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. 1-33