Processor Quality Control

1
Processor Quality Control
2
Automatic X-ray film processor produces dry to
dry films in 90 secs

• To maintain quality attention needed in 3 areas
• Quality control
• Processor cleanliness and cars
• Basic operation

3
Quality Control

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

4
Processor Cleanliness Care

• Areas of concern
• Oxidation build up on gears, rollers, tanks
• Crossover guides
• Algae build up in wash tank
• Dirt and dust build up in dryer
• Structural frame, panels lid
• Entry feed tray area
• Oxidisation build up in replenisher tanks

5
Basic Operation

• Necessary to understand operation of
• Transport system
• Recirculation system
• Drying system
• Replenishment system
• Electrical system

6
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

7
Part 2 of Daily Check

• Feed 2 films to clear roller marks (usually 35 x
  43 cm cross ways)
• Using a nominated step wedge, expose and process
  film
• Record and compare with standard control film
• If no variation proceed with daily use

8
Using the Step Wedge - Speed

• Determine the step number within a density range
  of 1.00 1.30
• Enter step number density on chart
• Use as comparative for all future readings
• Measure and plot density of Speed Step twice
  daily
• Variations gt 0.15 optical density indicates need
  for corrective action

9
Contrast

• Determine densities of steps above and below
  Speed Step (or 2 steps)
• Subtract densities for contrast reading
• Use same steps for all future readings
• Calculate and plot daily
• Variations of 0.15 optical density need
  corrective action

10
Base Fog

• Read area of film that has received no exposure
• Enter reading on chart
• Measure and plot daily. Base Fog should not
  increase gt 0.05 optical density from the normal
  level.

11
Temperature

• Measure with calibrated thermometer and enter
  reading on chart daily.
• Variations gt 1 degree C requires attention