ARTICLE AND METHOD FOR ELIMINATION OF HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS FROM PRINTER EXHAUST

摘要

A method and apparatus of the invention includes a method of removing airborne hydrocarbons from liquid electrophotographic printer exhaust comprises generating airborne hydrocarbon droplets as either vapor or mist during the transportation of electrophotographic ink or toner, directing substantially all of the air and hydrocarbon droplet mixture to a central collection point, forcing the air/droplet mixture to and through an oleophilic, substantially non-leaching collection media, and exhausting substantially hydrocarbon-free air from the electrophotographic printer. The method may further comprise inducing pressure in the printer with air pressure reduction to pull the exhaust through the collection media, for example with a pump or fan used to produce air pressure reduction. The method may comprise inducing airflow in the printer with ventilation holes or by the addition of a fan to provide a fresh air inlet. The air/hydrocarbon mixture may be directed to the collection media by a transportation system.