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AVOIDING CHEMISTRY CONTAMINATION
Contamination of developer chemistry is one of the most common problems associated with
x-ray film processors. The source of contamination must be identified to prevent this problem
from happening again. Once contaminated developer is diagnosed, tanks and rack assemblies
must be cleaned with Formula 2000 Plus, (Part Number: 43965). See Quarterly Cleaning,
pages. 63 and 64 for proper cleaning procedure.
How To Diagnose Contaminated Developer
One or more of these symptoms indicates contamination:
q
Ammonia smell
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Dark or black developer
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Black deposits on bottom of developer tank
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Gray stains on white gears on side of developer rack
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Black streaks or smudges on films
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Poor film density (blacks are only dark gray)
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Poor film clarity
Sources of Contaminated Developer
One or more of these actions can cause contamination:
1. Splashing a drop of fixer into Developer tank when filling Fixer tank.
2. Dripping a drop of fixer into the Developer tank when removing racks for cleaning.
3. Washing both Developer and Fixer tanks with the same sponge or same brush. (Use
separate sponges or brushes for each tank.)
4. Failing to thoroughly rinse off Spray 2000 Plus when cleaning rack assemblies.
5. Use of soap, detergents, etc. to clean racks or tanks. Only use recommended cleaner.
6. Use of Spray 2000 Plus to clean the Developer tank. Only use on racks since it is very
difficult to thoroughly rinse Spray 2000 Plus out of tanks, thereby contaminating new
chemistry.
7. Running of endo films back through the processor. Endo films are never properly
washed and contain enough fixer residue to contaminate the Developer tank.
8. Use of a cleaning film more than once or use of one that looks dirty - do not reuse
cleaning film.
9. Scrubbing of cleaning film with soap and water so it can be used again. - do not reuse
cleaning film.
10. Running of cleaning film at ENDO speed, then reusing cleaning film - do not reuse
cleaning film.
11. Running of cleaning film with wash water turned OFF, then reusing cleaning film - do not
reuse cleaning film.
12. Failing to thoroughly rinse developer tank after using Formula 2000 Plus, including for-
getting to run developer agitator while rinsing.
13. Failing to purge replenishment lines after using Formula 2000 Plus.
14. Incorrectly installed drain lines.
15. Accidentally bumping processor, causing fixer to spill over into the Developer tank.
16. Interchanging replenishment bottles, connecting fixer to developer and developer to
fixer. (Use 4 gallons of warm water to clean out pumps and lines).
17. Mixing different brands of chemistry together. Example: Brand A in the tanks, Brand B
in replenishment bottles.
NOTE:
IF CHEMISTRY IS Contaminated, FOLLOW CLEANING PROCEDURE
DETAILED IN QUARTERLY CLEANING, PAGES. 55 and 56.