from the defoaming section 22 to the storage section 16, and the clarified liquid is stored in the storage section 16. The clarified liquid stored in the storage unit 16 is supplied to the developing unit 14 through a connection pipe 32 by a pump 40, for example, at a preset temperature by a heater 26 provided with a heating element in the connection pipe 32. Then, it is reused as a washout solution in the development processing of the flexographic printing plate precursor. In this case, the valve 27 is open. In addition, the process of washing | cleaning and reusing the clarified liquid from which the bubble was removed is a 3rd process.

When the clarified liquid is used as a washing liquid, the flexographic printing plate precursor may be developed by mixing the washing liquid with a preset amount of the clarified liquid. May be implemented. The ratio of the clarification liquid with respect to the washing liquid is not particularly limited, and is appropriately determined according to the processing amount of the flexographic printing plate precursor.
Moreover, processing the development fatigue solution to obtain a clear solution and washing the clear solution as a washout solution is not limited to one time, and may be performed a plurality of times. When reusing the clarified liquid as a washing liquid a plurality of times, the number of times of use is set in advance, or the solid matter concentration in the clarified liquid is set in advance as a guide for discontinuing use. The solid concentration in the clarified liquid can be specified by measuring the refractive index of the clarified liquid, for example. In this case, for example, the storage unit 16 is provided with a measuring unit that measures the refractive index of the clarified liquid in order to measure the solid concentration of the clarified liquid. For example, a Brix value (%) can be used as the refractive index, and a sensor capable of measuring the Brix value (%) can be used for measuring the refractive index.
When the clear liquid is used as a washing liquid using the solid concentration of the clear liquid, the solid concentration of the clear liquid is measured. The use can be determined by comparing the concentration.

As in the processing method described above, by using the clarified liquid from which bubbles have been removed as a washing solution, the flexographic printing plate precursor is properly developed, and film formation due to bubbles on the plate surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor is suppressed, resulting in poor development. Is suppressed. Further, since there is no air bubble, the clarified liquid does not overflow from the storage unit 16. Moreover, since there is no bubble, when the clarified liquid is heated by the heater 26, a decrease in heat transfer efficiency or the like is suppressed, the temperature can be set to an appropriate temperature, and temperature management becomes easy. Moreover, since the air bubbles are not included in the clarified liquid, the conveying efficiency of the clarified liquid does not decrease.

In the processing method, the developing fatigue liquid stored in the storage unit 16 is supplied to the processing unit 20 using the pump 42, and the clarified liquid from which bubbles are removed is stored in the storage unit 16 as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first step, the development fatigue liquid generated by the development processing in the developing unit 14 is directly supplied from the switching unit 15 to the processing unit 20, and separated into a clarified liquid and a residue by centrifugation in the processing unit 20, Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which stores the clarified liquid from which the bubble was removed by the defoaming part 22 in the storage part 16. FIG. In this case, it is not necessary to separately store the developing fatigue liquid and the clarified liquid from which bubbles are removed, and the configuration of the storage unit 16 can be simplified.
Alternatively, the supply unit 18 and the storage unit 16 may be connected by a connecting pipe 38, the washout solution from the supply unit 18 may be supplied to the storage unit 16, and the washout solution may be stored in the storage unit 16. In this case, the washing solution is not supplied from the supply unit 18 to the developing unit 14, and the washing solution is supplied from the storage unit 16 to the developing unit 14. The connecting pipe 38 is not necessarily provided.
Moreover, it is good also as a structure which stores the washing | cleaning liquid in the storage part 16, and does not provide the supply part 18. FIG. In this case, the storage unit 16 also serves as the supply unit 18.

Further, the processing system 10 may have a configuration in which a separation membrane (not shown) is provided at a position closer to the developing unit 14 than the pump 40 in the clear liquid conveyance path.
The separation membrane separates solid matter generated by the development processing of the flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing liquid. For this reason, the separation membrane is not particularly limited as long as the solid matter contained in the development fatigue solution Qw can be separated, and is appropriately determined depending on the size of the solid matter to be separated.
It is preferable to pass the clarified liquid through the separation membrane because the solid concentration of the clarified liquid supplied to the developing unit 14 can be further reduced and the clarified liquid can be repeatedly used as a washing liquid.
For example, the separation membrane is preferably capable of separating a solid having a particle size of 1 μm or less. For example, a filter having a separation ability of 0.1 μm is used as the separation membrane.

