Protec Ecomax User Manual

Film Processor

Operation Manual

English

PROTEC GmbH & Co. KG

In den Dorfwiesen 14, D-71720 Oberstenfeld, Germany
Telephone: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

Machine No.:
Type:
Installation Date:
Status: 08-2009/1.3
Subject to change

EU-Declaration of Conformity

EU-Declaration of Conformity

PROTEC® declares, that the product
Description:
Machine type:
Model no.

conforms to the following harmonized standards:

ECOMAX
X-Ray-Film Processor

1 186-x-0000
x is a number between 1 and 9

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Safety:
EMC:

according to the regulations of:

IEC 61010-1:2001; DIN 1988 T4:12/1988; UL 3101-1; CSA 22.2-1010-1
EN 61326:1997 + A1:1998; EN 61000-3-2:1995 + A1/A2:1998 + A14:2000;

EN 61000-3-3:1995

• the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC “Class 1”,

• the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the

• EMC Directive 89/336/EG

Supplementary guidelines:

• DIMDI: DE / 0000042967

• WEEE: DE 55471807

PROTEC GmbH & Co. KG, Lichtenberger Strasse 35, D-71720 Oberstenfeld, Germany

Place and date of issue:
Oberstenfeld, 02. July 2007 Jochen Krupp (Technical Manager Analogue Systems)

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Table of Contents

Introduction.......................................................................................................... 3

Intended Use.........................................................................................................4

Technical Specifications..................................................................................... 6

Safety Instructions............................................................................................... 7

Installation............................................................................................................8

Initial Operation.................................................................................................. 11

Operation

Short Overview and Front Panel Pad..........................................................12

Stand-by mode................................................. .. .........................................13

Switching on the machine............................................................................14

Display “Infeeding film”................................................................................ 14

Anti-Chrystalisation Function / Anti-Oxidisation Function............................ 14

Automatic replenishment............................................................................. 15

Care

Daily Care.................................................................................................... 16

Weekly Care................................................................................................ 16

Thorough Cleaning......................................................................................17

Maintenance / Disposal ..................................................................................... 18

Problems and Solutions

Advice on Film Defects................................................................................21

Advice on Machine Errors ...........................................................................22

Accessories........................................................................................................ 23

Service Manual as appendix, see page page 25

English

Copyright

© 2007 by PROTEC
tions set forth by copyright law, needs to be authorised in writing by PROTEC®.

Information on Liability

This manual has been checked for correctness. The instructions and specifications
were correct at the time it was published. Future models may have modificati ons
without prior notice.
PROTEC® does not take responsibility for damage caused directly or indirectly by
error, omission or non-conformity of the manual.

®

. All rights reserved. Any reproduction that violates the limita-

Introduction

The ECOMAXTM processor is a compact, automatic table-top processor. Due to the
precision roller transport system, sheet films can be processed. The film materials
are developed, fixed, rinsed and dried. The ECOMAX
tomatic film-registration and a Stand-by mode. The developing solutions a re tem­perature-regulated, circulated and automatically replenished.

These Operating Instructions contain important instructions for installation, o pera­tion and servicing of the machine. Please read the provided information carefully to
ensure reliable and satisfactory operation of your ECOMAX

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has been fitted with an au-

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ECOMAX

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Intended Use

Intended Use

The X-ray film processor ECOMAXTM is intended exclusively for the p urpose de­scribe in the introduction above.

X-ray film processorss (MDD class I) are employed in “medical” applications (med­ical products directive) and “non-medical” applications (electri cal appliances and
EMC directives).

Intended use includes observing the operating instructions, the installation instruc­tions and adherence to the safety notes.

®

Any application differing from intended use voids the guarantee by PROTEC
The owner of the machine will be liable for damages resulting from unintended use

or faulty application.
Intended use includes adherence to all statutory re gulations concerning occupa-

tional safety and radiation protection applicable at the operating site.

.

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ECOMAX

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Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

Film transport:

Film formats:

Processing capactiy:

Process time:

Linear speed:

Developer time:

Tank capacities:

Circulation system:

Replenishment:

Developer temperature:

Fixer temperature:

Continuous roller transport system

In general: sheet films up to max. 35.8 cm
(14.1’’) width;
Smallest film format 10x10 cm (4x4 ’’).

74 films 24x30 cm (10x12 “) per hour (standard
model, feed film crosswise)

Standard 105 s

Standard 37 cm/min. (14.5 in/min)

Standard 29 s

Developer, fixer 2.3 litres each (0.51 gal) and
water tank 2.1 litres (0.46 gal)

Developer and fixer are continiuously circulated by
a circulation pump

Automatic replenishment by film detection, in rela­tion to film length

Ex works set to 32 °C (89.6 °F)
In exceptional cases can be set by a technician

Adjusted to developer temperature by heat
exchanger.

Water connection:

Water consumption:

Drain capacity:

Noise level:

Heat emission:

Environmental cond i­tions:

Pollution degree:

System protection:

Permissible water pressure 2 - 10 bar (29 - 145
psi), permissible water temperature 5 - 30 °C (41 ­86 °F).

1.0 litres per minute (0.26 gal/min) when process­ing.

