A liquid electrophotographic imaging apparatus contains at least one drying
element for removing excess carrier liquid in a liquid toner toned latent
image on an intermediate transfer member surface or from the intermediate
transfer member surface itself. The drying sheet includes a flexible
substrate having a first surface and second surface; at least one
oleophilic carrier liquid absorptive layer on the first surface of the
flexible substrate; and the first surface of the flexible substrate facing
the intermediate transfer member surface, latent image or liquid toned
latent image. A method of using this apparatus includes providing at least
one absorbent drying sheet; providing an electrophotographic apparatus
including at least an intermediate transfer member; at least one supply
container and at least one discard container for the at least one
absorbent drying sheet; providing a toned image on the intermediate
transfer member with a liquid toner; contacting an absorbent drying sheet
from the supply container to the toned image on the intermediate transfer
member or to the intermediate transfer member itself after the image is
transferred away; absorbing liquid carrier with the drying sheet, the
drying sheet then becoming a used drying sheet; determining whether the
used drying sheet is suitable for reuse as an absorbent drying sheet; and
placing the used drying sheet in a container.