Hereinafter, the development fatigue solution will be described in detail.
<Development fatigue solution>
The development fatigue solution which is the treatment target of the treatment system and the treatment method of the present invention is a washing solution containing solid matter generated by removing an unexposed portion by developing the flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing solution, that is, Any washing solution containing an uncured resin is not particularly limited. However, a development fatigue liquid containing a conventionally known photosensitive resin composition for forming a general photosensitive resin layer can be used as a processing target.
Moreover, since it is preferable to use the development fatigue | exhaustion liquid at the time of developing by a LAM (Laser Ablation Masking) system as a processing target, the uncured resin removed by development processing is contained in the photosensitive resin composition. A photosensitive resin is preferred.
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 which is the treatment target of this 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>
The uncured resin contained in the development fatigue liquid is a solid material generated by removing an unexposed portion. 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.
The solid material having a specific gravity smaller than that of the washing liquid is, for example, a photosensitive resin such as a rubber component and latex.
The solid matter having a specific gravity greater than that of the washing solution is a component of the overcoat layer such as carbon.

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.

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. -(Meth) acrylate having a hydroxyl group such as hydroxypropyl (meth) acrylate, 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, stearyl (meth) acrylate; cyclohexyl (meth) acrylate, etc. Cycloalkyl (meth) acrylate; 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 DOO, 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) ) Acrylates, glycerol tri (meth) acrylates, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ethers with compounds with ethylenically unsaturated bonds and active hydrogen such as unsaturated carboxylic acids or unsaturated alcohols Polyvalent (meth) acrylate obtained by reaction; polyvalent (meth) acrylate obtained by addition reaction of an 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-t-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylenebis (4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), N-nitrosophenylhydroxyamine primary cerium salt, etc. .

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.

<Washing liquid>
The wash-out solution contained in the development fatigue solution is preferably an aqueous wash-out solution, 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 kill 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 Fatty acid and sorbitan esters such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate or Esters of sorbitan polyoxyethylene adducts such as oxyethylene sorbitan monocytearate or polyoxyethylene sorbitan trilaurate with fatty acids, esters of fatty acids such as sorbitol monopartimidate 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. Esters of fatty acids and glycerol, fatty acid alkanolamides such as lauric acid diethanolamide or lauric acid monoethanolamide, lauryldimethylamine Examples include amine compounds such as side, fatty acid alkanolamines such as stearyl diethanolamine, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, triethanolamine fatty acid esters, phosphates, carbonates, silicates, and other alkaline salt compounds. . 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 chloride Ido, 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.

The present invention is basically configured as described above. The processing system and processing method of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Of course.

The features of the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to the following examples. The materials, reagents, substance amounts and ratios thereof, and operations shown in the following examples can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In this example, using the processing apparatuses of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 shown below, processing was performed on the development fatigue solutions having the processing amounts shown in Table 1 below. Hereinafter, the solid content concentration of the developing fatigue solution represents the solid matter concentration of the wash-out solution or the solid content concentration of the developing fatigue solution after centrifugation. The solid content concentration of the developing fatigue solution is shown in Table 1 below.

The apparatus and chemicals used to obtain the development fatigue solutions processed in Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 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 Trading)
<Flexographic printing plate precursor>
・ FLENEX FW-L (manufactured by FUJIFILM Global Graphic Systems)
<Washing liquid>
-Aqueous solution of Finish Power & Pure Powder SP (manufactured by Rekit Benkieser Japan) (concentration is 0.5% by mass)
<Centrifuge>
・ UB-S1 (Ameloid Japan Service Co., Ltd.)

