Patent ID: 6855487
Filing Date: 2005-02-15
Classification: G03F

Abstract:
1. A method for refreshing a developer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) developing an imaged printing plate precursor with an aqueous, essentially silicate-free developer having a pH greater than about 12, and producing a loaded developer comprising loaded solids, in which: (b) lowering the pH of the loaded developer to below about 11.0 and producing a liquid whose pH is below about 11.0; (c) separating insoluble material from the liquid produced in step (b) and producing an essentially colorless liquid, in which the insoluble material comprises material dispersed in the developer, a precipitate formed in step (b), or a combination thereof; and (d) raising the pH of the essentially colorless liquid to about 12.0 to about 14.0 and producing a refreshed developer.