To obtain the best quality radiographs, follow the film manufacturer's processing guidelines. If radiographs processed at 5 minutes and 82°F (28°C) are too dark, reduce the X-ray exposure time setting. When the films have been processed, the finished radiographs will exit the processor on the film track and fall into the film receptacle. When the last film has exited the unit, depress the run/standby switch to the standby position. The unit will remain on standby throughout the day.

Securing The Processor

The processor should be secured at the end of the day. The securing procedures are as follows:

1. Depress the on/off switch to the off position.

2. Turn the water supply valve to the off position. (Some models without water plumbing will not require this step.)

3. Unplug the power supply cable.

4. Wipe the cover and housing of the processor with a damp sponge or cloth.

Chemistry Change

Change the developer and fixer at a minimum of once every 3 to 4 weeks. If a large quantity of X-rays has been processed, change the developer sooner. Replenish the solutions following the manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE:

The solutions used for automatic processing are not the same as those used for manual processing.

Maintenance Schedule

You are responsible only for user maintenance on the processor; repairs are the responsibility of the dental equipment repair technician.

Monthly maintenance consists of cleaning the roller transports and solution tanks. Weekly maintenance consists of soaking the transport rollers, solution agitators, and other removable internal parts for 5 to 10 minutes with a processor cleaner.

NOTE:

Any time the processor cover is lifted and maintenance is being performed, you must wear a safety face shield, apron, and protective gloves.

The quality of the processed radiographs are reflected in the maintenance of the processor. Improper maintenance can cause radiographs of poor diagnostic quality, and may cause patients to have their radiographs taken over. Always follow manufacturer's instructions for correct maintenance and operating procedures.

To keep the processor in good operating condition, do not place heavy objects on top of the processor or use the top as a film loading or storage area. Do not turn the power switch on when the solution tanks are empty. Also, do not use steel wool or abrasive scouring powder when cleaning tanks or metal parts of the processor.

Small Automatic Film Processor

The small automatic processor processes only bitewing and periapical dental radiographs. The processor solutions are self contained and require no plumbing.

The small processor in figure 1-48, may be located in a darkroom, but because of its small size and compatibility with a daylight loader, it is commonly found in endodontic departments, small dental clinics, and on board Navy ships where no darkroom is available.

Operational Check and Processing

Refer to the instruction manual for the assembly and disassembly of processor components. The daily operational check for the small automatic processor is performed as follows:

1. Remove process cover and check the level of the solutions. Tank capacity for the developer and fixer tanks is 1 quart each. The wash tank holds 1 1/2 quarts of water. Figure 1-49 shows the solution tanks.

2. Plug the power supply cable into the power outlet.

3. Depress power (left) switch (fig. 1-50). Directly above the left switch, the red light goes on, indicating the chemistry heaters are on. When the green light (right) flickers (in about 15 minutes, depending on room temperature) X-rays may be processed.

4. To process films, depress the process (right) switch. The green ready light will alternate between flickering and full on, indicating an optimum 74° to 76°F temperature is being maintained.

5. Refer to the manufacturer's instruction manual procedures for processing bitewing and periapical films.