Photochemical storage question

[mtjade2007]

I am relocating and will need to store all my C-41 chemicals in storage from now through June or possibly July in a storage that has no climate control. This storage place is basically a ranch at a foothill that has a dozen of cargo containers lined up side by side. So the sides of the contain will not exposed to direct sunlight. The top is also covered with something that I can not see. Only the front and the rear will get some very limited exposure to direct sunlight. I figure the temperature inside those containers won't get extremely hot. However, It might get over a hundred degrees a couple of times during the hottest days still.

My question is should I be concerned about it at all? Are any of the developer (Part A, B, C), bleach and fixer subject to decomposition or damage to high heat (say 120 degrees for an hour a day for a couple of days per month for 3 months)? I don't care about the Part C of the developer. It is already bad I believe. But the rest still worked great last time I used them a few months a go. This pile of chemicals will be very hard to come by again so I really don't want to take any chance of losing them. Any thoughts and experience will be really appreciated.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

But the rest still worked great last time I used them a few months a go.

For pre-mixed concentrates under normal conditions they should last for 6 months after opening. I doubt that under the conditions you describe whether any will survive for 3 to 4 months. Certainly any used chemicals should be discarded.

 

[mtjade2007]

For pre-mixed concentrates under normal conditions they should last for 6 months. I doubt that under the conditions you describe whether any will survive for 3 to 4 months. Certainly any used chemicals should be discarded.

Is this a real experience or just a thought? The chemicals have been in my house for more than 5 may be 6 years. They are in factory concentrates. They worked just perfectly last Fall. There was no doubt about that. The chemicals are in perfect shape, except the part C of the developer.

The bleach and fix do not need to mix. The fixer will need to add water to make a working fixer. The developer (replenisher) are in Part A, B and C bottles unmixed. I know Part C has long gone bad already. But The part A and B are in perfect shape. I anticipate they will be fine for another 5 years if they remain in my house. I am only concerned about the higher temperature in the storage. Will there be any damage to the chemicals caused by higher temperature? I am not talking about excessive heat. Those containers are in a small hill partially shaded with breezy winds blowing. If fact they are cooler than my garage right now.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

The part containing the developing agents is the most sensitive to age. You can always run a test roll after taking them from storage. The problem is that they have been opened and the high temperatures they will endure. Actually the lives I have given are better than I have experienced here in Florida.

 

[mtjade2007]

The part containing the developing agents is the most sensitive to age.

That's the part C of the C-41 developer. As I said all part C bottles have gone bad for a long time. I don't care if they get worse by the heat. I am more concerned about the bleach. They are expensive. I am not sure if it will endure the 100 - 120 degree heat. By the way all the chemicals I am talking about are still in factory sealed bottles/jugs unopened.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

I would rate the stability of the various concentrates as Dev part C < Dev part B < Dev part A < Fixer < Bleach < Stab

Some of these concentrates can go bad without showing any visual signs.

 

[mtjade2007]

I would rate the stability of the various concentrates as Dev part C < Dev part B < Dev part A < Fixer < Bleach < Stab

Some of these concentrates can go bad without showing any visual signs.

Thanks for the information. Glad to hear that Bleach is very stable. It is the most expensive chemical among all C-41 stuff. I just got an idea. If the risk is too high I probably can look for a place in a friend's house to store them and not to worry any more.

 

[Gerald C Koch]

Thanks for the information. Glad to hear that Bleach is very stable. It is the most expensive chemical among all C-41 stuff. I just got an idea. If the risk is too high I probably can look for a place in a friend's house to store them and not to worry any more.

Probably the best alternative.