<Preparation of Development Fatigue Solution> (Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4)
The above-mentioned flexographic printing plate precursor was subjected to back exposure by exposing it from the back surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor at an energy of 80 W 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 flexographic printing plate precursor subjected to main exposure was used as the flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure.
The exposed unprinted portion of the flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure is developed using a brush at the temperature of 50 ° C. using the above washing solution and the washing machine SB-926. This was removed to obtain a developing fatigue solution.

<Measurement method of solid content concentration of development fatigue fluid>
10 g of the development fatigue solution to be measured was placed in an aluminum container and dried in an oven PHH-201 (manufactured by ESPEC) at 95 ° C. for 12 hours.
After drying, the mass of the residue was measured to determine the solid content concentration of the developing fatigue solution. The results are shown in the column of solid content concentration (mass%) of the developing fatigue solution in Table 1 below.

For Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4, the generation of bubbles in the storage unit, the liquid level in the storage unit, and the plate failure in the development process were evaluated.
The generation of bubbles in the storage part was visually observed, and was evaluated in three stages, “low”, “high”, and “very high” based on the observation results.
The liquid surface height of the storage part was evaluated by the difference between the liquid surface height after the treatment and the height at the time of standing.
In addition, the height at the time of stationary is the height of the liquid level of the storage part in the state which does not perform a centrifugation process.
The plate failure in the development process was evaluated by visually observing the plate surface of the flexographic printing plate precursor after the development process. When the residue was attached to the printing plate, it was evaluated as “failure”, and when the residue was not attached to the printing plate, it was evaluated as “no failure”.

In Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 provided with a heater, the film adhesion to the heater, the temperature rise time (minutes) of the liquid temperature in the storage part, and the liquid temperature in the storage part during development processing were measured.
The film adhesion to the heater was evaluated by visually observing the surface of the heating element after the treatment. The case where adhesion of the film was observed on the surface of the heater heating element was evaluated as “Yes”, and the case where adhesion of the film was not observed on the surface of the heater heating element was evaluated as “None”.
The temperature rise time of the liquid temperature in the storage part was measured by measuring the time required for the liquid temperature in the storage part to reach 50 ° C. from 25 ° C. In addition, the liquid temperature of the storage part was measured using the thermometer.
The liquid temperature of the storage unit during the development processing was measured using a thermometer for the liquid temperature of the storage unit during the development processing.

Next, Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 4 will be described.
(Example 1)
In Example 1, the above-described development fatigue solution was processed using a processing unit and a defoaming unit.
In Example 1, the above-mentioned centrifuge was used for the processing unit, and centrifugation was performed at a rotational speed of 2500 rpm (revolutions per minute).
A super valve cutter M-60 manufactured by Sato Jushi Kogyo Co., Ltd. was used for the defoaming part.
In Example 1, centrifugation was carried out, and bubbles in the clarified liquid were removed at the defoaming part continuously with the centrifugation.
In Example 1, there was a heater, and the liquid temperature was controlled within an allowable range of 1 ° C. with respect to 50 ° C. At this time, the time until the storage section reached from 25 ° C. to 50 ° C. and the temperature of the storage section during the development processing were measured.
The numerical values shown in the column of centrifuge flow rate (L / min) in Table 1 below indicate the flow rate at which the developer fatigue solution is sent to the centrifuge. In Example 1, it was set to “5 L / min”.
The “plate processing amount (m ² ) from the start of processing” in Table 1 below indicates how many square meters (m ² ) of the flexographic printing plate precursor was developed, and the flexographic printing plate precursor that was developed. Represents the total area (m ² ). In Example 1, it is “20 m ² ”. Hereinafter, the plate processing amount from the start of processing is simply referred to as processing amount.

