white precipitate in Ilford Rapid Fix?

[eddym]

Has anyone ever encountered a white precipitate in the bottom of bottles of Ilford Universal Rapid Fix or Hypam Fixer concentrate?
To be a little more specific, I buy the concentrate in the 5 liter container, then separate it into 500cc bottles, which I then use to mix 2 liters of working solution. This way the concentrate does not oxidize in the large bottle as I use it.
But today I opened one of the smaller bottles to mix a new working solution and found a white, chalky precipitate in the bottom of the 500cc bottle when I rinsed it out. What is this stuff? Does this mean the concentrate has gone bad? I tested the solution on a piece of film, and it cleared it in less than 15 seconds, which is normal for fresh fixer. But what is this sludge?

 

[dancqu]

...found a white, chalky precipitate
in the bottom of the 500cc bottle

Likely sulfur although off-white would
be a more fit description. How long
in the bottle? Dan

 

[George Papantoniou]

Found it also a few times. Doesn't affect fixing times, it seems to be harmless. Filter your solution before using it, in order to avoid the contact between the off-white particles and the film (or paper).

 

[eddym]

Likely sulfur although off-white would
be a more fit description. How long
in the bottle? Dan

Hmm... yes, after it dried, it has the texture of sulfur. Could be. It's hard to say how long it was in the bottle, as I did not date it when I decanted it. Several months, though.

 

[eddym]

Found it also a few times. Doesn't affect fixing times, it seems to be harmless. Filter your solution before using it, in order to avoid the contact between the off-white particles and the film (or paper).

Well, the problem is that I don't see it in the liquid as I'm mixing it. It's only when I rinse out the empty bottle that it washes out into the drain.
Wish I could buy it in the smaller bottles again.

 

[ricksplace]

I rescued three large (2 gal) bottles of kodak rapid fixer concentrate that my College was throwing out. They are way out of date and have lots of the precipitate you mention. I use it anyway. It works fine. I strain it through coffee filters, but the precipitate comes back. I just ignore it and wash the films and paper as usual.

 

[dancqu]

Wish I could buy it in the smaller bottles again. (

See if you can find some sodium thiosulfate: the
anhydrous if possible. With a tight lid on it will be
good for years. I restarted it's use after noticeing
my rapid was showing signs of weakening. It will do
anything the rapid will. Allow a little more time.
A fresh fix at time of use is easy. A space
saver in your case I'd think. Dan