SMPTE Tutorial Paper: The Use of 1,1,1 -Trichloroethane Chlorinated Solvent for Cleaning Motion-Picture Film

David R. Spencer

Chlorinated solvents are used for a wide variety of industrial applications. Some of these same solvents have been used for years to clean, restore, and lubricate film. The special physical properties of 1,1,1-trichloroethane solvent, and its history of safe industrial use, make it ideally suited to clean motion-picture film. However, the cleaning performance of this solvent depends on the selection of a properly inhibited grade of 1,1,1 -trichloroethane, tight process control of the condition of the solvent, and the correct operation and maintenance of the film-cleaning equipment. Some of the problems related to the condition of the cleaning solvent include film streaking, spotting, and blotching. This article will review the effects of various inhibited grades of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and process contaminants on motion-picture film during cleaning.

Print ISSN
Published
1986-07
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J09736