(8) PROCESSING OF X-RAY FILMS

Latent Image

After film is exposed in X radiation, it creates an invisible image called; it is an invisible image produced by exposure to light of a radio-sensitive material such as an x-ray film

Developing Agent (Phenidone)

A pyrazolidone type of compound that is the first electron donor that converts the silver ions into metallic silver.

Hydroquinone

To produce an electron to prevent oxidation of the phenidone

Activators

Have an alkaline activator compound which is made up of sodium and potassium hydroxide.

To make it constant we need a buffer (sodium bicarbonate)

PRESERVATIVES

Made up of sodium sulfite.

Acts as a preservative and anti oxidant

RESTRAINERS

Made up of potassium bromide and benzotriazole; unexposed SHC is restrained being developed by using these

Rinse

To Dilute the developer to prevent any neutralization of the acide fixer; To remove the alkaline activator compound to slow down its developing process

Clearing Agent

Made up of ammonium thiosulfate;It removes restrained unexposed SHG

ACIDIFIER

To give a good diffusion of the thiosulfate to the emulsion and other thiolsulfate complexes,that’s why acidity of the fixer needs to be constant (pH 4-4.5)

PRESERVATIVES

Made up of ammonium sulfite; Thiosulfate is usually unstable in acid environment so preservatives are use to prevent oxidation of the thiosulfate in acidic environment.

HARDENER

Made up of aluminum sulfate; It reduces the swelling of the emulsion during the final wash.

WASHING

After fixing, the processed film is washed in a sufficient flow of water for an adequate time to ensure removal of all thiosulfate ions and silver thiosulfate complexes.

DRY & MOUNT

Using the film hanger we will then dry (air drying) and mount.

DARK ROOM

Size: 4x5 ft

Should be light proof; Should have safe lighting

Should have a light tight door with lock; Should have proper ventilation

Low intensity illumination (15 watts of red light)

REPLENISH SOLUTION

Solution should be around 8 ounces per gallon

STIRSOLUTION

Should always stir the solution first using separate paddles to avoid cross-contamination

MOUNT FILMS ON HANGER

Using the film clip, once opening the film, don’t open it until inside the dark room; Remove the outer layer, extract the lead, only the film and the black paper wrapper is left behind.

SET TIMER

Check the temp of the developer and set the the interval timer to the time.

DEVELOP

Immerse to the developer for 30 seconds

RINSE

Rinse for 30 seconds; Agitate for 5 seconds

Underdeveloped

Opacity

Overdeveloped

Overall darkening