Storage of xtol dry powder

V

valdas

Veteran
Local time
6:45 PM
Joined
Jan 2, 2007
Messages
2,341
View My Gallery
There is quite an abundance of information regarding the storage of xtol mixed solutions, however I have not found anything about dry powder (except that opened packs will expose powder to oxidation). So, how long will unopened packs of xtol can be kept? Ilford says that powder developers in unopened packs (perceptol, microphen, ID11) will keep indefinitely, so I had the same assumption about xtol, but then when I bought it (never used before) I saw an expiry date on the pack (May 2012) which is a surprise for me... Any thoughts?
 
As a friend at Ilford pointed out, 'indefinitely' isn't 'forever'. Also, it may be that the developing agents in Xtol are less stable than those in PQ and MQ developers. I don't know that they are, but it's possible. Or (perish the thought) they could just be cashing in on people who want sell-by dates on everything, and throw it out on the stroke of midnight on the expiry day.

Cheers,

R.
 
Roger Hicks said:
As a friend at Ilford pointed out, 'indefinitely' isn't 'forever'. Also, it may be that the developing agents in Xtol are less stable than those in PQ and MQ developers. I don't know that they are, but it's possible. Or (perish the thought) they could just be cashing in on people who want sell-by dates on everything, and throw it out on the stroke of midnight on the expiry day.

Cheers,

R.
Click to expand...

At least "indefinite" gives me a feeling of "forever" 🙄 (or as long as I am able to develop film)... But I was also thinking about the different stability of agents in xtol. However I hope it's just marketing (confirming your second thought), otherwise I have bought too many packs...
 
Personally, I think it's cheap enough that it's not worth using much past it's exp date. I would NOT use it if you open it up and it somehow looks off, gummy or something else.

If you have an older bag that you really want to use, mix it up and maybe check it? Kodak does put the date on there for a reason...
 
Kodak appears to have improved the packaging to more moisture and air barrier packaging. This has been a most welcomed change. The old paper package didn't do a very good job at keeping out either one and it would become effected if left out even under 12 months. But even with this improved packaging, I keep mine inside a sealed poly bag inside the same refrigerator with my film, which is also sealed. So far, so good.
 
Double Negative said:
Some other thoughts...

Anything that has a "shelf life" should have a date on it, either when it was made or when it will expire. Otherwise, how would you know what the life expectancy (and efficacy of your batch) is?

Secondly, manufacturers only guarantee certain conditions. Ratios, temperatures, freshness of the mix and solution, etc. Conditions outside of the envelope are beyond their control - or responsibility.
Click to expand...

But what is a 'shelf life'? What are 'normal conditions of storage'? With most devs, as long as it looks right and mixes right (i.e. not tea coloured), it's all right. I'd rather have an honest 'indefinite' than a dishonest 'throw it out after _____ [based on worst possible conditions of storage] so we can sell you more.'

Cheers,

R.
 
True Roger. However, I've read too many stories, particularly about XTOL, that go, "I've had bad XTOL. I mixed up an expired packet whose ingredients had caked together and it didn't work." Or the recent one where the XTOL failed, but the person admitted it was the color of 'strong urine'.

I think Kodak's dating of XTOL is a 'best used before' kind of thing. After that, you are should be aware that it might be bad.
 
Tim Gray said:
True Roger. However, I've read too many stories, particularly about XTOL, that go, "I've had bad XTOL. I mixed up an expired packet whose ingredients had caked together and it didn't work." Or the recent one where the XTOL failed, but the person admitted it was the color of 'strong urine'.

I think Kodak's dating of XTOL is a 'best used before' kind of thing. After that, you are should be aware that it might be bad.
Click to expand...

Well, yes, if it's caked together and the working solution is pee-coloured, that's a clue it might be bad too. Don't get me wrong: I'm not attacking Kodak for putting a 'best before' date on Xtol. Rather, I was suggesting that even if (say) Perceptol has a finite 'shelf life', then I'd prefer 'indefinite' to a false 'best before' date.

Cheers,

R.
 
As with all chemicals it depends on various factors. Certain impurities, extended storage at high temperatures (or changing temperatures) and exposure to light will not add to a long shell life ...

In our laboratories we keep slightly sensitive (reactive) and expensive chemicals in a freezer (a normal household freezer without any light source inside) and so far had no problems with them going bad.
 
Roger Hicks said:
Well, yes, if it's caked together and the working solution is pee-coloured, that's a clue it might be bad too.
Click to expand...

I know 🙂 I just have a dim view of things. If people can't figure out that pee colored XTOL *might* be bad, they might also not get the difference between 'indefinite' and 'infinite'.

On a related note, my brother dated a girl for a bit who refused to drink milk that was within two days of it's expiry date, even if it smelled and tasted perfectly fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom