A type of dampening system used in offset lithographic presses that utilizes a metering roller in constant contact with both the water fountain and a transfer roller, which in turn is in constant contact with the form rollers which contact the plate. The advantage that continuous-flow systems have over the conventional intermittent-flow dampening system is that periodic surges of fountain solution are eliminated, and the whole system itself is more instantaneously responsive to adjustments in the amount of fountain solution flowing from the fountain. There are several varieties of continuous-flow systems: inker-feed systems, plate-feed systems, and combinations of both. (See Dampening System.)
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