X-RAY DEVELOPER, TABLETOP
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| Overview: | Current x-ray developers are large and used
infrequently. Smaller tabletop developers are now available to handle limited volumes
based on an hourly output per type or size of film. Older and larger floor models have
larger tanks for developer and fixer. Since processing solutions have to be replaced on a
regular basis due to shelf life expiration, tabletop units with smaller solution tanks
consume less chemicals and generate less waste. The chemistry for x-ray film development is proportional to the volume of film to be processed. It takes a specific amount of developer and fixer to process the film, depending on the concentration of the critical element in either solution. Fixer solution usage is controlled by the concentration of silver. However, the developer solution has a short shelf life and will oxidize when expired. The Agfa Model NDT M tabletop x-ray developer can develop film with a minimum length of 4 inches and a maximum width of 17 inches. The unit includes developer, fixer, and wash tanks with a capacity of 1.7 gallons each. Replenisher tanks for the fixer and developer have capacities of 8 gallons. The unit also includes a water filtration system with a cartridge filter and a drain collection system for collecting spent fixer, spent developer and rinse water. At a given frequency or based on the volume of film processed, the fixer is drained for silver recovery or disposal. The unit can process a maximum of 160 5"x7" films or a minimum of 30 14"x17" films per hour. This is the model that is currently in use at AIMD Willow Grove, PA.
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| Compliance Benefit: | Tabletop developers have smaller
solution tanks and therefore, consume less chemicals and generate less waste
then the older and larger floor models. The smaller solution tanks means
less hazardous waste is generated during a change out of the solution, and
if the x-ray developer is used infrequently, the smaller tanks means less
hazardous waste is generated overall. Use of this technology helps facilities
meet the requirements of waste reduction under RCRA, 40 CFR 262, Appendix,
and may also help facilities reduce their generator status and lessen the
amount of regulations (i.e., recordkeeping, reporting, inspections, transportation,
accumulation time, emergency prevention and preparedness, emergency response)
they are required to comply with under RCRA, 40 CFR 262. In addition,
since less hazardous materials are required to be purchased and stored on
site (since the tanks are smaller) the possibility that the facility would
meet any of the reporting thresholds of SARA Title III (40 CFR 300, 355,
370, and 372; and EO 12856) is decreased. This model also uses less
energy then the larger models and facilitates compliance with EO 12902,
Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation at Federal Facilities.
The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.
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| Materials Compatibility: | There were no material compatibility
issues identified.
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| Safety and Health: | Handle developer, fixer and processing
wastes with caution. The use of proper personal protective equipment, including
gloves and eye protection is recommended. Consult your local industrial
health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate
MSDS prior to implementing this technology.
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| Benefits: |
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| Disadvantages: |
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| Economic Analysis: | This analysis compares a tabletop
x-ray developer versus a floor model (high volume) x-ray developer.
These assumptions were taken from the Medical Directorate - Cataloguing at the Defense Personnel Supply Center, Philadelphia, PA. The figures were confirmed by Sgt. Barriball at the NDI Laboratory, Willow Grove, PA as being similar with those of the Agfa Model NDT currently being used by his division. Assumptions:
Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Tabletop X-Ray Developer and Floor Unit X-Ray Developer
Economic Analysis Summary Annual Savings for Tabletop X-Ray Developer: $2,060 Click Here to view an Active Spreadsheet for this Economic Analysis and Enter Your Own Values.
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| Approving Authority: | Approval is controlled locally
and should be implemented only after engineering approval has been granted.
Major claimant approval is not required.
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| NSN/MSDS: |
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| Points of Contact: | Navy: Sgt. Barriball NDI Laboratory NAS JRB Willow Grove Willow Grove, PA Phone: (215) 443-6142 DSN: 991-6142 FAX: (215) 443-6913 |
| Vendors: | Agfa Corporation Matrix Division - NDT & Scientific Systems 100 Challenger Road Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 Phone: (201) 440-2500 FAX: (201) 440-8401 |
| Eastman Kodak Company Health Imaging Division 1187 Ridge Road West Rochester, NY 14650 Phone: (800) 828-6203 |
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| Tabletop x-ray developers
(NSN 6525-01-111-1018, 6525-01-320-1721, 6525-01-345-6088, 6525-01-345-6089)
are available from the Medical Directorate of the Defense Personnel Support
Center in Philadelphia Phone: (215) 737-2111 |
| Sources: | Sgt. Barriball, AIMD 500 Division
Willow Grove, Pa. August 1998 Agfa Corporation Sales Representative August 1998 Eastman Kodak Military Sales Division August 1998 Mr. John Saicic. Medical Directorate – Cataloguing, Defense Personnel Supply Center Philadelphia, PA. (215) 737-9100. June 1996
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