ASTM E999-99

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation:E999–99
Standard Guide for
Controlling the Quality of Industrial Radiographic Film
Processing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 999; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Residual Chemicals in Films, Plates, and Papers
1.1 This guide establishes guidelines that may be used for
3. Terminology
the control and maintenance of industrial radiographic film
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide,
processing equipment and materials. Effective use of these
see Terminology E 1316.
guidelines aid in controlling the consistency and quality of
industrial radiographic film processing.
4. Significance and Use
1.2 Use of this guide is limited to the processing of films for
4.1 The provisions in this guide are intended to control the
industrial radiography. This guide includes procedures for
reliability or quality of the image development process only
wet-chemical processes and dry processing techniques.
and are not intended for controlling the acceptability or quality
1.3 The necessity of applying specific control procedures
of industrial radiographic films or of the materials or products
such as those described in this guide is dependent, to a certain
radiographed.Itisfurtherintendedthatthisguidebeusedasan
extent, on the degree to which a facility adheres to good
adjunct to and not a replacement for Guide E 94.
processing practices as a matter of routine procedure.
1.4 If a nondestructive testing agency as described in
5. Chemical Mixing for Manual and Automatic Processes
Practice E 543 is used to perform the examination, the testing
5.1 Any equipment that comes in contact with processing
agency shall meet the requirements of Practice E 543.
solutions should be made of glass, hard rubber, polyethylene,
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
PVC, enameled steel, stainless steel, or other chemically inert
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
materials. This includes materials such as plumbing, mixing
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
impellers, and the cores of filter cartridges. Do not allow
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
materials such as tin, copper, steel, brass, aluminum, or zinc to
mine the applicability of federal and local codes prior to use.
come into contact with processing solutions. These materials
can cause solution contamination that may result in film
2. Referenced Documents
fogging or rapid oxidation.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3 5.2 Mixing Chemicals:
E 94 Guide for Radiographic Testing
5.2.1 Do not mix powdered chemicals in processor tanks,
E 543 Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
3 since undissolved particles may be left in the square corners of
Testing
the tank. Mix solutions in separate containers made from
E 1079 Practice for Calibration of Transmission Densitom-
3 materials specified in 5.1.
eters
5.2.2 Carefully follow the manufacturer’s package direc-
E 1254 Guide for Storage of Radiographs and Unexposed
3 tions or formulas for mixing the chemicals. Start with the
Industrial Radiographic Films
correct volume of water at the temperature specified in the
E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
instructions, and add chemicals in the order listed.
2.2 ANSI Standard:
5.2.3 Caution—During the mixing and use of photographic
ANSI PH 4.8 Methylene Blue Method for Measuring Thio-
processing chemicals, be sure to observe all precautionary
sulfate and Silver Densitometric Method for Measuring
information on chemical containers and in instructions.
5.3 Contamination of Solutions:
1 5.3.1 Thoroughly clean all mixing equipment immediately
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE-7onNondestructive
Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology (X after use to avoid contamination when the next solution is
and Gamma) Method.
mixed. When mixing fixer from powder, make sure to add the
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1999. Published February 2000. Originally
published as E 999 – 90. Last previous edition E 999 – 95.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Specifi-
cation SE-999 in Section II of that Code. Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 West 42nd Street,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E999–99
powder carefully to the water in the mixing tank so that fixer 6.5.1 Liquid chemicals are provided in containers with
dust does not get into other processing solutions.When mixing tight-fitting tops. To avoid contamination, never interchange
any chemical, protect nearby tank solutions with floating lids the top of one container with another.
