Service & Support

Technical Information Bulletin

Processing Recommendations (Service Bulletin 30)

KODAK X-OMAT Processors, KODAK X-OMAT Multiloaders, and KODAK MIN-R Mammography Processor

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Contents

• Purpose
• Updates from Previous Version
• Replenishment Rates -- General Radiography, Laser Films, & Non-Dedicated Mammography
  • Area Processors with Smart Replenishment
  • Area Processors without Smart Replenishment
  • Length Processors
• Replenishment Rates -- Dedicated Mammography
  • Area Processors with Smart Replenishment
  • Area Processors with Smart Replenishment Disabled
  • Length Processors
• Replenisher Mixing
• Starter Volumes
• Processor Maintenance Timing
• Reduced Replenishment Rate Recommendations
• Flooded Replenishment Rate Recommendations
  • All KODAK Processors (except below)
  • KODAK X-OMAT 1000, 1000A and 1000J Processors
  • KODAK X-OMAT M43, M43A, and Clinic 1 Processors
  • KODAK RP X-OMAT Processor, Model M6B
• Ventilation Requirements
• Adjusting the Dryer Temperature
• Film Types vs. Processing Cycle
• General Processor Information

This bulletin was updated January26, 2004

Purpose

This bulletin documents the current processing recommendations for the following KODAK Processors:

• X-OMAT Processor Models M35, M35A, M35M, M35A-M, M43, M43A, Clinic 1, M7B, M7B-E, 270 RA, 3000 RA, 180 LP, 180 LPS, M6A-N, M6AW, M6B, M6R, M6RA, 460 RA, 480 RA, 5000 RA, 1000, 1000A, 1000J, 2000, 2000A.
  
  
• X-OMAT Multiloader 7000, X-OMAT Multiloader 300/300 Plus.
  
  
• MIN-R Mammography Processor.
  
  

It also documents the current processing recommendations for KODAK Medical Films with KODAK Processing Chemicals that are manufactured in the United States.

This data supersedes all previous replenishment information given in publications for KODAK X-OMAT and KODAK MIN-R products. These guidelines should be used as initial starting points only, and may be changed as needed to satisfy specific site conditions and sensitometric results.

Updates from Previous Version

New Information:
KODAK X-OMAT BT Film: processing information.
KODAK MIN-R EV Film: processing information
KODAK EKTASCAN EC/RA Film: processing information
KODAK RP X-OMAT M6B Processor: revised flooded recommendation

Revised Information:
KODAK RP X-OMAT M8 Processor: Remove recommendations (product is service discontinued)
KODAK MIN-R M Film: Remove recommendations (product is discontinued; all product expired)
Current Software information removed; available on Analog Equipment Operating and Service Software CD (Part No. 6F2420.)

Replenishment Rates -- General Radiography, Laser Films, & Non-Dedicated Mammography

Area Processors with Smart Replenishment

KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models 270 RA, 3000 RA, 180 LP, 180 LPS, M6RA, 460 RA, 480 RA, 5000 RA
KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 7000, KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 300/300 Plus

• Smart Replenishment is enabled by default.
  
  
• Replenishment takes place after the equivalent area of a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film has been fed; therefore, replenishment rates must be set for a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film feed.
  
  
• Additional replenishment occurs automatically during low film usage.
  
  

Area Processors without Smart Replenishment

KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models M43, M43A, Clinic 1

• The equivalent area of a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film is 1505 cm sq. (238 sq. in.).
  
  
• Replenishment takes place after the equivalent area of a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film has been fed; therefore, replenishment rates must be set for a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film feed.
  
  
• Replenishment rates need to be set for different usage conditions.
  
  

Length Processors

KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models M35, M35A, M35-M, M35A-M, M7B, M7B-E, M6A-N, M6AW, M6B, M6R, 1000, 1000A, 1000J, 2000, 2000A
KODAK MIN-R Mammography Processor

• Replenishment takes place whenever film is in the entrance rollers.
  
  
• Replenishment rates must be set according to usage and film size(s) fed.
  
  
• Film should be fed as recommended in the processor Operator Manual/User Guide.
  
  
• X-OMAT M35M, M35A-M and MIN-R Mammography Processors are not recommended for roll film.
  
  

Replenishment Rates -- Dedicated Mammography

Note: A processor is considered dedicated if only single-emulsion film (mammography, ultrasound, etc.) is processed. General purpose (non-dedicated) film should use the replenishment rates listed under Replenishment Rates -- General Radiography, Laser Films, & Non-Dedicated Mammography. Also refer to the Analog Equipment Operating and Service CD.

