How does dust get into selenium over time?

[brian steinberger]

I've noticed that over time with my working solutions of selenium toner (1:9 and 1:19) in 1 gallon jugs that small dust balls collect in the toner. Has anyone else experienced this? I know that it can't affect performance, but it is quite annoying! How does it get into a tightly closed jug?

 

[blaze-on]

Use a coffee filter to strain your selenium after use.

Don't know how it can get in after the bottle is sealed..has to be before..

 

[fschifano]

No matter where you are, there is dust. The toner is spending some time in an open tray and some dust is bound to settle in there. Over time, it becomes noticeable. But are you really seeing dust, or the sludge that naturally accumulates as a byproduct of the toning process? It can be filtered out as necessary, and the toner replenished. You can keep a jug of selenium toner going for a long time that way.

 

[brian steinberger]

No matter where you are, there is dust. The toner is spending some time in an open tray and some dust is bound to settle in there. Over time, it becomes noticeable. But are you really seeing dust, or the sludge that naturally accumulates as a byproduct of the toning process? It can be filtered out as necessary, and the toner replenished. You can keep a jug of selenium toner going for a long time that way.

What does the byproduct of the toning process look like? It looks to me like little dust balls. Must be from being in the open tray, then it collects to itself once in the jug. This only happens after it's been used a while, so that makes sense.

 

[pgomena]

Is it dust or little bits of paper, or both? The stuff I get looks more like bits of paper fiber.

Peter Gomena

 

[drpsilver]

09 Aug 2007

I have noticed the same effect in selenium toner that kept in a bottle for some time. I also have noticed that there is more "dust" in toner that has "seen" more prints. I once was told that, and the above observation seems to confirm, that the dust is silver and/or selenium that has precipitated from the toner solution.

At any rate filtering out this "dust" and using the toner is quite appropiate. Bear in mind that the resulting solution will be not as active as fresh toner.

Regards,
Darwin

 

[drpsilver]

09 Aug 2007

The above assumes that the "dust" observed is black or dark gray.

Darwin

 

[Les McLean]

I think you may find that the "dust" could be a silver residue created by the toning action. I was told this many years ago by a chemist.

 

[Dave Miller]

09 Aug 2007

The above assumes that the "dust" observed is black or dark gray.

Darwin

It is, at least mine is. I filter it, but generally by the time it becomes a nuisance the toner is past it's best.

 

[panastasia]

What does the byproduct of the toning process look like? It looks to me like little dust balls.after it's been used a

Your looking a the typical byproduct of the selenium toning process. I'm not a chemist nor am I interested in what it is. Just filter it out!

The precipitate doesn't change the performance of the toner much in my experience.
Seems like any change is gradual.

 

[Michel Hardy-Vallée]

It's a precipitate, but I don't know what its composition may be. I usually filter my toner with a coffee paper filter before use.

 

[brian steinberger]

Thanks for clarifying everyone. I never knew that a precipitate was formed from its reaction with silver. Interesting...

 

[panastasia]

I filter it, but generally by the time it becomes a nuisance the toner is past it's best.

On second thought , Dave Miller makes a good point.

The sediment (precipitate) is a good indicator of how much the toner has been worked. Pouring off the clear part and leaving most of the sediment in the bottom of the storage container may aide in determining the condition of the toner and when to discard it.

 

[Mark Fisher]

I used to filter it, but the precipitate settled pretty nicely so I just pour it carefully and just disgard the little bit of liquid at the bottom containing most of the precipitate. I've used it with the the precipitate and I think it really didn't effect my results.....it is just annoying.