AUTOMATIC PROCESSOR

Automatic processing units

___________ standardize the processing of radiographs with consistency and efficiency.

Automatic Processor

also known as “dry to dry” system

1942

(year)

First automatic x-ray film processor was introduced by Pako

120 films

First automatic x-ray film processor Can process _______ per hour

First automatic x-ray film processor

Uses special film hanger

40 minutes

First automatic x-ray film processor

\
Approximately ______ total cycle time

1956

transport rollers were introduced by Eastman Kodak Company

(1) 10 ft.

(2) three quarters

transport rollers

\
_______ long and weighs nearly _______ of a ton

6 to 7

transport rollers

\
______ min. processing time

1965

90 second rapid processing by Eastman Kodak Company

1965 – 90 second rapid processing by Eastman Kodak Company

Development of new chemistry and emulsion and faster drying permitted by the polyester film base

1987

Konica introduce 45 second automatic processing

1. Control of temperature
2. Agitation of chemical solutions
3. Replenishment
4. Minimum spilling of chemicals as film moves from tank to tank
5. Transportation of film through system remains constant
6. Time-temperature relationship
7. Compact in size
8. Strategic placement

Requirements for automatic processor (8)

Control of temperature

Requirements for automatic processor

\
\- Helps maintain adequate density and contrast

* Agitation of chemical solutions
* Minimum spilling of chemicals as film moves from tank to tank

Requirements for automatic processor

\
\- Provides thorough mixing of chemical solutions

Replenishment

Requirements for automatic processor

\
\- Maintains volume and strength of solution

Transportation of film through system remains constant

Requirements for automatic processor

\
\- Controls length of time film is in developer and fixer

Time-temperature relationship

Requirements for automatic processor

\
\- Maintains consistency with all processor system

Compact in size

Requirements for automatic processor

\
\- Requires very little space to operate

Strategic placement

Requirements for automatic processor

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\- Reduces time spent by radiographers travelling to and from the darkroom area

Glutaraldehyde

Special chemical hardener added to developer solution in automatic processing

22 to 24 seconds at 92 to 94 degrees Farenheit

Time-Temperature Relationship

\
___________ seconds at ___________ degrees Farenheit

1. Transport system
2. Recirculation system
3. Replenishment system
4. Wash system
5. Dryer system
6. Electrical system

Systems That Compose the Automatic Processor

Transport System

Moves the film through the processor

Transport System

Transports film through various stages at precise time intervals

Transport System

Controls the time in which the film is immersed in each wet chemistries

(1) speed

(2) constant

The _______ at which the film is moved through the processor must remain _______.

transport system

The ___________ agitates the solution and helps maintain the temperature.

* Rollers
* Transport rack
* Drive

Transport System’s Subsystem (3)

Rollers

steer film movement

Transport rack

rollers and guide shoes to move and change direction of film

Drive

provide power to turn rollers at precise rate

* Transport rollers
* Master rollers
* Planetary rollers

Roller Assembly (3)

Transport Rollers

1 inch in diameter

Transport Rollers

Positioned opposite to each other

Transport Rollers

Positioned offset from one another

Master Rollers

3 inches in diameter

Master Rollers

Also known as “solar” roller

Planetary Rollers

Number of rollers that surrounds the master roller

Transport Rack Assembly

where Most transport rollers are positioned

Transport Rack Assembly

They are easily removable and provide for convenient maintenance and efficient cleaning of the processor

“Turn-around” Assembly

Turn the film around in the bottom of the tank

“Crossover” Assembly

Moves the film from one to tank to another

“Guideshoes”

Special devices that guide the film to change direction

“Guideshoes”

For a 180 degrees bending of film

“Squeegee” Assembly

Squeeze the excess developer from the wet film emulsion

Drive System

Transfer power to transport rack and drive the rollers

Drive System

Used to connect the mechanical energy of the drive motor to drive mechanism of the rack assembly

fractional horsepower drive motor

Power for the transport system is provided by _______________

(1) shaft

(2) 10 to 20 rpm

(3) gear reduction assembly

The ________ of the drive motor is usually reduce ________ through ___________

* Belt and pulley
* Chain and sprocket
* Gears

3 way (means) by which transfer of power to transport rack can be accomplished

Recirculation System

Provides continuous mixing of the chemicals

Recirculation System

Continuous agitation and mixing play an important role in maintaining proper temperature and strength of the solutions.

temperature and strength

Continuous agitation and mixing play an important role in maintaining proper _____________ of the solutions.

