Establish correct replenishment rates.
Eliminate processing variables.
FILM PROCESS RECORDS
One of the first steps in process monitoring is to
keep accurate records. The process record should
include every factor that may affect the process,
including developer temperature, amount of film
processed, amount of replenisher added, the person
who processed the film or control strip, and the time
of processing. By using a processing record form,
you can establish and maintain proper replenishment
rates and monitor the processing variables that affect
processing quality. When control strips indicate that
the process is, or is going, out of control, some
potential causes can be eliminated by checking the
processing record. This often makes it possible for
you to determine the source of the problem. Also,
when workers maintain processing records, they have
an added incentive to follow prescribed processing
procedures more carefully.
In any quality assurance program, it is always
easier to prevent problems than to correct them after
they occur. When you take the following steps,
problems in processing can be reduced or eliminated:
Store chemicals as recommended by the
manufacturer.
When a control strip or sensi-strip is processed
and evaluated at the end of the workday, or shift, you
can take immediate steps to correct any problems to
avoid delays at the beginning of the next work period.
Observe effective working and shelf lives of
chemicals. Remember, most chemicals
change in photographic qualities due to age,
both on the shelf before mixing and as
working solutions.
COLOR PROCESS MONITORING
Make sure mixing, storage, and processing
equipment is constructed of materials that are
not affected by photographic chemicals or
solutions.
Much of the material discussed previously about
quality assurance is carried over to understand color
quality assurance. However, color processing quality
assurance is more critical than QA used for
conventional black-and-white film, particularly
because color balance must be considered.
Use the purest water possible to prepare
solutions and to wash materials.
Filter water when necessary.
Label all solution storage and processing
tanks.
As with black-and-white QA, color QA procedures
begin with a series of controlled exposures, but on
color film. These exposures are measured with a
color densitometer and then the red, green, and blue
densities are recorded on a graph. Control strips for
color processing are produced by the manufacturer.
The materials used in color process monitoring are
as follows:
Avoid solution contamination.
Monitoring manuals
Check the volumes of replenisher tanks and
processing tanks.
Check the accuracy of measuring instruments.
Follow prescribed chemical-mixing
procedures.
Protect solutions with floating lids and/or dust
covers.
Use only proper film and processing
techniques.
Use recommended replenishment rates.
Use recommended processing times.
Use recommended processing temperatures.
Use correct agitation.
Use proper washing procedures.
Dry film correctly.
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