TECHNICAL DATA / NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING February 2008 • TI-2643

Guide to Manual Processing of

NDT Films
To reach the desired density on a radiograph, many people RECOMMENDED CHEMICALS
use set exposure factors and then adjust development time— Developer
or "sight develop"—to compensate for under- or Use KODAK INDUSTREX Single-Part Developer and
overexposed images. Replenisher.
Today, you can eliminate that guesswork and get more
consistent results by using KODAK INDUSTREX Films Stop Bath
with our exclusive T-GRAIN Emulsion technology. The key Use KODAK Indicator Stop Bath or any acetic acid stop bath
is to use the correct exposure factors when you shoot the mixed at a 3% solution (mix KODAK 28% Acetic Acid at
images. We provide handy KODAK NDT Exposure 110 mL/L).
Calculators to help you determine the right factors for each Use a stop bath for 30 seconds. Using a stop bath checks
situation. development—rapidly preventing most spotting or
By removing the processing variable, you will get better streaking—and prolongs the life of the fixing bath.
consistency and higher productivity in the darkroom. Our A running water rinse for one minute may be substituted
films provide stable contrast and a relatively stable speed for a stop bath. However, it may not provide results
over a wider range of developer temperatures—unlike older equivalent to an acetic acid stop bath solution.
film technologies that have highly variable speed, relative to
developer temperature and immersion time. Fixer
When using an Ir-192 source, you can use the KODAK Use KODAK INDUSTREX LO Fixer and Replenisher or
NDT Exposure Calculator to determine correct exposure KODAK Rapid Fixer.
(based upon density desired).
Then follow these simple processing recommendations. Replenishment Rates
Maintain the chemical activity and solution level in the tank
Timer and Thermometer by adding replenisher according to instructions below:
The Time and Thermometer are essential. They must be
Solution Replenishment Volume
accurate and in good condition.
per 35 x 43 cm per m2
(14 x 17 inch) sheet
Safelight
Developer 100 mL 665 mL
Use a KODAK LED Safelight (660nm red) or a red safelight
filter (i.e. KODAK 1, 1A, or 2 Safelight Filter) in a suitable Fixer* 180 mL 1200 mL
safelight lamp equipped with a 15-watt bulb. Keep the film * For optimum archivability, a 10% increase in fixer replenishment rate
at least 4 feet (1.2 metres) from the safelight. may be desirable.

Note: Other safelight filters (i.e. KODAK 8 and GBX-2 Stir solutions vigorously after each addition. Follow the
Safelight Filter) which block radiation at 550nm and shorter manufacturer’s instructions for the specific developer
wavelengths are also suitable for use. replenisher and fixer replenisher you are using.
Additionally:
Film Handling • When removing films from developer tank, DO NOT
Do not bend the film. Handle the film only by the edges to ALLOW EXCESS SOLUTION TO DRAIN BACK
avoid finger marks and abrasions when loading on hangers. INTO TANK. Normally this will carry out the proper
Separate the hangers in solutions so that films will not touch amount of solution to permit correct replenishment.
each other or the tank wall. • Use floating covers on 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 tank, or at least once a month, and refill
with fresh solution.

© Carestream Health, Inc. 2008

ENSURING PROCESS QUALITY Fixer Test Solution
Residual Thiosulfate Test KODAK Fixer Test Solution, FT-1, checks the silver content
To ensure good keeping characteristics for radiographs, use of the fixer bath.
a test kit such as the KODAK Hypo Test Kit
(CAT 196 5847). This test determines whether film has been Water at 27° C (80° F) 750 mL
adequately washed and provides an estimate of the archival Potassium Iodide 190 grams
life you can expect. The kit comes complete with testing Water to make 1 litre
solution and a visual estimator.
To 5 drops of KODAK Fixer Test Solution, FT-1, add 5
drops of the fixing bath and 5 drops of water. Discard the
Residual Silver Test Solution
fixer if a yellow-white precipitate forms instantly. (Any
An overworked fixing bath contains complex silver
slight milkiness can be disregarded.)
thiosulfate compounds that cannot be removed completely
You can also use Silver Estimating Test Papers to measure
by washing. KODAK Residual Silver Test Solution ST-1
the silver content in your fixer. One supplier is USI
provides a quick and accurate method for determining when
International, Inc. ([Link]).
a fixing bath should be discarded.

