When does XTOL _really_ go bad

I mix Xtol stock solution and keep for up to 12 months in a mylar bladder.
I dilute it 1+1 and notice no decrease in activity.
You say the bottle was opened 2 months ago, but it may
be important to know when it was mixed from powder, and for that
matter, if it was kept at 68 degrees F or 90 degrees F.
My basement darkroom is always cool.
RJF

HypoBob wrote:

Phil,

This may not be a true test, but shouldn't it give some clue to use the
suspect Xtol to develop a test strip printed on photo paper without an
incorporated developer???

Also, a few years ago someone on this group suggested using the mylar
bladder in a boxed wine to store developer. I mix a 5 liter pack of
Xtol in only 3 liters of water and store this "concentrate" in a 3 liter
wine bag. Not long ago I found that the mylar bags can be obtained from
vendors of wine making supplies.

Bob
-------------------
Phil Glaser wrote:

Hi,

According to Kodak's instructions, an opened bottle of full-strength
XTOL lasts two months. I have a bottle that was opened two months and
one week ago. I have no doubt that two months is conservative and that
I can still use this bottle. But I'm wondering if there is some way to
know when it's no good any more, or if other folks have had
experiences with XTOL's longevity to suggest some guidlines (I'd hate
to have to toss this down the toilet!).

Thanks!

--Phil

I mix Xtol stock solution and keep for up to 12 months in a mylar bladder.
I dilute it 1+1 and notice no decrease in activity.
You say the bottle was opened 2 months ago, but it may
be important to know when it was mixed from powder, and for that
matter, if it was kept at 68 degrees F or 90 degrees F.
My basement darkroom is always cool.
RJF

HypoBob wrote:

Phil,

This may not be a true test, but shouldn't it give some clue to use the
suspect Xtol to develop a test strip printed on photo paper without an
incorporated developer???

Also, a few years ago someone on this group suggested using the mylar
bladder in a boxed wine to store developer. I mix a 5 liter pack of
Xtol in only 3 liters of water and store this "concentrate" in a 3 liter
wine bag. Not long ago I found that the mylar bags can be obtained from
vendors of wine making supplies.

Bob
-------------------
Phil Glaser wrote:

Hi,

According to Kodak's instructions, an opened bottle of full-strength
XTOL lasts two months. I have a bottle that was opened two months and
one week ago. I have no doubt that two months is conservative and that
I can still use this bottle. But I'm wondering if there is some way to
know when it's no good any more, or if other folks have had
experiences with XTOL's longevity to suggest some guidlines (I'd hate
to have to toss this down the toilet!).

Thanks!

--Phil

"Richard Knoppow" wrote in message ...
Do you mean a partially filled bottle or one that's had
the cap off for two months. Assuming you mean the former
Kodak's life numbers are very conservative. The only way to
really tell is to develop some film and see if the density
and contrast are as expected.

Partially filled. If it had had the cap off it I wouldn't try using
it.

This is helpful. Within a few weeks/months of expiration I'll assume
it's ok but will test for density and contrast if it goes much beyond
that.

Thanks!

--Phil

"Richard Knoppow" wrote in message ...
Do you mean a partially filled bottle or one that's had
the cap off for two months. Assuming you mean the former
Kodak's life numbers are very conservative. The only way to
really tell is to develop some film and see if the density
and contrast are as expected.

Partially filled. If it had had the cap off it I wouldn't try using
it.

This is helpful. Within a few weeks/months of expiration I'll assume
it's ok but will test for density and contrast if it goes much beyond
that.

Thanks!

--Phil