Patent ID: 9511304
Filing Date: 2016-12-06
CPC Classification: B01D,G03G

Claim Text:
1. A method for concentrating an ink composition, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an ink composition, the ink composition comprising a liquid carrier and particles comprising a resin and a colorant, and wherein the ink composition contains less than 0.3 mg of charge director per gram of solids in the ink composition; (b) passing the ink composition between a chargeable conveyor and a first electrode, wherein a potential is applied such that the ink composition becomes adhered to the chargeable conveyor, wherein an electric field between the chargeable conveyor and the first electrode is 2000 V/mm or more; (c) passing the ink composition on the chargeable conveyor past a moving surface, wherein the ink composition contacts the moving surface and a potential is applied between the chargeable conveyor and the moving surface, such that the particles are disposed to move toward the chargeable conveyor and some of the liquid carrier is removed to increase the concentration of the particles in the liquid carrier on the chargeable conveyor to form a concentrated ink on the chargeable conveyor, the chargeable conveyor and the moving surface then diverging from one another, and at least some of the concentrated ink remains on the chargeable conveyor, and (d) removing the concentrated ink from the chargeable conveyor and transferring it to a storage vessel.