Water 100 mL KODAK NDT Exposure Calculator

The KODAK NDT Exposure Calculator eliminates
Sodium Sulfide (Anhydrous) 2 grams
guesswork in determining the proper exposure and
To Use: Store stock solution in a small stoppered bottle processing when using an Ir-192 source. It provides the
not more than 3 months. Dilute 1 part stock solution with 9 proper exposure for a given material thickness, distance,
parts water. (Replace working solution weekly.) Place a drop source strength, and development*. Today, many shots are
of ST-1 Solution on the margin of processed film. Remove lost due to sight adjustment of density during the
solution after 2 to 3 minutes. Any yellowing of test area development cycle, so we removed the development variable
indicates the presence of silver. Refix film in fresh fixer and to make your results more consistent. But again, getting the
rewash. The yellow stain is permanent. proper exposure is critical—so use the calculator for the
correct factor for your situation.

Metric CAT 841 9335

Imperial CAT 176 9967

* The KODAK NDT Exposure Calculator was

standardized with a development time of 4 minutes at 72° F
(22° C).

2 Guide to Manual Processing of NDT Films • TI-2643

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Processing
KODAK INDUSTREX Films
1) Stir Solutions 3) Load Film on Hanger

Stir developer and fixer to equalize their temperatures. Attach film carefully to proper-sized hanger. Attach lower
Use separate paddles for each to avoid contamination. corners first. Avoid finger marks, scratches or bending.
2) Check Temperature 4) Set Timer for Developing

Check temperature of solutions with an accurate Set timer. 5 minutes at 68° F (20° C) is recommended. (4
thermometer, rinsing it off after checking each one. Adjust minutes at 72° F [22° C] if using the KODAK NDT Exposure
temperature as needed. Calculator).

Guide to Manual Processing of NDT Films • TI-2643 3

 5) Immerse Film in Developer 7) Drain (Outside Developer)

Completely immerse film. Do it smoothly, and without When the timer goes off, quickly lift the hanger out of the
pausing to avoid streaking. Start timer. developer. Then drain film for a moment into the space
between the tanks. For faster drainage, tilt the hanger.
6) Agitate Film
8) Immerse in Stop Bath

Tap hanger to dislodge air bubbles immediately after

immersion in the developer. Agitate for 5 seconds every 30 Place film in stop bath for 30 seconds. Then agitate
seconds. moderately, lift from stop bath, and drain well.

4 Guide to Manual Processing of NDT Films • TI-2643

 9) Fix Adequately 11) Final Rinse

Immerse film in fixer for 3 to 6 minutes, agitating for 5 If facilities permit, use a final rinse of KODAK
seconds very 30 seconds. Film should remain in fixer for PHOTO-FLO Solution to speed drying aand prevent water
twice the time it takes to "clear" it (when the milky look marks. Immerse film for about 30 seconds, and then drain
disappears). Never fix film for less than 3 minutes. for several seconds.
10) Wash Completely 12) Place in Dryer

Place film hangers in tank of running water for 10 to 30 Dry film at room temperature in a dust-free area or
minutes. Keep ample space between hangers (water must suitable drying cabinet. Temperature must not exceed 120° F
flow over the tops). (49° C). When dry remove from hangers and insert in
envelopes.

Guide to Manual Processing of NDT Films • TI-2643 5

Guide to Manual Processing of NDT Films

Developer Times and Temperatures

Developer Development Acetic Acid Stop
Fixer Wash‡
Temperature Time (Minutes)* Bath
68° F (20° C) 5 3 to 6 minutes or
twice the time to 10 to 30 minutes in
30 to 60 seconds
72° F (22° C) 4 clear film running water†
(Vigorous agitation
75° F (24° C) 3 (Continuous
for 15 seconds then (8 volume changes
moderate agitation)
5 seconds every 30 per hour)
79° F (26° C) 2 seconds)

* If it is necessary to process film at temperatures around 75° F (23.9° C) the fixer solution should be renewed frequently. The film should be fixed to provide
maximum hardening and the washing time should be limited to 15 minutes.
† KODAK Hypo Clearing Agent can be used following the fixer to reduce wash times and conserve water. First rinse films in running water for 30 seconds, then
use Hypo Clearing Agent for 1 to 2 minutes, followed by a final running water wash for 5 minutes.
‡ KODAK Photo-Flo Solution may be used after washing to reduce water spots and drying marks.

NOTICE: While the sensitometric data in this publication are typical of production coatings, they do not represent
standards which must be met by Carestream Health, Inc. Varying storage, exposure, and processing conditions
will affect results. The company reserves the right to change and improve product characteristics at any time.

Guide to Manual Processing of NDT Revised 02-08

Films Printed in U.S.A.
Publication No. TI-2643
Carestream Health, Inc. Industrex is a trademark of Carestream Health, Inc.
150 Verona Street T-Grain, Photo-Flo, the Kodak trademark and trade dress are used under license from
Rochester, NY 14608 Kodak