Apparatus and method for lithographic printing utilizing a precision emulsion ink feeding mechanism

A lithographic printing press control system for regulating the composition of an emulsion ink made from an oil-based ink and a water-based fountain solution using a mixing and dispersing apparatus, the mixing and dispersing apparatus having an oil-based ink input and a water-based fountain solution input, the control system comprising:

• a liquid level sensor for measuring emulsion ink level inside the mixing and dispersing apparatus, the liquid level sensor having an output;
• means responsive to the output of the liquid level sensor for maintaining a proper emulsion ink level in the mixing and dispersing apparatus;
• a water sensor for measuring water content of the emulsion ink produced by the mixing and dispersing apparatus, the water sensor having an output;
• means for regulating the water-based fountain solution input rate based on the output of the liquid level sensor, a desired water content of the emulsion ink, at least one of the variables selected from the group consisting of press speed, oil-based ink input rate and water evaporation rate, and the output of the water sensor;
• and
• means for regulating the oil-based ink input rate based on the output of the liquid level sensor, the desired water content of the emulsion ink, and the output of the water sensor.

A method of regulating a composition of an emulsion ink made from an oil-based ink and a water-based fountain solution using a mixing and dispersing apparatus, for a lithographic printing press, the method comprising:

• measuring an actual emulsion ink level in the mixing and dispersing apparatus;
• determining an amount of water required to maintain the emulsion ink level in a desired emulsion ink level range based at least on a desired water content in the emulsion ink, an actual water content in the emulsion ink, and the actual emulsion ink level;
• determining the amount of ink required to provide the composition of the emulsion ink based at least on the desired water content, the actual water content in the emulsion ink, and at least the actual emulsion ink level;
• and
• supplying the amount of the water required and the amount of the ink required to the mixing and dispersing apparatus to provide a desired level of emulsion ink in the mixing and dispersing apparatus.