and dust covers. The use of a vent hood is recommended as a 6.5.2 Clearly label replenisher storage tanks with the solu-
safety precaution. tion that they contain and use that container only with that
5.3.2 The water supply should either be distilled or filtered solution. If more than one developer or one fixer formulation
so that it is clean and sediment-free. are being used, a separate replenisher tank should be dedicated
5.3.3 If large tanks are used for mixing, carefully mark the to each chemical. Differences in developer or fixer formula-
volume levels to be certain that volumes are correct. tions from one manufacturer to another may contaminate
5.3.4 Use of impeller-type mixers provides rapid, thorough similar solutions.
mixing but take care to position the impeller at such an angle
7. Processing
and depth that the minimum amount of air will be drawn into
7.1 Manual Processing:
the solution. Over-mixing of the solutions can cause oxidation,
7.1.1 Follow the temperature recommendations from the
especially with developers, and should be avoided. Rinse the
film or solution manufacturer and check thermometers. Check
shaft, impeller, and mounting clamp with water after use.
thermometers and temperature-controlling devices periodically
5.4 Maintaining Equipment:
to be sure that the process temperatures are correct. Process
5.4.1 Immediately clean all mixing equipment after use.
temperatures should be checked at least once per shift. Keep
5.4.2 In addition to cleaning equipment immediately after
the temperature of the stop (if used), fixer, and wash water
use, wash any mixing apparatus that has been idle for a long
within 65°F (63°C) of the developer temperature.
period of time to eliminate dust and dirt that may have
7.1.2 Caution—An unprotected mercury-filled thermom-
accumulated.
eter should never be used for photographic processing appli-
5.4.3 Processing hangers and tanks should be free of cor-
cations because accidental breakage could result in serious
rosion and chemical deposits. Encrusted deposits that accumu-
mercury contamination of the process.
late in tanks, trays, and processing equipment and that are
7.1.3 Control of processing solution temperature and im-
difficult to remove by conventional cleaning, can be removed
mersion time relationships are instrumental considerations
by using the specially formulated cleaning agents recom-
when establishing a processing procedure that will consistently
mended by the chemical or equipment manufacturer.
produce radiographs of desired density and quality. The actual
6. Storage of Solutions
time and temperature relationships established are governed
6.1 In Original Containers—Follow the manufacturer’s largely by the industrial radiographic films and chemicals used
storage and capacity recommendations packaged with the and should be within the limits of the manufacturer’s recom-
chemicals. Do not use chemicals that have been stored longer mendations for those materials. When determining the immer-
than recommended. sion time for each solution assure that the draining time is
6.2 In Replenisher or Process Tanks—Wherever possible, included. Draining time should be consistent from solution to
protect solutions in tanks with floating lids and dust covers. In solution. The darkroom timers used should be periodically
addition to preventing contaminants from entering solutions, checked for accuracy.
floating lids and dust covers help to minimize oxidation and 7.1.4 Agitate at specified intervals for the times recom-
evaporation from the surface of the solutions. Evaporation can mended by the film or solution manufacturer.
concentrate solutions and reduce temperatures causing precipi- 7.1.5 During film processing certain constituents within the
tation of some of the solution constituents. solutions undergo chemical transformations that render them
6.2.1 Store replenisher solutions for small volume opera- useless for further processing functions. In addition, some
tions in airtight containers.The caps of these containers should solution adheres to the film and is carried on into the next
be free of corrosion and foreign particles that could prevent a solution during processing. In order to compensate for these
tight fit. reductions in solution activity and volume, add replenishment
6.3 Temperature—Store all solutions at normal room tem- solution. The volume of replenishment necessary is governed
perature, between 40 to 80°F (4 to 27°C). Storing solutions, primarily by the number, size, and density of films processed.
particularly developer, at elevated temperatures can produce Manufacturer’s recommendations for replenishment are based
rapid oxidation resulting in loss of activity and a tendency to on these criteria and will generally provide suitable results for
stain the film. Storage at too low a temperature can cause some the expected life of the solution. In any case, maintain solution
solution to crystallize, and the crystals may not redissolve even levels to ensure complete immersion of the film.
