METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONCENTRATING AN INK FOR AN ELECTROSTATIC PRINTING PROCESS

The present application relates to a method for concentrating an ink for an electrostatic printing process, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing the ink for an electrostatic printing process, the ink comprising chargeable particles in a liquid carrier; (b) passing the ink between a chargeable conveyor and a first electrode, wherein a potential is applied such that the ink becomes adhered to the chargeable conveyor; (c) passing the ink on the conveyor past a moving surface, wherein the ink contacts the moving surface and a potential is applied between the conveyor and the moving surface, such that the chargeable particles are disposed to move toward the conveyor and some of the liquid carrier is removed to increase the concentration of the chargeable particles in the liquid carrier on the conveyor to form a concentrated ink on the conveyor, the conveyor and the moving surface then diverging from one another, such that substantially all of the concentrated ink remains on the conveyor; (d) removing the concentrated ink from the conveyor and transferring it to a storage vessel. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.