These guidelines should be used as initial starting points only.

Area Processors with Smart Replenishment

KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models 270 RA, 3000 RA, M6RA, 460 RA, 480 RA, 5000 RA
KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 7000, KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 300/300 Plus

• Smart Replenishment is enabled by default.
  
  
• The equivalent area of a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film is 1505 cm sq. (238 sq. in.).
  
  
• Replenishment takes place after the equivalent area of a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film has been fed; therefore, replenishment rates must be set for a 35 x 43 cm (14 x 17 in.) film feed.
  
  
• Additional replenishment occurs automatically during low film usage. This feature can be overridden by using software version 3.0 or higher. Note:  X-OMAT 3000 RA and X-OMAT 5000 RA Processors have the ability to override this feature without installing new software.
  
  
• Refer to Conversion and Processing Instructions for MIN-R 2000 Film (formerly known as Service Bulletin 244) for additional information.
  
  

Area Processors with Smart Replenishment Disabled

KODAK X-OMAT 270/3000 RA Processors, KODAK X-OMAT Processor, Model M6RA, and the KODAK X-OMAT 460/480/5000 RA Processors
KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 7000, and the KODAK X-OMAT Multiloader 300/300 Plus

Length Processors

KODAK X-OMAT Processor Models M35-M, M35A-M, M7B, M7B-E, M6A-N, M6AW, M6B, M6R
KODAK MIN-R Mammography Processor

• Replenishment takes place whenever film is in the entrance rollers.
  
  
• Replenishment rates must be set according to usage and film size(s) fed.
  
  
• MIN-R L and MIN-R 2000 Films are fed emulsion side down in M35-M, M35A-M, and MIN-R Mammography Processors.
  
  
• For the KODAK Miniloader 2000P and KODAK Multiloader 700 docked to length replenished processors, mammography rates are set using 18 cm film travel.
  
  

Replenisher Mixing

1. For best results, mix processing solutions between 70°F and 80°F (21.1°C and 26.7°C).
   
   
2. If using Replenisher Tank:
   
   
   • Replenisher tank should be sized such that volume is approximately equal to or less than, the volume used in 2 weeks.
     
     
   • Mix only in quantities large enough to be used in 2 weeks or less.
     
     
   • A floating lid must be installed in the developer/replenisher tank to reduce oxidation of the developer solution.
     
     
   
   
3. If using an Automixer without a floating lid:
   
   
   • Mix only in quantities large enough to be used in 1 week.
     
     
   • Mix only when replenisher volume is near or at the low level alarm.
     
     Note: Do not feed film into the processor during chemical mixing.
     
     
   
   
4. For specific processors, refer to the General Processor Information (.pdf format).
   
   

Starter Volumes

Processor Maintenance Timing

• Drain, clean, and refill the developer and fixer processing tanks monthly or as experience indicates.
  
  
• Specific site conditions may dictate more or less cleaning.
  
  
• Follow the maintenance instructions and safety procedures specified in the processor's Operator Manual/User Guide and Service Manual.
  
  
• Be sure to follow all environmental regulations when disposing of processing solutions.
  
  

Reduced Replenishment Rate Recommendations

It may be possible to reduce the developer replenishment rate by up to 40% by using KODAK X-OMAT EX II Developer and Replenisher, KODAK RP X-OMAT Developer and Replenisher, or KODAK X-OMAT RA/30 Developer and Replenisher with KODAK T-MAT Film, KODAK X-SIGHT Film, or KODAK INSIGHT Film.

For more information, refer to the Chemistry Matters Optimization Guide (Pub M6-408, Catalog 1491109) and/or contact Kodak's Health Imaging Division at the number listed at the bottom of this bulletin.

Flooded Replenishment Rate Recommendations

• For low use rates, if sensitometry does not stay within control limits, flooded replenishment may be needed to maintain the developer solution at a continuously fresh chemical activity. This is accomplished by replenishing not only when film is fed or area accumulated, but also on the basis of additional replenishment added during the processor on-time with an automatic replenishment timing system.
  
  
• When in the flooded mode, developer starter is added to the replenishment tanks at a rate of 89 ml per gallon or 25 ml per liter (3 fl oz. per gallon) for all films except MIN-R 2000, or when X-OMAT RA/30 Chemicals are used.
  
  
• For MIN-R 2000 Film, developer starter is added to the replenishment tank at the rate of 118 ml per gallon or 33 ml per liter (4 fl oz. per gallon).
  
  
• No starter is used for KODAK X-OMAT RA/30 Developer.
  
