PyroCat HD Formula And Mixing

[IanBarber]

I am just about to embark on buying the raw Chemicals to mix up 1000ml of PyroCat HD in Glycol.

Is the information supplied at this link (there was a url link here which no longer exists) by Sandy King considered to be the latest information please.

Ian

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I would say yes. It's the formula I use, although I do not mix it in Glycol as I go through it pretty quickly.
Have you checked out the Pyrocat-HD website? http://www.pyrocat-hd.com/

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

If mixing Pyrocat-HD in water, should you just add the chemicals in the order listed? Sodium metabilsufite, pyro, phenidone, pot bromide.

 

[Ian Grant]

Simple answer yes, long answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yes

The Metabisulphite protects the developing agent from oxidising, particularly the Pyrocatechin.

Ian

 

[Alan9940]

I would strongly recommend mixing smaller batches than 1000ml as it goes a long way and, even in glycol, might not last long enough to use it all...unless, you shoot a LOT. You might wish to peruse the "Sudden Death" threads on here and LFPF for additional input. Nowadays, I mix very small batches in distilled water and toss every 6 months.

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

I would strongly recommend mixing smaller batches than 1000ml...Nowadays, I mix very small batches in distilled water and toss every 6 months.

Alan, that was exactly my plan. Probably mix 250mL stock in distilled water, keep it in vacuum sealed bottles and try not to let it go past 6 months. I had some 3+ year P-HD in glycol that literally went off overnight. Ran six perfect rolls on Saturday. Sunday's four roll tank was severely underdeveloped. These were all mixed from different camera sessions so I know there was no camera malfunction. I decided then to start mixing my own and keep the batches small and fresh.

 

[Ian Grant]

I would strongly recommend mixing smaller batches than 1000ml as it goes a long way and, even in glycol, might not last long enough to use it all...unless, you shoot a LOT. You might wish to peruse the "Sudden Death" threads on here and LFPF for additional input. Nowadays, I mix very small batches in distilled water and toss every 6 months.

My experience is Pyrocat HD PartA lasts 3+ years made up in deionised water provided the right bottles (glass or HDP) with a good seal in the top and reasonably fresh Metabisulphite is used. That's in partially full and decreasing volume bottles. The only time I had an issue with short life was using low density plastic (LDP) bottles which was my own fault The 3+ yeras life is based on having Pyrocat HD made up and stored in the UK and Turkey, while living in Turkey my UK stock got only a little use on trips home to the UK, now back living in the UK it's the other way around.

Ian

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

Simple answer yes, long answer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yes...The Metabisulphite protects the developing agent from oxidising, particularly the Pyrocatechin.

What color should P-HD be when mixed in glycol? My Formulary glycol mix is clear, but my freshly mixed batch is peachy colored, which worries me because that is the color I get when I pour the solution out of the tank after development.

I followed the directions and mixed in the pyro, then phenidone, then mixed the KBr and Metabisulphite into distilled water, then into the glycol.

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

What color should P-HD be when mixed in glycol? My Formulary glycol mix is clear, but my freshly mixed batch is peachy colored, which worries me because that is the color I get when I pour the solution out of the tank after development.

Okay, so it cleared as it cooled and basically looks like water now. Is that normal? This is my first batch of P-HD, made a small quantity of P-HDC two weeks back and it didn't do this.

 

[GLS]

What color should P-HD be when mixed in glycol? My Formulary glycol mix is clear, but my freshly mixed batch is peachy colored, which worries me because that is the color I get when I pour the solution out of the tank after development.

A bit of colour in the part A isn't of concern. The glycol solution I bought from Wet Plate Supplies has what I would call a straw colour, and it works fine.

 

[ParkerSmithPhoto]

Alan, that was exactly my plan. Probably mix 250mL stock in distilled water, keep it in vacuum sealed bottles and try not to let it go past 6 months. I had some 3+ year P-HD in glycol that literally went off overnight.

Just to clarify: I discovered that the Pyrocat was actually good and I had made a silly dilution error. The stock works fine and is actually almost five years old.