NDT ProcessingFilms TechData
NDT ProcessingFilms TechData
Note: All INDUSTREX Films can be used with direct x-rays or with lead screens. High Speed HS800 can be used with direct x-rays, with lead screens, with
fluorescent, or with fluorometallic screens.
Note: All packaging formats are available for all INDUSTREX Films, excluding the HS800. HS800 NIF Bulk Rolls are available
in EAMER. The HS800 Pb ContactPak is available in APR.
SAFELIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS
Use a red safelight filter in a suitable safelight lamp equipped with a 15-watt bulb. Keep the film at least 4 feet (1.2 metres) from
the safelight.
Note: Other safelight filters that block radiation at 550 nm and shorter wavelengths are also suitable for use.
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STORAGE AND HANDLING
Always handle the film with care to avoid physical strains such as pressure, creasing, or buckling damage.
Very high-speed x-ray films, such as HS800 Film, are photosensitive to physical handling marks that occur prior to processing.
Pressure to the film's surface can cause minus density marks to develop, such as might result from kinking the film or pressure from
debris inside cassettes or screens. To avoid these types of handling artifacts, carry a single sheet of film, handling it carefully by the
two opposite corners. Alternatively, gently bend the film in half and grasp it with your thumb and middle finger and place your index
finger in between to keep the film surfaces separated. Keeping the long dimension parallel to the floor is easier.
It is important to realize that meeting the chemical and physical requirements do not ensure that records will not deteriorate. It is
essential to provide proper storage conditions. ASTM E1254 gives details of storage conditions. ISO 18911 and ISO 18902 give—
for processed films—recommended storage conditions and specifications for the respective enclosure materials.
Unexposed
50 to 75.2 F (10 to 24.0 C), 30 to 50 % RH. Properly shield from x-rays, gamma rays, or other penetrating radiation.
Exposed
Keep cool, dry, and properly shielded from penetrating radiation. Process as soon as possible after exposure.
Processed
60 to 80 F (15 to 27 C), 30 to 50 % RH.
RELATIVE EXPOSURE
EXPOSURE CONDITIONS: 8 mm Copper Filtration, HVL 3.5 mm Copper (220 kV), Lead screens
INDUSTREX Processor
INDUSTREX Films INDUSTREX Chemicals
8 min 79F (26C)
DR50 7.2
M100 4.2
MX125 2.8
T200 1.7
AA400* 1.0
HS800 0.5
* AA400 Film in 8 min 79F (26C) cycle is assigned a relative exposure of 1.
TI-6K7080 – 2014-10-22 3
Automatic Processing
RECOMMENDED CHEMICALS
Compatibility
INDUSTREX Single Part Developer Replenisher and INDUSTREX LO Fixer and Replenisher can be used with all INDUSTREX
Films.
Storing Solutions
To maintain product quality, these chemicals must be stored in the original package, at a temperature between 5 and 30C (41 to
86F). When stored in these conditions, the lifetime is two years from the date of manufacture.
Discard solutions if there is evidence of contamination, dirt, over-dilution, excessive evaporation, or crystallization.
Mixing Instructions
Notice: Observe precautionary information on product labels and on the Material Safety Data Sheets.
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Mixing Developer Replenisher
To mix smaller quantities, use the following table and multiply as needed:
Automixer Mixing
Remove the bottle caps (leaving seal intact) and place bottle in the automixer template. The automixer will add water to achieve the
proper volume or specific gravity (1.071), depending on the type/model of automixer.
Add
Start with Concentrate
To Water at 10 (Number of
Fill to: Stir
Make - 30C (50 Bottles),
- 86F) Stirring
Constantly
19 L 10 L 1 19 L Stir continuously
for about 2
minutes until a
completely
20 L 10 L 1 20 L homogeneous
solution is
obtained.
To mix smaller quantities, use the following table and multiply as needed:
TI-6K7080 – 2014-10-22 5
Automixer Mixing
Remove the bottle caps (leaving the seal intact) and place the bottles in the automixer template. The automixer will add water to
achieve the proper volume or a specific gravity (1.066 for 19 L mix, 1.084 for 20 L mix), depending on the type/model of the
automixer.
Replenishment Volume
Solution per 35 x 43 cm
per m2
(14 x 17 inch) sheet
INDUSTREX
Developer Replenisher 665 mL
100 mL (3.38 oz)
or Single Part (22.48 oz)
Developer Replenisher
INDUSTREX LO 1200 mL
180 mL (6.08 oz)*
Fixer and Replenisher (40.57 oz)
* For optimum archivability, a 10% increase in fixer replenishment rate may be desirable.
