Method for processing a silver halide color photosensitive material

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for processing silver halide color photographic photosensitive materials. More particularly, the invention relates to a development processing method which uses a high silver chloride photographic photosensitive material, providing excellent development characteristics and desilvering characteristics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The trends to shorter delivery times for finished work and reduction of laboratory operations in photographic processing of color photographic photosensitive material in recent years have required processing time to be shortened. The usual methods of shortening the times required for different processing stages are to raise the temperature and to increase the amount of replenishment, and there have also been proposed many methods of stronger agitation and methods in which various types of accelerators are added.

To increase the speed of color development and/or reduce replenishment amounts, a method is known for processing color photographic photosensitive materials containing silver chloride emulsions instead of the silver bromide emulsions or silver iodide emulsions of popular conventional use. For example, PCT WO-87-04534 discloses a method for rapid processing of high silver chloride color photographic photosensitive material with a color development solution which contains essentially no sulfite or benzyl alcohol.

However, it has been found that streaky fogging occurs when development processing is performed by this method in an automatic paper development unit. It is surmized that this is "in-solution pressure sensitization streaking" in which streaky fogging occurs because the photosensitive material is bruised and pressure sensitized when it comes into contact with rollers in the development tank of an automatic development unit.

It has also been found that in continuous processing, fluctuation in photographic characteristics (especially the minimum density) occurs and there is considerable staining of the white background.

Thus, rapid development processing using high silver chloride color photographic photosensitive materials has the major problems of pressure sensitization fogging in the solution and fluctuation in photographic characteristics, and there is therefore a strong demand for resolution of these problems.

Use of the organic antifoggants disclosed in JP-A-58-95345 and JP-A-59-232342 (the term "JP-A" as used herein means an "unexamined published Japanese patent application") is known as a means for reducing fluctuation in photographic characteristics (and especially fogging) that occurs during continuous processing by rapid processing methods using high silver chloride color photographic photosensitive materials. However, these antifoggants have insufficient fogging prevention effects and fail to prevent pressure sensitization streaks in solutions, or the increase in the minimum density as continuous processing proceeds, and it has been found that when large amounts are used there is a decrease in the maximum density.

JP-A-61-70552 discloses a method for reducing the amount of development solution replenishment in which use is made of high silver chloride color photographic photosensitive material and addition of replenishment solution is made in an amount such that there is no overflow to the development bath during development. JP-A-63-106655 teaches a method in which, in order to stabilize processing, a silver halide color photographic photosensitive material whose silver halide emulsion layers have a high silver chloride content is developed with a color development solution containing a chloride at higher than a set concentration and a hydroxylamine-based compound.

JP-A-63-106655 discloses a method of processing 70 mol % or more silver chloride photosensitive material using a development solution in which 2.times.10.sup.-2 moles or more of a chloride have been included.

With these methods, however, the above-described pressure sensitization streaks occur in processing by an automatic development unit, along with fluctuation in photographic characteristics during continuous processing, and these methods fail to resolve the problems noted above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention is to provide a rapid development processing method in which a high silver chloride color photographic photosensitive material is used, in which the occurrence of streaky fogging is prevented.

A second object of the invention is to provide a development processing method for a high silver chloride color photographic photosensitive material providing excellent photographic characteristics, i.e., the maximum density is high and the minimum density is low in rapid processing, and there is marked inhibition of fluctuation of photographic characteristics (especially the minimum density) during continuous processing.

It has now been found that these and other objects of the invention are achieved by a method for processing a silver halide color photosensitive material which comprises developing a color photographic lightsensitive material comprising a support having thereon at least one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layer containing a silver halide comprising at least 80 mol % silver chloride;

in a color developer solution comprising a primary amine color developing agent, and having a chloride ion concentration of from 3.5.times.10.sup.-2 to 1.5.times.10.sup.-1 mol/l, and a bromide ion concentration of from 3.0.times.10.sup.-5 to 1.0.times.10.sup.-3 mol/l.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Chloride ions are well-known as an agent for preventing fogging but their effects are slight and even if they are used in large quantities they fail to completely prevent an increase in fogging during the course of continuous processing or streaky fogging that occurs in development by an automatic development unit, and they can even have the undesirable effect of slowing down development and lowering the maximum density.