* Heater
* Thermostat
* filters

Recirculation System is composed of:

95 degrees F (35 C)

Temperature control system

\
Optimal temperature is ______________

Thermocouple or thermistor

A thermostatically controlled heating element is in the developer tank

100

Filters

\
_______ um – to trap fleck of gelatin that are dislodge from the emulsion because they can cause artifacts

tanks and rollers

Filters

\
Not 100% efficient, so cleaning the ___________ is needed

Filters

Not necessary in the fixer solution

Filters

_______ are placed throughout replenishment system

Replenishment System

Adds solution to the developer and fixer as each film is processed

(1) shorter

(2) always

The _______ dimension of the film should _______ be against the side rail to maintain proper replenishment rate.

Replenishment System

Serves to maintain the volume and strength of the solutions

(1) not

(2) continually

Replenishment System

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Wash water is _______ recirculated, it is _______ replaced by fresh tap water

Microswitch

Activates the pump that sends replenisher solution to the tank

(1) length of time

(2) how long

The _________ it takes for the film to enter the system determines _________ the replenisher pump will operate.

(1) stable

(2) tackiness

Adequate replenishment keeps the chemical activity ________ and helps prevent ________ of the film

control replenishment

The direction of travel for a particular film size becomes an important key to _____________

(1) 60 to 70 mL

(2) 100 to 110 mL

(3) 14

Replenishment Rate

\
____________ of developer and ____________ of fixer for every _______ inches of film

increases

Increase in replenishment rate _________ contrast

decreases

Decrease in replenishment rate __________ contrast

Wash System

Removes excess chemicals

developed silver halide crystals

Wash System

\
Finished film must contain only ____________________

deterioration

Wash System

\
All excess chemicals must be washed away to prevent _________ of the film after it is stored

Wash System

Tap water is sufficient

Dryer System

Blows hot air across the surface of the film to enhance drying on the surface

110 and 120

Dryer System

\
Temperature of air is approximately __________ degrees Fahrenheit

blower,

ventilation ducts,

drying tubes,

exhaust fan

Dryer System

\
Consist of __________ (4)

Dryer System

To remove surface moisture as rapidly as possible

dehumidifier

Dryer System

\
The air continually dried by a __________

(1) recirculate

(2) vented

Most of dry air is ________ however the dryer must be ________ to release built-up air as new air is pulled into the system

(1) Damp or wet radiograph

(2) emulsion

________________ picks up dust, becomes sticky and the ___________ is destroyed

Dryer System

Completely extracts residual moisture

low

Sucks in room air, therefore the room air is at _____ humidity vents hot moist air outside

(1) 3

(2) 2500

Dryer System

\
________ heating coils uses approximately _______ watt

Damp film

___________ indicates Automatic Processor malfunction or mostly depletion of glutaraldehyde

Electrical System

Distributes fused power to each system

Electrical System

Provides power to thermal and mechanical components, electrical component

Fuse box

Electrical System

\
\- only component significant to radiographer

1. Routine checks and cleaning of the transport rollers by lifting the racks of the tank
2. Careful examination and adjustment of guideshoes
3. Cleaning and replacement of filters throughout the processor unit

Maintaining the Processing Unit (3)

true

Regular maintenance procedures are required for consistency in performance of processors.

Maintaining the Processing Unit

Temperature readings, water flow, drainage check daily maintenance

Maintaining the Processing Unit

Check the numerous filters

true

Replenishment rate and microswitch control must be on routine checklist

Rapid Processing

Processing as low as 30 seconds

Rapid Processing

Usually used in angiography procedures, emergency, surgery, special procedures where time is critical

Rapid Processing

Uses special chemicals

Rapid Processing

Chemicals are concentrated, and temperatures are high

Extended Processing

3 minute processing time