7 litres per minute (1.85 gal/min).

Less than 60 dB(A).

Operation: 0.1 kJ/s,
Development: 1.1 kJ/s

1) Temperature 18 - 40 °C (51.6 - 104 °F), venti­lated room, room temperature should be lower
than set bath temperature.

2) Relative humidity lower than 80% up to 31 °C
(80 °F), linearly decreasing to 50% at 40°C
(104°F)

3) Height above sea level less than 2000 m (6666
ft.)

4) Indoor use
2

IP 20

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Technical Specifications

Electrical connections:

Power consumption:

Weight (unit):

Dimensions (LxWxH):

Floor space required:

Safety Instructions

Electrical specifications are indicated on the model
nameplate.
Type 1186-1-0000: 230 V±10%, 5.8 A, 50 Hz.
Type 1186-2-0000: 230 V±10%, 5.8 A, 60 Hz.
unit conforms to IEC 1010 (EN 61010, VDE 0411)
overvoltate category II
Type 1186-3-0000: 110 / 120 V~ ±10%, 12 A, 60
Hz, Type 1186-6-0000 110 / 120 V~ ±10%, 12 A,
50 Hz unit conforms to UL 3101 and CSA 22.2­1010
overvoltage category II

Operation: 0.12 kWh
Development: 0.9 kWh

Empty 26.5kg (58.3 lbs)
Filled 34 kg (74.8 lbs)

88x66x42 cm (34.7x26.4x17.0 ’’)

0.58 m2 (6.2 sqft)

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To ensure the safe operation of this processor, installation and use should always
conform to the instructions contained in this manual.

The developer and fixer chemicals used in the processor should be handled
according to the manufacturers instructions. In general: Undiluted chemica ls are
caustic. For this reason, chemicals should be handled very carefully. Avoid con­tact with skin, always wear protective clothing, gloves and glasses when handling
the chemicals - for example, when mixing and refilling. Also when taking the
racks out for cleaning or servicing. If chemicals have come in your eyes, rinse the
eyes immediately with cold, running water for approximately 15 minutes and con­tact a medical doctor afterwards. Inhalation of chemicals can be dangerous to
your health and should be avoided. For this reason, always ensure that the room
in which the processor is installed is adequately ventilated.

Environmental regulations regarding the storage and disposal of waste chemi­cals should be obtained from the local water authorities and complied with.

Before opening the unit, switch off the unit and unplug it from the electrical
socket. Service and repairs must be performed by trained service technicians
only. Use only manufacturer´s replacement parts.

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Installation

Installation

1. Requirements for installation

a. Fresh water connection: Shut-off tap, thread with 3/4" outside diameter

(washing machine connection), Water pressure 2 - 10 bar (29 - 145 psi).

b. Drainage connection: Plastic tube - inner diameter 50 mm (2”) or larger. A

ventilated syphon which serves as odour preventor should be included in the
planning. The drainage tubes should be installed with a decline of minimum 5
%.
Local Water Authorities regulations should be complied with.

c. Electrical connection: Fused wall socket with earth connection according to

electrical data (see technical specifications, page 7). It is also required to
install an earth-leakage switch (with 25 A / 30 mA nominal error current).

Electrical connections should be carried out according to reg­ulations by an electrician.

2. Transport

Due to the weight and dimensions of the film processor ECOMAXTM should always
be carried by two persons. To do so, hold the machine on the sides of the bottom
pan (see figure). While putting the machine down, watch the position of the levelling
feet to prevent damaging these.

3. Set-Up

Unpack the Processor. Remove light protection cover and machine cover, remove
roller racks, begin with the developer roller rack (red).

Remove the brackets for film output from the packaging and press them into the
openings on the rear of the film output until they snap into place. Be sure the long
side of the bracket points inward and touches the film output on top (see figure).

Table-top installation

In the event that the processor is to be installed on a work top or table, the four ad­justable feet should be screwed on.

Attention!
Machine should not be installed on table-top without adjusta­ble feet. The ventilation openings under the machine must not
be blocked, as this can cause overheating.

Unit with Worktable

If the unit is set up on a worktable (optional accessory), the unit should be screwed
to the worktable. Mount the unit as outlined in the manual (included with the workta­ble).

Finally the processor needs to be levelled:

Place spirit level across the walls of the baths and adj ust the le ve lli ng feet accord­ingly (on the unit itself or on the worktable). Reinstall the roller racks in the unit and
lock them; begin with the dryer roller rack.

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Installation

4. Connecting the processor

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Water connection: Connect the water hose which comes out from the processor’s
back to the fresh water supply.

All other hoses (see diagram page 10): First cut off the pre-installed hoses at the
film processor so that the angle stubs protrude somewhat beyond the edge of the
table (see figure). Connect the enclosed hoses at the front of the machine accord­ing to the colour system. Put hose clip (enclosed in accessory bag) over hose end,
before attaching to connection. Warm up hose end (with hot water o r lighter) and
push onto the respective connection. Finally push clip over hose and connection.

Cut hoses to required length. Then integrate the stop cocks into the three drainage
hoses in such a position, that they are easy to reach.