Washing: Follow the processor manufacturer's recommendation for wash flow rate, or adjust flow to achieve the equivalent of
the wash tank capacity every five minutes, or twelve tank volumes per hour. Insufficient wash flow can adversely affect the life
expectancy of processed radiographs. Wash flow rate should be increased if chemical spot tests or other analytical methods reveal
a high level of retained chemicals in the processed film. For best results, the wash tank should be drained daily and left empty when
not in use.
Drying: Follow the processor manufacturer's recommendation for dryer settings. In general, the dryer should be set to a
temperature slightly above (3C/5F) the lowest temperature required to eliminate any signs of tackiness in films exiting the dryer.
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Manual Processing
To reach the desired density on a radiograph, many people use set exposure factors and then adjust development time—or “sight
develop”—to compensate for under- or overexposed images.
Today, you can eliminate that guesswork and get more consistent results by using INDUSTREX Films with our exclusive tabular
emulsion technology. The key is to use the correct exposure factors when you shoot the images. We provide convenient
INDUSTREX Film Exposure Calculators to help you determine the correct factors for each situation.
By removing the processing variable, you will get better consistency and higher productivity in the darkroom. Our films provide
stable contrast and a relatively stable speed over a wider range of developer temperatures—unlike older film technologies that have
highly variable speed, relative to developer temperature and immersion time.
When using an Ir-192 source, you can use the INDUSTREX Film Exposure Calculator to determine the correct exposure (based
upon density desired).
Then, follow these simple processing recommendations.
Film Handling
Do not bend the film. Handle the film only by the edges to avoid finger marks and abrasions when loading on hangers. Separate the
hangers in the solutions so that the films will not touch each other or the tank wall.
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RECOMMENDED CHEMICALS
Dilution Specific Gravity
Replenishment pH Working Working
Concentrate To Make Working Strength Solution
Rate Strength Strength
+ H2O
Developer
665mL/m² 1L 2 min
(e.g., 100 mL per 10.55 1.078
Use INDUSTREX Manual Developer 1+3 14 x 17 inch +/- 0.10 +/- 0.005
and INDUSTREX Manual Developer
sheet) (20° C, 68° F)
3L 4L
Replenisher. (25° C, 77° F)
5-25 ºC
Stop Bath
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SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Measurement of SpG of freshly prepared processing solutions can reveal mixing errors, and can be easily accomplished with a
graduated cylinder and an appropriate hydrometer.
To measure specific gravity:
1. Fill a clean, dry 250 mL graduated cylinder to within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the top with the solution you are measuring.
2. Adjust the solution to the proper temperature (25 °C, 77 °F). Note that proper solution temperature is very important.
3. Place the cylinder in a sink or tray to catch overflow.
4. Choose the correct hydrometer to match the approximate specific gravity of the solution.
5. Be sure that the hydrometer is clean and dry. Carefully lower the hydrometer into the solution in the cylinder. Let it bob up and
down slightly. When it stops, read the number at the top of the meniscus.
6. After making the measurement, discard the sample.
7. Rinse the hydrometer and graduated cylinder thoroughly with water.
H242_0036
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REPLENISHMENT RATES
Maintain the chemical activity and solution level in the tank by adding replenisher according to the instructions below:
Stir solutions vigorously after each addition. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific developer replenisher and
fixer replenisher you are using.
Additionally:
• When removing films from a developer tank, DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCESS SOLUTION TO DRAIN BACK INTO THE
TANK. Normally this will carry out the proper amount of solution to permit correct replenishment.
• Use floating covers on the developer tanks to reduce oxidation and evaporation; store developer replenisher in a closed
container.
• Fill the developer and fixer tank to its original level each morning with developer or fixer replenisher solution (topping off).
• Discard solution after adding two tank volumes of replenisher to the tank, or at least once per month, and then refill with fresh
solution.
Water 100 mL
Sodium Sulfide (Anhydrous) 2 grams
To Use: Store stock solution in a small stoppered bottle not more than 3 months. Dilute 1 part stock solution with 9 parts water.
(Replace the working solution weekly.) Place a drop of the test solution on the margin of the p16rocessed film. Remove solution
after 2 to 3 minutes. Any yellowing of the test area indicates the presence of silver. Refix the film in fresh fixer and rewash. The
yellow stain is permanent.
