Paterson tank dripping

pierods · Apr 27, 2008

Hi,

yesterday I developed the first two films of my life, and everything went well.

The only thing, the Paterson tank I use, brand new, even when perfectly closed, drips in a very annoying manner.

If I push my fingers all around the edge of the rubber cap, while doing the inversions, it drips less, but it's quite annoying.

Drip by design?

Ian Grant · Apr 27, 2008

I have quite a few Paterson tanks, some seal well, others drip slightly. I put it down to age as most of mine are quite old.

However the newer tanks shouldn't drip, have a good look at the tank rim and the seal part of the rubber cap. Make sure you use plenty of developer etc so any minor loss still leaves sufficient chemicals to cover the films.

Ian

RH Designs · Apr 27, 2008

pierods said:
Hi,

yesterday I developed the first two films of my life, and everything went well.

The only thing, the Paterson tank I use, brand new, even when perfectly closed, drips in a very annoying manner.

If I push my fingers all around the edge of the rubber cap, while doing the inversions, it drips less, but it's quite annoying.

Drip by design?

The secret is to lift the edge of the lid slightly after the first couple of inversions . This releases the air pressure which causes the dripping problem. I've used Paterson tanks for years and never had a drip since learning of that trick!

pierods · Apr 27, 2008

RH Designs said:
The secret is to lift the edge of the lid slightly after the first couple of inversions . This releases the air pressure which causes the dripping problem. I've used Paterson tanks for years and never had a drip since learning of that trick!

I'll try that...thanks!

Ian Grant · Apr 27, 2008

Sometimes you do things without thinking, as you fit the lid press the centre down before sealing the final edge. Essentially this is exactly what Richard is suggesting, but you can do it as you fit the lid rather than after.

Ian

Charlie-J · Apr 27, 2008

My newer system four tanks occasionally drip I have two older type system four tanks with the grey lid, both drip well.
Someone posted on a forum on Flickr that the top part of there Paterson tank had come off when he was processing a film, the film was at the fixing stage so the negatives were ok.
I solved this problem by using a nice Kinderman stainless steel tank.

fschifano · Apr 27, 2008

I don't even bother to use inversion agitation with my Paterson tanks. The twirling stick seems to work just fine for me. I have yet to see a case of uneven development because of this practice, but then I do get it moving like a top loading washing machine for 5 seconds every 30. If you don't turn the tank upside down, it won't drip.

RobC · Apr 27, 2008

On my paterson tanks, the way the red bit is assembled round the top, it leaves three tiny holes at the bottom edge of the red bit. I had some leaking from those holes. They didn't let light in but they did let some fluid out. I just put some glue over the holes on the outside of the tank and that stopped it.
And as others have said, when you put lid on, press it down in centre as you push final bit of seal down and that creates reduced pressure inside tank, which stops leaking from pressure caused by inversion.

Gary Holliday · Apr 27, 2008

I use the same trick as Richard. Once the lid is on tight, lift the edge of the lid and push down and you will hear the air rush out. Like when you close a tupperware dish to keep your sandwhiches fresh!

Kevin Caulfield · Apr 27, 2008

That trick is known technically as "burping" the tank.

Paterson tank dripping

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