with heating and stirring. 7.1.6 The functional constituents in a freshly mixed devel-
6.4 Deterioration—Photographic chemicals can deteriorate oper solution tend to overreact on the initial films processed
either with age or with usage. Carefully follow the manufac- andmaydevelopunexposedareasonthefilms.Forthisreason,
turer’s recommendations for storage life and useful capacity. measures should be taken to stabilize the activity of the
Discard processing solutions when the recommended number solution and thus season the developer. This can be accom-
of films have been processed or the recommended storage life plished by the use of developer starter solution or by process-
of the prepared solution has been reached, whichever occurs ingaseriesof seasoning films(seeNote1)inthefreshlymixed
first. solution. When using developer starter solution follow the
6.5 Contamination: manufacturer’s recommendations for the product. When using
E999–99
seasoning films expose the films with visible light and then 7.2.4.2 Replenisher rates should be verified during normal
developthesefilmsinthesolutiontobeseasoned.Usethree14 maintenance procedures to ensure that the correct volumes are
by 17-in. (35 by 43-cm) films, or equivalent, per gallon (3.8 L)
being injected into the solutions. For installations processing
of developer.
very large amounts of film (in excess of two tank turnovers of
replenisherperweek),checksonreplenishmentratesshouldbe
NOTE 1—Seasoning films may be new films or films that may not be
made more frequently. Processor manufacturer’s recommenda-
generally suitable for production purposes due to excessive gross fog
(base plus fog) density, expiration of shelf life, or other reasons. tions will generally provide an adequate procedure for check-
ing replenishment volumes.
7.1.7 Handle all films carefully during the processing cycle
7.2.5 For seasoning freshly mixed developer solution, refer
andallowadequatetimeforthefilmtosufficientlydrainbefore
to the provisions in 7.1.6.
transferring it to the next solution. The use of a stop bath or
7.2.6 Always fill the fixer tank first, following the manufac-
clear water rinse between developing and fixing may also be
appropriate. The stop bath or clear water rinse serve to arrest turer’s instructions, then rinse and fill the developer tank. This
development and also aids in minimizing the amount of minimizes the possibility of fixer accidentally splashing into
developer carried over into the fixer solution. Insufficient
the developer solution. When replacing or removing processor
bath-to-bath drain time may cause excessive solution carry- racks, always use a splash guard to further reduce the possi-
over which can contaminate and shorten the life of solutions in
bility of contamination.
addition to causing undesirable effects on processed radio-
7.2.7 Drying:
graphs.
7.2.7.1 Make sure the dryer is clean and that no foreign
7.1.8 When washing films, a wettening agent may be
material has settled on the rollers. Routinely examine the
appropriate to use to prevent water spots and streaking during
ventilation system to ensure that air paths are not blocked and
drying.
that films are uniformly dried. There are two types of dryer
7.1.9 Caution—Prior to placing films in the dryer, ensure
systems used in automatic film processors for industrial radio-
thatthedryeriscleanandthatadequateheatandventilationare
graphic films:
provided. During drying, visually examine the films to deter-
(1) Convection dryers are circulating air systems with
mine the length of time required for sufficient drying.
thermostatic controls. Normal drying temperatures range from
7.2 Automated Processing:
80 to 120°F when relative humidity (RH) conditions are
7.2.1 Immersion time and solution temperature relation-
approximately 40 to 75 %. Relative humidities above 75 %
shipscanbemorecloselycontrolledwithautomaticprocessing
may require higher temperatures.
since the equipment provides external gages for monitoring
purposes. As a general guideline, follow the manufacturer’s (2) Infrared (IR) dryers are based principally on absorption
recommendations for industrial processing materials. How-
rather than temperature. Relative humidity has no adverse
ever, the actual procedure used should be based on the
affect on infrared drying. Infrared energy levels are preset by
variables encountered by the user and his particular needs.
the manufacturer and provide a range of dryer settings.
Check solutions daily or with established frequency based
7.2.7.2 The dryer efficiency can be tested by processing six
upon usage to ensure that temperatures are within the manu-
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