Bromide ions too are well-known as an agent for preventing fogging. Although, depending on the amount added, they can prevent fogging during continuous processing and streaky pressure fogging, they are not suitable for practical use since they inhibit development and cause a lowering of the maximum density and sensitivity.

As the result of much investigation, the present inventors have discovered that if processing is performed using a high silver chloride photosensitive material with a silver chloride content of 80 mol % or more and a color development solution containing 3.5.times.10.sup.-2 to 1.5.times.10.sup.-1 mol/l of chloride ions and 3.0.times.10.sup.-5 to 1.0.times.10.sup.-3 mol/l of bromide ions, occurrence of streaky pressure fogging in processing by an automatic development unit and fluctuation in photographic characteristics (especially the minimum density) in the course of continuous processing are prevented without a loss of maximum density, and also the amount of residual silver is markedly reduced.

These effects are not observed with either bromide ions or chloride ions used alone, and it is unpredictable and surprising that they are achieved in combination within the concentrations of the invention.

Without being bound in any way by theory, it is considered likely that streaky pressure fogging which occurs in automatic development unit processing is the result of intensification and formation of fogging nuclei in portions that have been subjected to pressure when excessive pressure is imposed on photosensitive material in a color development solution following exposure. This fogging is different from fogging in the form of density resulting from development of unexposed portions.

It is considered likely that the inclusion of suitable amounts of bromide ions and chloride ions in the development solution in the invention effects selective inhibition of fogging nuclei, and thus inhibits fogging without slowing down development or reducing the maximum density or speed. This selective development inhibition effect that is caused by combinations of bromide ions and chloride ions cannot be explained simply in terms of a change in the silver ion reduction potential due to the presence of halogens and it is considered likely that the phenomenon is considerably affected by the way in which the bromide ions and chloride ions are adsorbed on silver halide grains.

The inhibition of fluctuation of photographic characteristics during continuous processing cannot be explained simply as inhibition of this fluctuation through a balance between high development activity brought about by use of a high silver chloride emulsion and a reduction in activity due to the presence of suitable amounts of bromide ions, i.e., through high activity-high inhibition type development.

With respect to the marked inhibition of desilvering faults, it is known that high silver chloride emulsions are liable to cause desilvering faults. The present inventors have discovered that the cause of desilvering faults is the formation of silver sulfite. It is considered that the presence of suitable amounts of bromide ions and chloride ions in the development solution changes the manner in which halogens are adsorbed on developed silver and thereby inhibits the formation of silver sulfite.

The invention will now be described in greater detail.

The silver halide emulsion is composed substantially of silver chloride. What is meant here by substantially, is that the silver chloride content relative to the total amount of silver halide is 80 mol % or more and preferably 95 mol % or more and still more preferably 98 mol % or more. For rapidity, the higher the silver chloride content the better.

For rapid development, desilvering characteristics and prevention of pressure sensitization streaks, it is preferred that the amount of coated silver in the silver halide photosensitive material of the invention be not more than 0.80 g/m.sup.2. This not only reduces the amount of silver but also reduces the film thickness. A coated silver quantity of 0.75 g/m.sup.2 or less is more preferred, 0.65 g/m.sup.2 or less being particularly preferred. The lower limit is suitably 0.3 g/m.sup.2.

It is necessary that the color development solution have a chloride ion concentration of 3.5.times.10.sup.-2 to 1.5.times.10.sup.-1 mol/l and preferably the concentration is 4.times.10.sup.-2 to 1.0.times.10.sup.-1 mol/l. A chloride ion concentration of more than 1.5.times.10.sup.-1 mol/l has the drawback that it slows down development and fails to provide rapidity and a high maximum density. At less than 3.5.times.10.sup.-2 mol/l, it is not possible to prevent streaky pressure fogging, in addition to which there is considerable fluctuation in photographic characteristics (especially the minimum density) during the course of continuous processing and the amount of residual silver is large.

