The Automatic Processor

Denise Ogilvie October 2007

Objectives
Describe the 4 steps of processing List the 6 main systems of the automatic processor Describe the path of the film traveling through the automatic processor Describe common film artifacts caused by automatic processing.

Objectives
List and briefly describe the constituents of developer List the constituents of the Fixer solution Describe the action of the Developer and Fixer Explain the importance of daily processor maintenance

4 Steps of Processing
Developing formation of the image
Fixing stopping of development, permanent fixing of image on film Washing removal of residual fixer Drying warm air blowing over film

Systems of the Automatic Processor

1. Transport System 2. Temperature control system 3. Recirculation system 4. Replenishment system 5. Dryer system 6. Electrical system

Transport System
Film fed on feed tray in darkroom Entrance rollers grab film and draw it into developer Entrance rollers separate slightly, film passes between rollers activating microswitch controlling replenishment of chemicals When film completely in developer tank bell ring or light flicks on safe to turn on light

Transport System
Orientation of film when placed in processor importanttransversely along side rails of feed tray Transport system carries film through developer, fixer, wash tank and dryer

Transport System
Rollers Transport rollers front and back positions in racks, 1inch in diameter Turnaround Assembly 3 inch roller master roller Planetary Rollers surround master roller

Transport System
Transport Racks Support rollers and turnaround assemblies Can be removed for cleaning

Transport System
Drive Motor Electric motor & a system of gears chains, sprockets, belts and pulleys provide power & motion in transport system

Temperature Control System

Maintains developer, fixer & dryer Developer temperature Fixer Wash Dryer

Processing

Temperatures
35 C 35 C 32-35 C 57 C

Temperature Control System

Recirculation System
Controlled by recirculation pumps that agitate solutions to keep them mixed to maintain constant temperature Circulation of water required to wash residual fixer (12 litres per minute)

Replenishment System
Fixer & developer levels drop as films processed system replaces lost chemicals Microswitch of entrance rollers starts replenishment pump stops when film exits entrance rollers Placing films transversely stops excess waste of chemicals

Replenishment System
Typical replenishment rates: 60-70 mls of developer, and 100110 ml of fixer for for every 14 inches of xray film (per 35 x 43cm crosswise fim)

Dryer System
Dries the film before its removal for viewing If not dry, difficult to hang on viewing box Consists of blower, ventilation ducts, vented dryer tubes & exhaust system Blower draws in air from room and passes it over heating coils Heated air enters ventilation ducts & dryer tubes & then blows over film Moist warm air vented

Electrical System
Electrical circuits to power drive motors and temperature control system Requires qualified technician to work on system

Processing Rates
Amount of time it takes a film to go through processor ranges from 45-210 seconds Film manufacturers determine temperatures and replenishment rates Processing Times

Developer
Fixer Wash dryer

20-25secs
20 20 25-30

Daylight Automatic Processors

Enable film to be processed without need for darkroom Special cassettes Increase in department efficiency, no need for special darkroom staff Disadvantages cost, mechanical breakdowns

Daylight Automatic Processors

Maintenance
To maintain quality attention needed in 3 areas:

1. Quality control 2. Processor cleanliness 3. Basic operation

Maintenance
Need to regularly monitor: Temperature of developer Replenishment of film area Speed of development cycle (dwell time) Film drying temperature

Maintenance
Areas of concern: Oxidation build up on gears, rollers, tanks Crossover guides wash daily Algae build up in wash tank wash weekly Dirt and dust build up in dryer Structural frame, panels & lid Entry & feed tray area- clean feed tray Oxidisation build up in replenisher tanks

Daily Check Up
Before starting: Remove lid, check chemistry levels Shut wash tank water valve, stand pipe in Turn on water to desired flow rate Check for seized rollers (water to free) Power on Observe agitation and replenisher pumps operating Wait for developer temperature to reach set point

QC
Daily QC performed and recorded. This process will be discussed in full next year

Developer

Fixer

Processor Faults
Longitudinal Scratches - ? Guide plates in the racks Pie Lines marks caused by chemicals partially drying on rollers marks at repeated intervals equal to diameter if roller White or black spots breakdown of hard surface of roller Drying Marks seen in reflected light dull longitudinal lines in direction of travel dust or dirt blocking air in drying tubes

Processor Faults

References
Fauber, T, Radiographic imaging and exposure,1st edn 2000 Kodak, The fundamentals of radiography,12th edn Carlton, R, Adler, A, Principles of radiographic imaging an art and a science,4th edn Papp, J, Quality management in the imaging sciences,3rd edn Roberts,D, Smith,N, Radiographic imaging a practical guide,1st edn Shephard, C, Radiographic image production and manipulation,1st edn