N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-A 804.17

Current through Register No. 25, June 20, 2024

Section Env-A 804.17 - Testing Fountain Solutions in Offset Lithography

To determine compliance with Env-A 1216.03(c), the owner or operator of a business that operates an offset lithographic printing press shall use the methods prescribed below:

(a) The VOC content of the fountain solution, which is the mixture used to maintain the quality of the printing plate, shall be determined by one of the following procedures:

(1) The applicable test method specified in Env-A 804.04;

(2) Measurement of an in-use sample of fountain solution with a hydrometer or refractometer that has been standardized using the procedures of (3)c.1. or (3)c.2., below, which demonstrates that the value so obtained is not more than 10% greater than the value determined in accordance with the procedures specified in (a)(1), above;

(3) Monitoring with a refractometer, in accordance with the following procedure:

a. The refractometer shall be corrected for temperature at least once per 8-hour shift or once per batch, whichever is longer;

b. The refractometer shall have a visual, analog, or digital readout with an accuracy of +0.5%; and

c. The refractometer shall be calibrated by one of the following methods:

1. Using a standard solution to calibrate the refractometer for the type of alcohol used in the fountain solution; or

2. Standardizing the refractometer against measurements and calculations performed in accordance with Env-A 804.04;

(4) Monitoring with a hydrometer, according to the following procedure:

a. Temperature correction shall be achieved as follows:

1. The hydrometer shall be equipped with temperature correction; or

2. Readings shall be adjusted for temperature;

b. Hydrometer monitoring shall be performed at least once per 8-hour shift or once per batch, whichever is longer;

c. The hydrometer shall have a visual, analog, or digital readout with an accuracy of +0.5%; and

d. The hydrometer shall be calibrated by one of the following methods:

1. Using a standard solution to calibrate the hydrometer for the type of alcohol used in the fountain; or

2. Standardizing the hydrometer against measurements or calculations performed in accordance with Env-A 804.04; or

(5) Where a refractometer or hydrometer cannot be used to monitor the type of VOCs in the fountain solution, monitoring with a conductivity meter in accordance with the following:

a. The reading of the conductivity meter shall be referenced to the conductivity of the incoming water; and

b. The conductivity meter shall be calibrated by one of the following methods:

1. Using a standard solution to calibrate the conductivity meter for the type of alcohol used in the fountain; or

2. Standardizing the conductivity meter against measurements or calculations performed in accordance with Env-A 804.04; and

(b) Compliance with the fountain solution temperature requirements imposed by the options of Env-A 1216.03(c)(2) for web-fed heatset operations, where heat is used to set the printing ink on a continuous roll of paper, or Env-A 1216.03(d)(2) for sheet-fed operations, shall be demonstrated by:

(1) Using a thermometer or other temperature detection device capable of reading to within ±0.5 degrees F; and

(2) Reading and recording the output of the temperature instrument at least once per operating day to verify proper operation of the refrigeration system.

N.H. Code Admin. R. Env-A 804.17

#7788, eff 10-31-02; ss by #9802, eff 10-31-10 (from Env-A 804.15); ss by #12762, eff 5-1-19

Amended by Volume XXXIX Number 19, Filed May 9, 2019, Proposed by #12762, Effective 5/1/2019, Expires 5/1/2029.