It is necessary that the color development solution have a bromide ion concentration of 3.0.times.10.sup.-5 to 1.0.times.10.sup.-3 mol/l and preferably the concentration is 5.0.times.10.sup.-5 to 5.times.10.sup.-4 mol/l. If the bromide ion concentration is more than 1.0.times.10.sup.-3 mol/l, development is slowed down and there is a loss of the maximum density and speed. If it is less than 3.0.times.10.sup.-5 mol/l, it is not possible to prevent streaky pressure fogging and it is not possible to prevent desilvering faults or fluctuation in photographic characteristics (especially the minimum density) as continuous processing proceeds.

The chloride ions and bromide ions may be added directly to the development solution or may be eluted from the photosensitive material into the development solution. A suitable measure for increasing the amount eluted from sensitive material is to reduce the amount of development solution replenishment.

Sodium chloride, potassium chloride, ammonium chloride, nickel chloride, magnesium chloride, manganese chloride, calcium chloride and cadmium chloride can be used as chloride ion donor substances when direct addition to the color development solution is made and sodium chloride and potassium chloride are preferred.

These may be supplied in the form of salts having counter ion of fluorescent brightness that are added to the development solution. Sodium bromide, potassium bromide, ammonium bromide, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, magnesium bromide, manganese bromide, nickel bromide, cadmium bromide, cerium bromide and thallium bromide may be used as bromide ion donor substances, and preferred are potassium bromide and sodium bromide.

In cases where the ions are eluted from the photosensitive material into the development solution, both the chloride ions and the bromide ions may be supplied from an emulsion or they may be supplied from a portion other than an emulsion.

From the point of view of processing stability during continuous processing and prevention of streaky pressure fogging, the color development solution in the invention preferably contains substantially no sulfite ions, this can be achieved by not using the development solution for a long time, so as to suppress deterioration of the development solution. Also, physical means such as use of a floating cover or reduction of the degree of opening of the development both can be used, or controlling the development solution temperature or chemical means such as addition of organic preservatives in order to suppress air oxidation effects. Of such measures, the use of organic preservatives is advantageous in that it is easy.

What is meant by "organic preservative" in the present invention is any organic compound which reduces the rate of deterioration of primary aromatic amine color developing agents when added to color photographic photosensitive material processing solutions. These include organic compounds capable of preventing the oxidation of color developing agents by air, and particularly effective organic preservatives include hydroxylamine derivatives (hereinafter excluding hydroxylamine), hydroxamic acids, hydrazines, hydrazides, phenols, .alpha.-hydroxyketones .alpha.-aminoketones, sugars, monoamines, diamines, polyamines, quaternary ammonium salts, nitroxy radicals, alcohols, oximes, diamide compounds and condensed ring type amines. Such substances are disclosed in, e.g., JP-A-63-4235, JP-A-63-30845, JP-A-63-21647, JP-A-63-44655, JP-A-63-53551, JP-A-63-43140, JP-A-63-56654, JP-A-63-58346, JP-A-63-43138, JP-A-63-146041, JP-A-63-170642, JP-A-63-44657 and JP-A-63-44656, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,615,503 and 2,494,903, JP-A-52-143020 and JP-B-48-30496 (the term "JP herein means an "examined Japanese patent publication).

General formulas and specific examples of preferred organic preservatives are given below but the invention is not to be construed as being limited to these.

It is desirable that the compounds noted below be added to a color development solution to amounts such that their concentration is 0.005 to 0.5 mol/l, preferably 0.03 to 0.1 mol/l.

Addition of hydroxylamine derivatives and/or hydrazine derivatives is particularly preferred.

Compounds representable by formula (I) are preferred hydroxylamine derivatives: ##STR1##

In the formula, R.sup.11 and R.sup.12, which may be the same or different, each represents hydrogen substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-10 alkyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-10 alkenyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.6-10 aryl groups or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic group, provided that R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are not both hydrogen, and they may be linked to form a hetero ring together with the nitrogen atom. Hetero ring structures formed include 5- to 6-membered rings, and may contain carbon, hydrogen, halogen, oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur atoms. The rings may be saturated or unsaturated.