Using the hose clips, connect the suction pipes to the ends of the hoses for the re­plenishment tanks. Feed the suction pipes through the cover opening into the re­spective replenishment tanks and snap them in to place.

The overflow and drainage hoses from the developer an d fixer should be guided
into their respective collecting containers.

The overflow and the drainage of the water can either be guided into the drainage
syphon or into respective collection containers.

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Installation

Pay attention to the correct colour connections:

Developer: red;
Fixer: blue;
Water: clear

Replenishment
Overflow
Outlet

Hose Connections

Danger of Overflow!
Use the included cable ties (accessory bag) to secure the hos-

es. Fix all hose ends which lead into the s yphon or c ollecting
container, so that they do not drop into the liquid.

Very important:
The hose piping should be straight (without the hoses going

up and down) with a constant decline. The hoses should be as
short as possible and without bends and kinks. This is very
important for the water overflow hose. Bad water overflow pip­ing work may cause the machine to overflow!

Inform yourself of the local water board regulations regarding
drainage. These regulations may differ from information in
this manual, but they should be complied with.

If the machine is installed table-top, ensure that the table is
stable enough and does not wobble.

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Initial Operation

Initial Operation

1. Test run

Important!
Processor should not be run dry!

a. Close the three drainage stop cocks and fill the tanks and replenishment con-

tainers with water. Open water inflow tap. Connect electrical socket and
switch the machine on. Water now flows into water tank. The circulation pump
activates, however the hosing of the machine must be ventilated.

b. Ventilation of the replenishment pump:

Switch the machine off again. Open the stop cocks of the developer and fixer
for five seconds and switch machine on again. Repeat this procedure until no
more air bubbles are visible in the developer and fixer baths and until the cir­culation pump runs quietly.

c. Ventilation of the circulation pump:

If air is in the circulation pump, a loud running noise can be heard. Switch the
machine off again. Open the stop cocks of the developer and fixer for five sec­onds and switch machine on again. Repeat this procedure until no more air
bubbles are visible in the developer and fixer baths and until the circulation
pump runs quietly.

d. Check all hose connections for leakage. Switch machine off and drain water

out.

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2. Filling the Processor with Chemicals

Prepare chemicals inside the replenishment containers according to manufacturers
instructions.

Filling the processor manually

By using a suitable container, pour chemicals into the respective tanks. First the fix­er and then the developer. Caution: when filling, be sure that chemicals do no
splash from one bath into another. When fixer solution is mixed with developer so­lution, the developer chemical is destroyed.

Snap each suction pipe into the respective cover of it’s replenishment container and
close it carefully. Place containers under processor.

Important!
The machine should not be switched on in dry condition (no
water/chemicals filled in), since the circulation pumps would
otherwise run dry and be damaged.

Automatic filling of the unit / manual replenishment:

a. The chemicals containers need to be filled manually with at least 0.5 litres of

fresh chemicals, to ensure the pumps will not run dry.
b. Switch the machine off.
c. Keep the film detection switch pressed when switching the machine on again.
d. Release the film detection switch. The replenishment pump will now run for 9

minutes or until the machine is switched off again. This function can also be

used for manual replenishment.

ECOMAX

Warning, hot surface!

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Operation

LED

Symbol for film feed released

Symbol for film feed locked

Operation

Short Overview and Front Panel Pad

Functions

• Feeding film
Before feeding the next film wait until the LED stops
flashing, but is continuously on. An acoustic signal
additionally indicates that the next film can be
inserted.

• Power (ready to operate)
The LED is on as long as the unit is on.

• Warming up
During warm-up the LED flashes; bef ore fe ed i ng th e
next film wait until the LED stops flashing, but is con­tinuously on. The end of the warm-up phase is indi­cated by an acoustic signal. If you try to insert a film
during warm-up, an interval sound will occur perma­nently.

• Bath heating failure
If the developer temperature is not reached within 30
minutes, the LED starts flashing rapidly and an inter­val sound occurs permanently.

Important!
Safety function stops film transportation when cover is re-

moved. Therefore keep cover placed on the machine when
processing films.

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Operation

Do not place any
object on the proc­essor.

Before use...

1. Close water-drainage stop cock.

2. Open water tap.

3. Switch processor on.

4. Check liquid level in replenishment and drainage collecting containers.

5. Wait until the developer temperature is reached. The LED stops flashing when
the heat-up phase is completed.

6. Run cleaning films through processor.

Working procedure

7. Processing films:
Open light protection cover. Important: Put film first on left side of infeed tray
and then feed in. During processing films please watch the “Feeding film”
LED. If it flashes, wait until it stops before feeding the next film; the LED must
be continuously on and an acoustic signal must indicate that it is okay to feed
a film.

After work...

8. Switch the unit off.

9. Close water tap.

10. Open water-drainage stop cock and drain water out of the machine.

Stand-by mode

When no film is being processed, the machine switches to Stand-by. The chemicals
remain at a constant temperature. The film feed, the replenishment pumps and the
water supply are switched on briefly at regular intervals, to prevent crystallisation of
chemimals on the transport rollers and oxidisation of the chemicals. A film can be
inserted at any time.

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ECOMAX

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