  
• For detailed information on how to set up each processor for flooded replenishment, see the appropriate service publication for that processor.
  
  
• Qualified service personnel should do the processor setup.
  
  
• When filling the developer replenishment or processor tank, add starter according to the table below.
  
  

All KODAK Processors (except below)

• Initially set the developer and fixer replenishment rates at 65 ml per 35 x 43 cm film. This amount will be fed into the processor every 5 minutes.
  
  
• Once set, the rate may be changed depending on the individual circumstances.
  
  
• Monitoring the processor sensitometry is required to change replenishment rates.
  
  
• Use the following recommendations as replenishment rates are reduced
  
  
  1. Monitor sensitometry (speed and contrast).
     
     
  2. Reduce developer and fixer replenishment rates by 5 ml.
     
     
  3. Monitor sensitometry for 2 weeks
     
     
  4. If no change is seen, rates may be reduced by another 5 ml.
     
     
  5. Once a change is seen, increase the developer and fixer rates by 5 to 10 ml.
     
     

KODAK X-OMAT 1000, 1000A and 1000J Processors

• Initially set the regular developer and fixer replenishment rates at 100 ml per 35 x 43 cm film.
  
  
• Set the flooded replenishment rate at one-half of the above amount. The processor will feed the one-half amount (in this case, 50 ml) into the processor every 20 minutes.
  
  
• Monitoring the processor sensitometry is required to reduce replenishment rates.
  
  
• Use the following recommendations as replenishment rates are reduced:
  
  
  1. Monitor sensitometry (speed and contrast).
     
     
  2. Reduce developer and fixer replenishment rates by 5 ml.
     
     
  3. Monitor sensitometry for 2 weeks.
     
     
  4. If no change is seen, rates may be reduced by another 5 ml.
     
     
  5. Once a change is seen, increase the developer and fixer rates by 5 to 10 ml.
     
     

KODAK X-OMAT M43, M43A, and Clinic 1 Processors

• Set the flooded replenishment rate at 100 ml for developer and 120 ml for fixer.
  
  
• The processor delivers these volumes every 24 minutes to maintain sensitometry.
  
  
• Do not reduce these rates.
  
  
• Monitoring the processor sensitometry is required.
  
  

KODAK RP X-OMAT Processor, Model M6B

• Set the flooded replenishment rate at 105 ml for 35 x 43 cm.
  
  
• The processor will deliver these volumes every time the processor comes out of standby to maintain sensitometry.
  
  
• Monitoring the processor sensitometry is required.
  
  

Ventilation Requirements

• The processing area should have 10 air changes per hour, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. For example, a 10 x 10 x 10-foot room has a volume of 1000 cubic feet, so the ventilation system should supply the room with 10,000 cubic feet of fresh air per hour, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
  
  
• For through-the-wall installations, the air pressure in the darkroom area where the processor is located must be of higher pressure than the surrounding rooms to assure that the airflow through the processor is in the correct direction.
  
  
• For processor exhaust ventilation requirements, refer to Service Bulletin 101 and the appropriate service publication for the processor.
  
  

Adjusting the Dryer Temperature

• Use the lowest possible dryer temperature that will maintain proper film drying.
  
  
• Drying requirements vary depending on the processing cycle, the room temperature, ventilation and relative humidity, film type, and throughput. Adjust dryer temperature to meet individual site conditions.
  
  
• Different processing cycles require different dryer temperatures to compensate for the varying times the film is in the dryer section.
  
  
• Refer to the processor Operator Manual/User Guide for instructions.
  
  

Film Types vs. Processing Cycle

The following chart summarizes which films can be processed in which processor and at which processing cycle.

Note: Medical X-ray Developer is not recommended for use with MIN-R Films.

K = K/RA (Kwik) Cycle, using X-OMAT RA/30 Chemicals
S = Standard Cycle, using RP X-OMAT, X-OMAT EX II, Medical X-ray Chemicals
R = Rapid Cycle, using RP X-OMAT, X-OMAT EX II, Medical X-ray Chemicals
NA = Not Applicable
NR = Not Recommended

General Processor Information

See General Processor Information (PDF) for the following information by processor model.

Available Cycle.
Approximate Developer Tank Volume.
Starter Volume.
Temperature (Developer, Fixer, Water).
Transport Speed.
Capacity.
Approximate Developer Time (Immersion Time).
Approximate Drop Time.

Kodak, Ektascan, Insight, MIN-R, T-Mat, X-Omat, and X-Sight are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company.

Technical Information Bulletins provide information of limited or specific application. Responsibility for judging the applicability of the information for a specific use rests with the end user.

TIB3107