The case where R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are alkyl groups or alkenyl groups is preferred, and the number of carbon atoms in each is preferably 1 to 10, 1 to 5 being particularly preferred. Examples of nitrogen-containing hetero rings in which R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 are linked include piperidyl, pyrrolidilyl, N-alkylpiperazyl, morpholyl, indolinyl and benztriazole groups.

Preferred R.sup.11 and R.sup.12 substituents are hydroxyl, alkoxy, alkyl sulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, amino, carboxyl, cyano, sulfo, nitro and amino groups.

The following specific hydroxylamine derivatives may be used, but the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. ##STR2##

The following are preferred as hydrazines and hydrazides. ##STR3##

In the formula, R.sup.31, R.sup.32 and R.sup.33, which may be the same or different each represents hydrogen atoms or substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl or heterocyclic groups, and R.sup.34 represents a hydroxyl, hydroxyamino, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, heterocyclic, alkoxy, aryloxy, carbamoyl or amino group. The heterocyclic groups are 5-6 membered rings including C, H, 0, N, S and halogen atoms, and may be either saturated or unsaturated X.sup.31 represents a divalent group selected from --CO--, --SO.sub.2 -- and ##STR4## n is 1 or 0. In particular, when n is 0, R.sup.34 is a group selected from among alkyl aryl and heterocyclic groups and R.sup.33 and R.sup.34 may be linked to form a hetero ring.

In formula (II), R.sup.31, R.sup.32 and R.sup.33 are preferably hydrogen or C.sub.1-10 alkyl groups, and in most preferably R.sup.31 and R.sup.32 are hydrogen.

In formula (II), R.sup.34 is preferably an C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl, C.sub.1-10 alkoxy, C.sub.1-10 carbamoyl or amino group, and an alkyl or substituted alkyl group is particularly preferred. Preferred alkyl group substituents include carboxyl, sulfo, nitro, amino and phosphono groups. X.sup.31 is preferably --CO-- or --SO.sub.2 is most preferably --CO--.

Specific examples of compounds of formula (II) are as follows, but the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. ##STR5##

For improving the stability of the color development solution and improving the stability of presentation in continuous processing, it is preferable to use compounds represented by formula (I) or (II) in combination with amines represented by formula (III) or (IV). ##STR6##

In the formula R.sup.71, R.sup.72 and R.sup.73, which may be the same or different, each represents hydrogen or C.sub.1-10 alkyl, C.sub.1-10 alkenyl, C.sub.6-10 aryl or C.sub.6-10 aralkyl groups or heterocyclic groups. R.sup.71 and R.sup.72 or R.sup.71 and R.sup.73 or R.sup.72 and R.sup.73 may be linked to form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring.

R.sup.71, R.sup.72 and R.sup.73 here may have substituents. Hydrogen and alkyl groups are particularly preferred as R.sup.71, R.sup.72 and R.sup.73. Examples of suitable substituents include, hydroxyl groups, sulfo groups, carboxyl groups, halogen atoms, nitro groups and amino groups

Specific compounds represented by formula (III) include the following, but the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. ##STR7##

In the formula, X represents a trivalent atomic group needed for completing a condensed ring, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, which may be the same or different, each represents alkylene, arylene, alkenylene or aralkylene groups.

Particularly preferred compounds represented by formula (IV) are compounds represented by formulae (IV-a) and (IV-b): ##STR8##

In the formula, X.sup.1 represents ##STR9## R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the same definition as in formula (IV), and R.sup.3 represents the same group as R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, or is ##STR10##

The case where X.sup.1 is ##STR11## in general formula (IV-a) is preferred. The number of carbon atoms of each of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is preferably 6 or less, and still more preferably 3 or less, the case and most preferably 2.

R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are preferably alkylene or arylene groups and are most preferably alkylene groups. ##STR12##

In the formula, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the same definition as in formula (IV).

