Monitoring the Processing Chemical Costs and Effluents of a Motion-Picture Processing Laboratory
David J. Degenkolb, Fred J. Scobey
A computerized system has been developed for determining the chemical cost and efficiency of operation of a motion-picture processing laboratory's chemical departments. A monthly cost analysis report is produced that shows also the BOD5 contribution of each solution, based on actual use, and compared to the laboratory's internal standards. The reports show the actual and aim use of each chemical. The actual cost of the chemical is compared to the so-called standard cost and the actual BOD5 is compared to the standard value. The BOD5 load of all chemicals is totaled and divided by the monthly water consumption thus giving a realistic value of the laboratory's BOD5 discharge. This technique has been in use for over two years, and the accuracy has been validated by independent laboratory analysis.