Research Facilities Department Standard Operating Procedure Form

Title: Operation of Film Processor and Chemical Replenishment using CADI SG Mixer

  1. Purpose: Basic operating instructions for automatic film processors including replenishing of chemicals using CADI SG Mixer
  1. Description: The procedure applies to common automatic film processors in room 73 (darkroom) of AFCRI. Includes but is not limited to Kodak models 2000A 3000A and M7B
  1. Definitions: none
  1. Responsibility: The Research Facilities Team has the necessary supplies and experience to monitor use.
  1. EQ and Materials:
  2. Processor
  3. Water
  4. Developer
  5. Fixer
  6. Film: no smaller than 4”x 6”*

*NOTE: Film should never be cut or crimped. Cut edges will damage the rollers. Crimped (or cut) film will get jammed in the machine.

  1. Procedure: Film Processing
  2. If power is off, turn on the power using the power switch on the unit
  3. Allow the unit to warm up for 5 min (5th floor Konica needs 25 min warm-up)
  4. Check the chemical level in the separate mixing reservoir (see step 7)
  5. Check that the water supply valve is open
  6. Check (listen) all water connections for leaks
  7. Turn out any overhead lights
  8. Remove the film from the film case
  9. **IMPORTANT: Remove any tape from the film; Tape will damage the rollers, restrict film processing and cause costly repairs.
  10. NEVER insert a cut or crimped edge into the machine
  11. Insert film by sliding it along the receiving tray using a slight amount of pressure
  12. Film will be automatically drawn into the processor
  13. A second film may be inserted after the unit ‘beeps’ to indicate it is ready
  14. Film is automatically developed and will appear in the drop tray after 2-3 min
  1. Procedure: Chemical Mixer New chemicals are added ONLY when the mixture light and audible warning indicator come on. The unit is designed to dispense the proper amount of water to dilute the concentrate to fill the cadi. Adding chemical concentrate before the alarm sounds will not activate the sensor for dilution. Over concentrated chemistry will yield poor development. Never add chemicals to any reservoir unless the alarm light is on.
  2. Select the proper chemical (Developer or Fixer)
  3. Check the label on the cadi reservoir matched the label on the chemical concentrate (DEV or FIX)
  4. Remove the top cover for the chemical to be replaced
  5. Replacement chemicals are specifically shaped to fit only in the proper reservoir. If the refill is not the right shape get RF assistance immediately; DO NOT force a refill to fit.
  6. Unscrew the refill cap(s) DO NOT open the foil seals
  7. Insert ONE bottle, Foil side down, into (each of) the corresponding shape reservoir(s)
  8. Check that the foil is pierced when inserted and chemicals drain from bottle
  9. Water will automatically begin to mix chemicals to the proper dilution
  10. Replace reservoir covers
  11. Rinse and discard empty bottles in regular trash
  1. Quality Control: Research Facilities inspects darkrooms weekly and maintains service contracts on all units.
  1. Special considerations:
  2. Always use PPE (gloves, coat, glasses) when using the film processor or handling chemicals.
  3. Film must be 4”x 6” or larger. Never use smaller cuttings of film
  4. Film must be free of tape, gel or plastic (cellophane) before it is inserted into the processor tray
  5. Always insert a full, undamaged edge of film into the processor. Never insert a cut corner or wrinkled edge into the processor.
  6. Each film inserted must exit the processor. If your film does not come out seek assistance from Research Facilities immediately
  7. If after 5pm, Turn off the power to the processor using the power switch
  8. New chemicals are added ONLY when the mixture light and audible warning indicator come on. Never add new chemical unless indicated
  9. Some mixers require only ONE bottle for replacement chemical while others may require TWO or THREE separate bottles per chemical. Always use the shape design of the templates in the reservoir to determine the required bottle(s) of chemical needed for the CADI Mixer.
  10. One 5 gal mix is automatically diluted to the appropriate tank capacity. Never insert more than ONE of each bottle required
  11. Kodak 1000A processor, located in room 373, does not use a CADI SG Mixer and has premixed chemicals that are added directly to appropriate reservoirs as needed.
  1. References: Installation and Operation Manual CADI SG Mixer, Source One Healthcare Technologies, 92030 Rev C 03/03
  1. Attachments: see manual pdf

Date: 06/25/07

SOP version: v.2

Originator: Dorothy Hunter

Quality Assurance Supervisor: Brent Buford

Approval: ______Date: ______

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