The number of carbon atoms of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is preferably 6 or less. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are preferably alkylene or arylene groups and are most preferably alkylene groups.

Among compounds represented by formulae (IV-a) and (IV-b), compounds represented by formula (IV-a) are particularly preferred.

Specific compounds represented by formulae (IV-a) and (IV-b) are as follows, but the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. ##STR13##

The above organic preservatives are available as commercial products, and they can be synthesized by the methods disclosed in Japanese Patent Applications 62-124038 and 62-24374.

A more detailed description of the color development solutions that are employed in the invention is now provided.

The color development solutions employed in the invention contain known primary aromatic amine developing agents. Preferred examples are p-phenylenediamines, typical examples of which follow, but the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto:

D-1 N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine

D-2 4-[N-ethyl-N-(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)amino]aniline

D-3 2-methyl-4-[[N-ethyl-N-(.beta.-hydroxyethyl)amino]-aniline

D-4 4-amino-3-methyl-N-ethyl-N-(.beta.-methanesulfonamidoethyl)aniline

These p-phenylenediamine derivatives may also be salts such as sulfates, hydrochlorides or p-toluenesulfonates. These primary aromatic amine developing agents are used in concentrations that are preferably about 1 g to 20 g and still more preferably about 0.5 to about 10 g per 1 liter of development solution.

The pH of the color development solution used in this invention is preferably 9 to 12 and still more preferably 9 to 11.0. Other known development solution components may be included in the color development solution.

Preferably, various buffers are employed in order to maintain the above-described pH. Examples of buffers include sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, trisodium phosphate, tripotassium phosphate, disodium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, sodium borate, potassium borate, sodium tetraborate (borax), potassium tetraborate, sodium o-hydroxybenzoate (sodium salicylate), potassium o-hydroxybenzoate, sodium 5-sulfo-2-hydroxybenzoate (sodium 5-sulfosalicylate) and potassium 5-sulf-2-hydroxybenzoate (potassium 5-sulfosalicylate).

The amount of such buffers added to the color development solution is preferably 0.1 mol/l or more, 0.1 to 0.4 mol/l being particularly preferred.

In addition, various chelating agents may be used in the color development solution for preventing the precipitation of calcium and magnesium or in order to improve the solution's stability.

Specific examples of chelating agents are as follows, but the present invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto; Nitrilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid, N,N,N-trimethylenephosphonic acid, ethylenediamine-N,N,N'N'-tetramethylene-phosphinic acid, 1,3-diamino-2-propanoltetraacetic acid, transcyclohexanediamine-tetraacetic acid, nitrilotripropionic acid, 1,2-diamino-propanetetraacetic acid, hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, glycol ether diaminetetraacetic acid, hydroxyethylene-diaminetriacetic acid, ethylenediamine-orthohydroxyphenyl-acetic acid, 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid, 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, N,N'-bis(2-hydroxybenzyl)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid, catechol-3,4,6-trisulfonic acid, catechol-3,5-disulfonic acid, 5-sulfosalicylic acid, and 4-sulfosalicylic acid.

It is satisfactory if the amount of these chelating agents added is sufficient to sequester metal ions in the color development solution. For example, the amount is around 0.1 to 10 g per 1 liter.

If required, the thioether compounds noted in e.g., JP-B-37-16088, JP-B-37-5987, JP-B-38-7826, JP-B-44-12380 and JP-B-45-9019 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,813,247; the p-phenylenediamine compounds noted in JP-A-52-49829 and JP-A-50-15554; the quaternary ammonium salts noted in, e.g., JP-A-50-137726, JP-B-44-30074, JP-A-56-156826 and JP-A-52-43429; the p-aminophenols disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,610,122 and 4,119,462; the amine compounds disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,494,903, 3,128,182, 4,230,796 and 3,253,919, JP-B-41-11431 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,482,546, 2,596,926 and 3,582,346; or the polyalkylene oxides noted in, e.g., JP-B-37-16088, JP-B-42-25201, U.S. Pat. No. 3,238,183, JP-B-41-11431, JP-B-42-23883 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,532,501, may be added as development accelerators and as well as these substances 1-phenyl-3-pyrazolidones, hydrazines, mesoionic compounds, ionic compounds and imidazoles may be added as required.

