The Automatic Processor

Vocabulary based flashcards covering the systems, temperatures, and processing steps of the automatic radiograph processor.

Automatic Processing

A mechanical system that performs all manual processing steps with a dry-to-dry time ranging from $90\,seconds$ to $7\,minutes$.

Developing

The first step of processing that results in the formation of the radiographic image.

Fixing

The processing step that stops development and permanently fixes the image on the film.

Washing

The removal of residual developer and fixer from the film using water, typically at a temperature about $5\,^{\circ}F$ lower than the developer.

Drying

The final processing step where warm air blows over the film to dry it before viewing.

Transport System

A system of rollers and a drive motor that carries the film through the developer, fixer, wash tank, and dryer.

Temperature Control System

The system responsible for maintaining the developer and fixer at $35\,^{\circ}C$, the wash at $32-35\,^{\circ}C$, and the dryer at $57\,^{\circ}C$.

Recirculation System

A system using pumps to agitate solutions, keeping them mixed and maintaining constant temperature while circulating wash water.

Replenishment System

A system that replaces lost chemicals after each film is processed to maintain solution levels and activity.

Dryer System

An assembly consisting of a blower, ventilation ducts, vented dryer tubes, and an exhaust system used to remove moisture from the film.

Electrical System

The circuits that power the drive motors and the temperature control system within the automatic processor.

Entrance Rollers

Rollers at the start of the transport system that grab the film and activate a microswitch to control chemical replenishment.

Transport Rollers

Rollers located in front and back positions in racks with a diameter of $1\,inch$.

Master Roller

A large $3\,inch$ diameter roller, also called a solar roller, used in the turnaround assembly.

Planetary Rollers

Small rollers that surround the master roller within the turnaround assembly.

Turnaround Assembly

A component of the transport system located at the bottom of the tanks consisting of a master roller, planetary rollers, and a guide shoe.

Transport Racks

Removable assemblies that support the rollers and turnaround assemblies within the processing tanks.

Drive Motor

An electric motor that provides power and motion to the transport system via gears, chains, sprockets, and belts.

Guide shoe

A component in the turnaround assembly used to direct the film path around the master roller.

Developer Temperature

The standard temperature for the developer solution in an automatic processor, maintained at $35\,^{\circ}C$.

Dryer Temperature

The temperature of the heated air used in the drying section, set at $57\,^{\circ}C$.

Developer Replenishment Rate

The typical volume of developer replaced, measured at $60-70\,mls$ for every $14\,inches$ of film.

Fixer Replenishment Rate

The typical volume of fixer replaced, measured at $100-110\,ml$ for every $14\,inches$ of film.

Daylight Automatic Processors

Systems that load and unload cassettes and process film in normal light conditions, eliminating the need for a darkroom.

Rapid Processing

A method that processes film in as little as $30\,seconds$ using more concentrated chemicals and higher temperatures for emergency or surgical use.

Extended Processing

A $3\,minute$ processing cycle used primarily in mammography where developer immersion time is nearly doubled.

Single-emulsion film

The specific film type that realizes greater image contrast and lower patient dose when used with extended processing.

Feed Tray

The area where film is placed transversely along side rails to begin the transport through the processor.

Microswitch

A component activated by entrance rollers that starts the replenishment pump when film is introduced.

Recirculation pumps

Pumps within the recirculation system that agitate solutions to maintain constant mixture and temperature.