(Example 2)
Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that the centrifugation conditions, the amount of processing, and the heater are not provided, and the rest is the same as Example 1. The configuration of the defoaming part of Example 2 was the same as that of Example 1, and in Example 2, the centrifugal separation process and the defoaming process were continuously performed.
In Example 2, the centrifuge flow rate was set to “10 L / min” and the throughput was set to “15 m ² ” for the centrifuge conditions.
In Example 2, since no heater is provided, the column of “film adhesion to heater”, the column of “temperature rise time (minutes) of liquid temperature of storage unit”, and “liquid of storage unit during development processing” "-" Is written in the "Warm" column.
Example 3
Example 3 is the same as Example 1 except that the amount of treatment, the configuration of the defoaming part, and the heater are not provided, as compared to Example 1. Also in Example 3, the centrifugal separation treatment and the defoaming treatment were performed continuously. In Example 3, the processing amount was set to “30 m ² ”.
In Example 3, a hollow fiber degassing module EF-002A (model) manufactured by DIC Corporation was used for the defoaming part.
In Example 3, since no heater is provided, the column of “Attaching the film to the heater”, the column of “Temperature increase time of liquid temperature of storage unit (minutes)”, and “Liquid of storage unit during development processing” "-" Is written in the "Warm" column.

Example 4
Example 4 differs from Example 1 in that centrifuge conditions, throughput, and heaters are not provided, and that centrifuge separation and defoaming are not performed continuously. Was the same as in Example 1.
In Example 4, the clarified liquid obtained by centrifugation was once stored in a container, and then bubbles in the clarified liquid were removed from the clarified liquid in the container at the defoaming section.
In Example 4, the centrifuge flow rate was set to “10 L / min” and the processing amount was set to “15 m ² ” for the centrifuge conditions.

(Comparative Example 1)
Compared with Example 1, Comparative Example 1 was the same as Example 1 except that the centrifugation conditions, the amount of treatment, the defoaming part were not provided, and the heater was not provided. In Comparative Example 1, the centrifuge flow rate was set to “5 L / min” and the treatment amount was set to “0 m ² ” for the centrifuge conditions. The development fatigue solution with a processing amount of 0 m ² is a state in which the development treatment is not performed and is a washing solution.
In Comparative Example 1, the washout solution was centrifuged.
In Comparative Example 1, since no heater is provided, the column of “film adhesion to heater”, the column of “temperature increase time (minutes) of liquid temperature of storage unit”, and “liquid of storage unit during development processing” "-" Is written in the "Warm" column.

(Comparative Example 2)
Comparative Example 2 was different from Example 1 in that the centrifugal separation conditions and the defoaming part were not provided, and the rest was the same as Example 1.
In Comparative Example 2, the centrifuge flow rate was set to “5 L / min” for the centrifuge conditions.

(Comparative Example 3)
Compared to Example 1, Comparative Example 3 was the same as Example 1 except that the centrifugation conditions, the defoaming part were not provided, and the heater was not provided.
In Comparative Example 3, the centrifuge flow rate was set to “5 L / min” for the centrifuge conditions.
In Comparative Example 3, since no heater is provided, the column “Attachment of film to heater”, the column “Temperature rise time of liquid temperature in storage unit (min)”, and “Liquid in storage unit during development process” "-" Is written in the "Warm" column.

(Comparative Example 4)
Comparative Example 4 was different from Example 3 in that the defoaming part was not provided, and the others were the same as Example 3.

As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 to 3, after the development fatigue solution was centrifuged, the bubbles in the clarification solution were continuously removed, so that the generation of bubbles in the storage unit was reduced. The height of the liquid surface was low, and no plate failure occurred during the development process.
In addition, Example 4 in which the centrifugal separation process and the defoaming process were not performed continuously is the same as the Examples 1 to 3 in which the centrifugal separation process and the defoaming process were performed in succession. There was little occurrence, the level of the liquid level in the storage section was low, and no plate failure occurred during the development process.
On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 to 4 having no defoaming part, many bubbles were generated in the storage part, and the liquid level of the storage part was high. In Comparative Examples 2 to 4, in particular, the clarified liquid overflowed from the storage section, and the plate surface failure of the developing process occurred.
In Example 3, the solid content concentration was higher than those in Comparative Examples 1 to 3, but no plate failure occurred in the development process.
Moreover, when Example 1 with a heater was compared with Comparative Example 2, the film was adhered to the heater in Comparative Example 2, and a long time was required for the temperature rise time (minutes) of the liquid temperature in the storage unit.
In both Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 with a heater, the liquid temperature was controlled within an allowable range of 1 ° C. with respect to 50 ° C., but Example 1 was within the allowable range, and Comparative Example 2 exceeded the allowable range. It was.
From the above, the effect of the present invention is clear.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Processing system 12 Exposure part 14 Developing part 15 Switching part 16 Storage part 18 Supply part 20 Processing part 22 Defoaming part 24 Control part 25 Developing fatigue solution processing part 26 Heater 27 Valve 28 Sauce 29