Preferably, the color development solution is substantially free of benzy alcohol. Substantially free as used herein means a content of not more than 2.0 ml per 1 liter of color development solution and preferably none at all. If the solution is essentially free of benzyl alcohol there is less fluctuation of photographic characteristics in continuous processing and better results are achieved.

In the invention, chloride ions and bromine ions may be added and any antifoggant may be added as required. Alkali metal compounds such as potassium iodide and organic antifoggants may be used as antifoggants. Benzotriazole, 6-nitrobenzimidazole, 5-nitroisoindazole, antifoggants may be used as antifoggants. 5-methylbenzotriazole, 5-nitrobenzotriazole, 5-chlorobenzotriazole, 2-thiazolylbenzimidazole, 2-thiazolylmethylbenzimidazole, indazole, hydroxyazaindolidine, adenine and similar nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds are representative examples of organic antifoggants.

Preferably, a brightening agent is included in the color development solution that is used in the invention. 4,4'-Diamino-2,2'-disulfostibene compounds are preferred as brightening agents. The amount added is 0 to 10 g/l and preferably 0.1 to 6 g/l.

The processing temperature of the color development solution of the invention is 20.degree. to 50.degree. C. and preferably 30.degree. to 40.degree. C. and the development processing time is 20 seconds to 5 minutes and preferably 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Normally in color development the development solution is replenished.

The amount of replenishment depends on the photosensitive material being processed and generally it is on the order of 180 to 1000 ml per 1 square meter of photosensitive material. Replenishment is a means of keeping the color development solution composition constant so as to avoid changes in the characteristics of the development finish due to changes in composition concentrations in development processing in which a large amount of photosensitive material is continuously processed with an automatic development machine. From the point of view of cost and environmental pollution it is preferred to keep the amount of replenishment small, since replenishment inevitably gives rise to produce large amount of overflown solution. The preferred replenishment quantity is 20 to 150 ml per 1 m.sup.2 of photosensitive material. Although there are some differences depending on the photosensitive material, a replenishment quantity of 20 ml per 1 m.sup.2 of photosensitive material is approximately equal to the amount of processing solution carried out by the photosensitive material, and so overflow is essentially eliminated with this quantity. The present invention is useful in low-replenishment of this kind.

In the invention, desilvering is effected after color development. The desilvering stage generally consists of a bleaching step and a fixing step but the simultaneous performance of these steps is particularly preferred.

The bleaching solution or bleach-fix solution used in the invention may contain rehalogenation agents such as bromides (e.g., potassium bromide, sodium bromide, ammonium bromide), chlorides (e.g., potassium chloride, sodium chloride, ammonium chloride) or iodides (e.g., ammonium iodide). If required, one or more inorganic or organic acids which possess pH buffering capacity or alkali metal or ammonium salts thereof such as boric acid, borax, sodium metaborate, acetic acid, sodium acetate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, phosphorous acid, phosphoric acid, sodium phosphate, citric acid, sodium citrate or tartaric acid, and corrosion preventives such as ammonium nitrate and guanidine may be added.

The fixer used in the bleach-fix or fixing solution in the invention may be a known fixer, i.e., a thiosulfate such as sodium thiosulfate or ammonium thiosulfate; a thiocyanate such as sodium thiocyanate or ammonium thiocyanate; a thioether compound such as ethylenebisthioglycolic acid or 3,6-dithia-1,8-octanediol or a thiourea or similar water-soluble silver halide solvent, used alone or as a mixture of two or more substances. It is also possible to use, e.g., the special bleach-fixing solution disclosed in JP-A-55-155354 consisting of a fixer and a large amount of a halide such as potassium iodide. In the invention, use of a thiosulfate, especially ammonium thiosulfate, is preferred. The amount of fixer per 1 liter is preferably 0.3 to 2 moles and more preferably is in the range 0.5 to 1.0 moles.