To 5 drops of the test solution, add 5 drops of the fixing bath and 5 drops of water. Discard the fixer if a yellow-white precipitate
forms instantly. (Any slight milkiness can be disregarded.)
You can also use silver estimating test papers to measure the silver content in your fixer. One supplier is USI International, Inc.
(www.silverprofit.com).
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DEVELOPER TIMES AND TEMPERATURES
Important: Agitate
Important: PULL AND
15 seconds at immersion,
PLUNGE FILM DIRECTLY
then intermittent - 5 seconds
FROM DEVELOPER INTO
every 30 seconds.
STOP BATH. DO NOT
Use floating covers on the developer ALLOW excess developer Fill the fixer tank to its Fill the final rinse to its
tank to reduce oxidation and to drain back into original level each day original level each day
evaporation; store developer developer tank. Continuous (topping off) with fixer (topping off) with water.
replenisher in a closed airtight moderate agitation. replenisher solution.
Notes
container.
Fill the Stop Bath to its
Fill the developer tank to its original original level each day
level each day (topping off) with (topping off) with water.
developer replenisher solution.
Discard solutions after adding two tank volumes of replenisher to the tank, or at least once per month, and then refill with fresh solution.
* Recommended
H242_0039
TI-6K7080 – 2014-10-22 11
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Processing INDUSTREX Films
22° C
(72° F)
1. Stir the developer and fixer to equalize their temperatures. Use separate paddles for each to avoid contamination.
2. Check the temperature of the solutions with an accurate thermometer, rinsing it off after checking each one. Adjust the
temperature as needed.
4:00 minutes
3. Attach the film carefully to a proper-sized hanger. Attach the lower corners first. Avoid finger marks, scratches or bending.
4. Set a timer. 5 minutes at 68F (20C) is recommended; 4 minutes at 72F (22C) is recommended if using the INDUSTREX
Film Exposure Calculator.
30 seconds
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5. Immediately after immersion in the developer, tap the hanger to dislodge air bubbles. Agitate for 5 seconds every
30 seconds.
6. Place the film in the stop bath for 30 seconds. Then agitate moderately, lift from the stop bath, and drain well.
10-30
3-6 minutes minutes
7. Immerse the film in the fixer for 3 to 6 minutes, agitating for 5 seconds very 30 seconds. Film should remain in fixer for
twice the time it takes to “clear” it (when the milky look disappears). Never fix film for less than 3 minutes.
8. Place the film hangers in a tank of running water for 10 to 30 minutes. Keep ample space between the hangers (water must
flow over the tops).
30 seconds
9. If facilities permit, use a final rinse with a rinsing (wetting) agent to speed drying and prevent water marks. Immerse film for
about 30 seconds, and then drain for several seconds.
10. Dry the film at room temperature in a dust-free area or suitable drying cabinet. The temperature must not exceed 120F
(49C). When the film is dry, remove from hangers and insert into envelopes.
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Characteristic Curves
Characteristic Curves, Manual Processing
INDUSTREX M43IC processor 7.00
8min cycle, lead screen EN ISO 11699-1 exposures
Exposure: 200/220 kV X-rays
with Lead Screens
Process: Manual
7 AA400
6.00 Densitometry: Diffuse Visual
T200
6,5
MX125
6 M100 5 min 68F (20C)
DR50 5.00 DR50 Film:
5,5
HS800 M100 Film:
5 MX125 Film:
T200 Film:
4,5
DENSITY
4.00 AA400 Film:
4 HS800 Film:
density
3,5
3 3.00
2,5
2
2.00
1,5
0,5 1.00
0
1 10 100 1000 10000
Relative exposure 0.00
1 10 100 1000 10000
H242_0037 RELATIVE EXPOSURE
Intensifying Screens
Modern industrial x-ray films incorporate emulsions mostly sensitive in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Calcium
tungstate (CaWO4) was chosen as the luminescent material in intensifying screens because it emits light in the blue range with an
emission maximum at about 420nm. More recently, phosphors such as oxysulfides of the rare earth elements have been used to
produce ultra fast screens. Rare earth phosphors also emit light in the blue range to which the emulsion is mostly sensitive.