Solid matter

30, 31, 32, 33 , 34, 35, 36, 37

Pipe

40, 41, 42 Pump 50 Developing tank 52 Brush 53 Drive member 54 Supply pipe 60 Flexographic printing plate precursor 60a Surface Q Extracted liquid Qw Developing fatigue liquid

Claims

A processing system in which a development fatigue solution containing solid matter generated by removing an unexposed portion by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure by washing with a washing solution is reused as the washing solution. There,
A processing section for separating the developing fatigue liquid into a clarified liquid and a residue containing the solid matter by centrifugation;
A defoaming section for removing bubbles in the clarified liquid obtained in the processing section,
The processing system in which the clarified liquid from which the bubbles have been removed is reused as the washing liquid.
A processing system in which a development fatigue solution containing solid matter generated by removing an unexposed portion by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure by washing with a washing solution is reused as the washing solution. There,
A processing section for separating the developing fatigue liquid into a clarified liquid and a residue containing the solid matter by centrifugation;
A defoaming unit that is continuously connected to the processing unit and removes bubbles in the clarified liquid obtained in the processing unit;
The processing system in which the clarified liquid from which the bubbles have been removed is reused as the washing liquid.
The processing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the defoaming unit is configured to flow the clarified liquid by swirling in the container and collect and remove the bubbles at a central part of the container.
The treatment system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the defoaming unit is configured to remove the bubbles by performing vacuum degassing using a gas-liquid separation membrane.
A developing unit that develops the flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing solution; and a storage unit that stores the development fatigue liquid generated in the developing unit;
The processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the developing fatigue liquid stored in the storage unit is supplied to the processing unit and separated into the clarified liquid and the residue by the centrifugal separation. .
A developing section for developing the flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing solution;
The development fatigue fluid generated by the development processing in the development section is directly supplied to the processing section and separated into the clarified liquid and the residue by the centrifugal separation. The processing system described.
A processing method in which a development fatigue solution containing a solid material generated by removing an unexposed part by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure by washing with a washing solution is reused as the washing solution. There,
A first step of separating the developing fatigue liquid into a clarified liquid and a residue containing the solid matter by centrifugation;
A second step of removing bubbles in the clarified liquid;
And a third step of reusing the clarified liquid from which the bubbles have been removed as the washing liquid.
A processing method in which a development fatigue solution containing a solid material generated by removing an unexposed part by developing a flexographic printing plate precursor after imagewise exposure by washing with a washing solution is reused as the washing solution. There,
A first step of separating the developing fatigue liquid into a clarified liquid and a residue containing the solid matter by centrifugation;
A second step of removing bubbles in the clarified liquid continuously with the first step;
And a third step of reusing the clarified liquid from which the bubbles have been removed as the washing liquid.
The said 2nd process of removing the bubble in the said clarified liquid is a method of making the said clarified liquid swirl within a container, flowing, and collecting and removing the said bubble in the center part. Processing method.
The processing method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the second step of removing bubbles in the clarified liquid is a method of removing the bubbles by performing vacuum degassing using a gas-liquid separation membrane.
In the first step, after the development fatigue solution generated by developing the flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing solution is stored, the stored development fatigue solution is centrifuged to form the clarified solution. The treatment method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the residue is separated into the residue.
In the first step, the development fatigue liquid generated by developing the flexographic printing plate precursor using the washing liquid is separated into the clarified liquid and the residue directly by the centrifugation. The processing method according to any one of 10 above.