The pH of the bleach-fix solution or bleaching solution in the invention is preferably 3 to 10 and more preferably 5 to 9. A pH lower than this improves desilvering but promotes deterioration of the solution and achromatization of cyan dyes. If the pH is higher than this region desilvering is slowed down and stains are liable to be produced.

If required, substances such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, bicarbonates, ammonia, caustic potash, caustic soda, sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate may be added in order to regulate the pH.

The bleach-fix solution may also contain various brightening agents, antifoaming agents, surfactants, or organic solvents such as polyvinylpyrrolidone and methanol.

The bleach-fix solution or fixing solution in the invention contains a preservative in the form of a sulfite (e.g., sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, ammonium sulfite), a bisulfite (e.g., ammonium bisulfite, sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite), a metabisulfite (e.g., potassium metabisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, ammonium metabisulfite) or similar sulfite-ion releasing compound. Converted to sulfite ions, the amount of such compounds included is preferably 0.02 to 0.50 mol/l and more preferably 0.04 to 0.40 mol/l.

It is normal practice to add sulfites as preservatives, but it is also possible to add ascorbic acid, carbonyl bisulfite adducts, sulfinic acids or carbonyl compounds.

Substances such as buffers, brightening agents, chelating agents and antifungal agents may be used if required.

Generally, the silver halide color photographic photosensitive material of the invention is subjected to a washing and/or stabilization stage after fixing, bleach-fixing and similar desilvering treatment.

The amount of washing water in the washing stage can be set in accordance with a wide range of conditions such as the characteristics of the photosensitive material (which, depend on the material used for the couplers), the purpose of the material, the washing water temperature, the number of washing tanks (the number of stages) and whether a counterflow or direct flow replenishment system is used. The relation between the amount of water and the number of washing stages in a multistage counterflow system can be determined by the method described in the Journal of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers, Vol. 64, p. 248-253 (May 1955).

The multistage counterflow system there described makes it possible to greatly reduce the amount of washing water, but creates problems such as the proliferation of bacteria and adhesion to the photosensitive material of suspended matter that forms because of the increased dwell-time of water in the tanks. A very effective measure that may be employed to resolve such problems in processing of the color photosensitive material of the invention is to use the method disclosed in JP-A-61-131632 for reducing calcium and magnesium. Alternatively, isothiazolone compounds or thiabenzazoles disclosed in JP-A-57-8542, sodium chloroisocyanurate or similar chlorine-based bactericides, benzotriazoles or the bactericides described by Dr. Horiguchi in Sakkin-Bobaizai no Kaqaku (Chemistry of Antibacterial-Antifungal Agents), Biseibutsu no Mekkin, Sakkin, Bobai Gijutsu (Microorganism Sterilization, Bactericidal Antifungal Technology) edited by the Eisei Gijutsukai (Hygiene Technology Institute) or Bokin-Bobai Jiten (Dictionary of Bacteria - Fungus Prevention) edited by the Nihon Bokin Bobai Gakkai (Japan Antibacterial Antifungal Institute) can be used.

The pH of the washing water during processing of the photosensitive material of the invention is 4 to 9 and preferably 5 to 8. The washing water temperature and the washing time can be widely varied depending on the photosensitive material's characteristics and intended use, but generally values in the range of 20 seconds to 5 minutes at 25.degree. to 40.degree. C., are selected.

The photosensitive material of the invention can also be processed directly by a stabilization solution without being washed. Any of the known methods disclosed in, e.g., JP-A-57-8543, JP-A-58-14834, JP-A-59-184343, JP-A-60-220345, JP-A-60-238832, JP-A-60-239784, JP-A-60-239749, JP-A-61-4054 and JP-A-61-118749 may be used for this form of stabilization treatment. In particular, a stabilization bath containing compounds such as 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, bismuth compounds and ammonium compounds, is preferably used.

In some cases, stabilization treatment is effected after washing treatment, by using a stabilization bath which contains formalin and a surfactant, as the last bath for the photographic color photosensitive material.