Fluorescent Screens
Fluorescent screens can sometimes be used with advantage for industrial radiography. The normal calcium tungstate type screens
will not reduce scatter, and the image quality of radiographs where the exposure has been made using these screens is not as good
as that obtainable with lead screen exposures. However, calcium tungstate screens permit a considerable reduction in exposure,
being most responsive to X-rays and intensifying by a factor of approximately 100 times. CaWO4 fluorescent screens are much
less responsive to gamma rays (approximately 20-40 times), and the inherent low contrast of gamma radiographs plus the
unsharpness caused by these screens will result in poor sensitivity and fault detection.
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LANEX Fast Screens
LANEX Fast Screens have a thin clear overcoat to resist surface abrasion and have a backing layer to eliminate curl. They
incorporate as phosphor terbium-activated gadolinium oxysulfide, Gd2O2S:Tb, coated in a transparent binder. These screens,
incorporating a rare-earth phosphor from the lanthanide series, have significantly much higher X-ray absorption and X-ray energy
conversion than CaWO4 screens. Accordingly, LANEX Fast Screens permit a greater reduction in exposure than CaWO4 screens.
LANEX Fast Screens yield excellent images when used with HS800 Film.
LANEX Fast Screens will be provided in asymmetrical pairs. The phosphor coverage of the non-tube (back) screen is more than
twice that of the tube-side (front) screen. This allows for optimized light output from each of the screens during exposure.
Fluorometallic Screens
Fluorometallic screens combine the advantages of both fluorescent and lead screens. They consist of a CaWO4 layer combined with
a lead layer and will permit useful reductions in exposure—depending upon energy and exposure duration. Image definition is far
better than with ordinary fluorescent screens, and the higher contrast produced by the light image emitted helps improve sensitivity
of flaw detection.
Screen Care
The temperature encountered in most industrial radiography laboratories does not significantly affect screen emission. However, it
is noteworthy that screen emission increases as screen temperature is lowered.
Intensifying screens must be kept away from chemicals and other sources of contamination. Every effort should be made to avoid
soiling intensifying screens. Should they become dirty, they must be carefully cleaned according to the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Under normal use conditions, intensifying screens will deteriorate. The deterioration may occur from abrasion of the protective
overcoat or inadvertent physical damage to the surface. Certain chemical agents—such as non-approved screen cleaners, hand
lotions, topical medications, foodstuff, etc.—may also damage the screens. Some screen deterioration may result in artifacts on
processed radiographs. As a general rule, intensifying screens in cassettes should be replaced at least every 5 years.
When screens are replaced for normal wear and tear, the cassette should also be considered for replacement, installing new
screens in well worn cassettes may not improve image quality. All cassettes and screens should be inspected systematically for
screen-film contact, lighttight integrity (including hinges) and general condition. To inspect screens, make a uniform exposure on a
film sufficient to produce a density of 1.9 to 2.5. Examine the processed film for screen-related artifacts.
Experience indicates that best results are obtained by cleaning intensifying screens with an intensifying screen cleaner and
antistatic solution. Some screen-cleaning agents may leave residues which would seriously affect the emission of these screens and
may affect the photographic response of the film. The use of any cleaning agents other than those specifically suggested for cleaning
intensifying screens is not recommended.
TI-6K7080 – 2014-10-22 15
Film Characteristics (Sensitometric)
Screen Relative
Base + Fog Contrast
Exposure
Kyokko SMP 308 0.22 1.8 4.1
screens
Rennex screens 0.23 1* 4.1
LANEX Fast Screens 0.23 0.25 4.8
* HS800 Film used in combination with Rennex screens is assigned a relative exposure of 1.
1.0
LOG SENSITIVITY*
0.0
References:
1. ISO 18917—Determination of residual thiosulfate and other related chemicals in processed protographic materials—
Methods using iodine-amylose, methylene blue, and silver sulfide.
2. ISO 18901—Imaging Materials—Processed silver-gelatin type black-and-white films—Specifications for stability
3. ASTM E 1254—"Standard Guide for Storage of Radiographs and Unexposed Industrial Radiographic Films," ASTM
International.
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INDUSTREX Films
NOTICE: While the sensitometric data in this publication are typical of production coatings, they do not represent
standards which must be met by CARESTREAM. Varying storage, exposure, and processing conditions will
affect results. The company reserves the right to change and improve product characteristics at any time.
INDUSTREX, LEAD PACK, READY-PACK, and PHOTO-FLO are trademarks of Carestream Health, Inc.