Next the x-ray film is placed into the developer. We are lucky enough to have what is called an automatic processor. All we have to do is feed the film into the machine and in 2 minutes it comes out a nice dry x-ray ready to be viewed. The other way to develop the film is by using wet tanks. In this process there are three tanks and you have to put the film on a hanger and dip it into each tank for a specific amount of time and then the x-ray has to air dry. It is a very long process, and I am glad I don't have to do it anymore.





However it is also my job to keep this machine happy and running smoothly. That means that every 8 weeks I have to change out all the fluids in the machine and clean all the parts. These three sets of rollers shown above come out and I clean them by hand with warm water and a sponge and toothbrush. Under each of these rollers is a tank that each holds a different chemical. The first tank holds a solution called developer, the second one holds a solution called fix, and the third holds water after that there is also a large fan to dry the films. The most Important thing to remember is you can get developer in the fix but DON"T get fix in the developer.




These are the jugs of chemicals I mix together to make fix and developer. By the way did I mention they stink really bad.










These tanks hold the reserves of fix and developer for the machine. The machine pumps it out as it needs it.