The processing stages time in the invention is defined as the time from when the photosensitive material comes into contact with the color development solution unit it exists from the final bath (usually a washing or stabilization bath) and the advantages of the invention are particularly marked when this rapid treating process stages time is 4 minutes 30 seconds or less or better 4 minutes or less.

The rapid treating process according to the present invention generally comprises following steps:

(A) Developing - Bleaching - Fixing - Washing - (Stabilizing)

(B) Developing - Bleach-fixing - Washing - (Stabilizing)

(C) Developing - Bleaching - Bleach-fixing - Washing - (Stabilizing)

In the above steps Stabilizing step is optional.

The silver halide color photographic photosensitive material of the invention is now described in greater detail.

The silver halide emulsion of the invention is composed substantially of silver chloride. What is meant here by `substantially` is that the silver chloride content relative to the total amount of silver halide is 80 mol % or more and preferably 95 mol % or more and still more preferably 98 mol % or more. From the point of view of rapidity, the higher the silver chloride content the better. A small amount of silver bromide or silver iodide may be included in the high silver chloride of the invention. This offers many advantages for photosensitivity, by increasing the amount of light absorbed, strengthening the adsorption of spectrally sensitized dyes or weakening the effects of desensitization due to spectrally sensitized dyes.

The silver halide included in the silver halide emulsion of the photographic photosensitive material that is used in the invention may have different phases in internal and outer layers or may have a multiphase structure in a bonded arrangement, or the grains may have a uniform phase throughout. The grain may be a mixture of these types.

The silver halide grains in the photographic emulsion may be cubic, octahedral, tetradecahedral or similar regular crystals, or may have a spheroidal, tabular-shaped or similar irregular crystal shapes or crystal defects, such as twin crystal planes, or they may have combinations of these forms.

The silver halide grains may be microscopic grains with a grain diameter of about 0.2 microns or less or large-size grains with a projected area diameter of up to about 10 microns, and the emulsion may be a polydisperse emulsion or a monodisperse emulsion.

A silver halide photographic emulsion used in the invention can be prepared by methods described in Research Disclosure (RD) No. 17643 (December 1978), pages 22-23, I. Emulsion Preparation and Types.

Monodisperse emulsions such as those disclosed in e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,574,628 and 3,655,394 and U.K. Patent 1,413,748 are suitable.

It is also possible to use tabular grains with an aspect ratio of about 5 or more in the invention. Tabular grains can be simply prepared by procedures such as described by Gutoff, Photographic Science and Engineering, Vol. 14, pages 248-257 (1970), U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,434,226, 4,414,310, 4,433,048 and 4,439,520 and U.K. Patent 2,112,157.

Even if the grains have a uniform crystal structure their interior portions and exterior portions may have different halogen compositions and the grains may also have a lamellar structure. Further, silver halides with different compositions may be bonded by epitaxial bonding and they may be bonded with compounds other than silver halides, e.g., silver thiocyanate or lead oxide.

A mixture of grains with a variety of crystal shapes, may also be used.

A variety of polyvalent metal ion impurities may be introduced into the silver halide emulsion used in the invention during the emulsion grain formation stage or physical ripening stage. Examples of compounds that can be used include salts of cadmium, zinc, copper and thallium, and salts or complex salts of the group VIII elements iron, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum. These group VIII elements are preferred. The amounts of such compounds added extends over a wide range depending on purpose and is suitably 10.sup.-9 to 10.sup.-2 moles relative to the silver halide.

Silver halide emulsions are generally used after physical ripening, chemical ripening and spectral sensitization. Additives that are used in these stages are described in Research Disclosure No. 17643 and No. 18716, listed in the table below.

The two issues of Research Disclosure noted above also describe known photographic additives that can be used in the invention, as described in the following table.

______________________________________ Type of Additives RD 17643 RD 18716 ______________________________________ 1. Chemical Sensitizers Page 23 Page 648, right column 2. Speed Enhancers Page 648, right column 3. Spectral Sensitizers Pages 23 Page 648, right Strong Color to 24 column to page Sens