Processor Maintenance

Before you call for service:

"Many times you can diagnose a problem with a film processor without calling for on site service."

Problem... "Our processor is using too much chemistry". This one drives most chemical & processor companies nuts. It is similar to calling GM Ford or Chrysler and complaining that your SUV, car or truck uses too much gas. When your processor is installed the technician sets it up based on experience as to how much chemistry is replenished. Chemical usage is a function of time (it oxidizes) and usage e.g. the number of films run per day. If you do not run many films the replenishment rates must be set relatively high to compensate for oxidation. If you run a lot of films, say 15 per day, the replenishment rate per film can be relatively reduced. Most veterinarians, chiropractors, podiatrists and general medical offices are low volume users. Large radiology offices or orthopedic practices and hospitals are considered high volume users. We have instructed our servicemen to set the chemical replenishments based on our experience. Our customers are welcome to change them according to their wishes, but they do so at their own risk. Instructions are in the manual. The consequence of slightly high replenishment rates is a few dollars of chemistry. The consequence of too little is a retake with accompanying lost time and often a lost client. (Human clients are not big on retakes in our experience...animals haven't registered too many complaints yet, but stay posted). The efficiency of your film processor is generally tested by the State Radiation Protection folks. An inefficient processor requires higher radiation doses for a given film density. Higher radiation does are not good for your clients nor your x-ray equipment.

Problem ... Films come out with a "washed out" look or without much of an image. Generally the developer solution is the problem. It is probably "flat" due to oxidation. Replenish the upper tank in your processor with freshly mixed developer and the problem will probably go away. In addition check the developer replenishment rates and temperature. Upper tank temperature should be between 92F and 96F or at manufacturer's suggested temperature. We recommend 95F, for AFP, Hope, QCP, Konica & Fischer processors.

Problem ... Films come out tacky or not dry. Generally the fixer is exhausted and should be replaced. Also check the dryer temperature as you could have dryer elements burned out or a dryer fan not functioning properly. Most of the time it is the fixer however and changing the upper fixer tank with new fixer will solve the problem. Check fixer replenishment rate. It should be about 10% to 20% higher than your developer rate.

Problem ... Processor is not replenishing chemistry. The storage tank levels have not dropped since last changed. Depending on the brand of processor you could have a vapor lock or an air lock in the replenishment lines or a replenishment pump may not be working. On AFP Mini Med processors the pumps are fused and replacing a fuse may solve the problem. Other brands may use fuses or the pumps may require replacing. Looked for kinked hoses as well. If not diagnosed with any of the above you may need a service call.

TIP Do not store film in cassettes for extended lengths of time and expect them to not fog. Whether in a cassette or a camera, background radiation and cosmic rays can cause a film to fog, so if you need to store cassettes for an extended length of time, unload them first. Looking for a good lubricant for your processor? Consider TRI LUBE. It is a very high quality lubricant generally found in bicycle shops. (If you are a bike rider, you probably lube your chain with TRI-LUBE. It is the best chain lube we have found.)

[ Common Problems ]

Last Updated 05/23/08