10. Automatic Processor Flashcards
standardize
the processing of radiographs with
consistency and efficiency
Automatic processing units
“Dry to dry” system
Automatic processing units
first automatic processor was
introduced by Pako
1942
transport roller were by
Eastman Kodak Company
1956
90 second rapid processing by
Eastman Kodak Company
1965
Konica introduce 45 second
automatic processing
1987
Requirements for automatic processor
- Control of temperature
- Agitation of chemical solutions
- Replenishment
- Minimum spilling of chemicals as film
moves from tank to tank - Transportation of film through system
remains constant - Time-temperature relationship
- Compact in size
- Strategic placement
Higher temperature, ____ the
processing
faster
As the rollers move, it will ____
the chemicals within tank
agitates
replace the used chemicals or
exhausted chemicals to maintain its
strength. Overtime, it can jeopardized
the quality of the image
Replenishment
Special chemical hardener added to
developer solution in automatic
processing
Glutaraldehyde
Time-temperature relationship
22 to 24 seconds at 92 to 94
degrees Fahrenheit
Systems that compose the automatic processor
- Transport system
- Recirculation system
- Replenishment system
- Wash system
- Dryer system
- Electrical system
Moves the film through the
processor
Transport system
steer film movement
Rollers
rollers and guide shoes to move
and change direction of film
Transport rack
Roller assembly
o Transport rollers
o Master rollers
o Planetary rollers
o 1 inch in diameter
o Positioned opposite to each other
o Positioned offset from one another
Transport rollers
o 3 inches in diameter
o Also known as “solar” roller
Master rollers
Number of rollers that surrounds the
master rollers
Planetary rollers
o Most transport rollers are positioned
o They are easily removable and provide
for convenient maintenance and
efficient cleaning of the processor
Transport rack assembly
Turn the film around in the bottom of
the tank
Turn-around assembly
Moves the film from one tank to
another tank
Crossover assembly
Special devices that guide the film to
change direction
Guideshoes
For a 180 degrees bending of film
Guideshoes
Squeeze the excess developer from the
wet film emulsion
Squeegee assembly
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
Drive system
Drive system
o Belt and pulley
o Chain and sprocket
o Gears
Provides continuous mixing of the
chemicals
Recirculation system
Recirculation system is composed of
o Heater
o Thermostat
o Filters
Adds solution to the developer and fixer
as each film is processed
Replenishment system
The shorter dimension of the film
should always be against the side rail to
maintain proper replenishment rate
Replenishment system
Activates the pump that sends
replenisher solution to the tank
Microswitch
Replenishment rate
60 to 70 mL of developer and 100 to
110 mL of fixer for every 14 inches of
film
Usually used in mammographic imaging
in mammography and also in dental
imaging
Small processors
Usually used in big hospitals that has
many patients since it is heavy duty
High volume unit processors
Removes excess chemicals
Wash system
Blows hot air across the surface of the
film to enhance drying on the surface
Dryer system
Consists of blower, ventilation ducts,
drying tubes and exhaust fan
Dryer system
Temperature of air is approximately
110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit -Dryer system
Distributes fused power to each system
Electrical system
Maintaining the processing unit
- Routine checks and cleaning of the
transport rollers by lifting the racks of
the tank - Careful examination and adjustment of
guideshoes - Cleaning and replacement of filters
throughout the processor unit
Processing as low as 30 seconds
Rapid processing
Usually used in angiography
procedures, emergency, surgery, special
procedures where time is critica
Rapid processing
3 minute processing time, usually used
in mammographic procedures
Extended processing
Extended processing
2 principal advantages
- Greater image contrast
- Lower patient dose
Eliminates the need of darkroom
Daylight processing
Total load, unload and processing time
is 2 minutes
Daylight processing
