Mechanical Function and Sensitometric Test Procedure for Prototype 9 1/2 Film Processor

| STAT Approved FowiRelease 2003/05/15 : ClIA-RDP78B04747A0024000 50043- S/ i b/ PRELIMINARY , ; MECHANICAL FUNCTION AND SENSITOMETRIC STAT: TEST PROCEDURE FOR THE [ PROTOTYPE 9 ef STAT DEVELOPED UNDER PHASE II OF February 1967 STAT . Revised May 1/67 Declass Review by NIMA/DOD Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 gv IN  Approved Fd®Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 NOTE: The data contained in this Preliminary Test Procedure is subject to change as a result of the Phase II evaluation pro- gram, conducted prior to delivery of the processor. Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved FawRelease 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B047%#?A002400050043-4 CONTENTS MECHANICAL FUNCTION EVALUATION Section 1. Preparation 2. Temperature Control Tests | | %, 3. Transport System Tests | 4. Drier Tests 5. Daylight Operation Tests SENSITOMETRIC EVALUATION Section 6. Film Preparation 7. Chemistry ‘ 8. Sensitometric Performance Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved Per’Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04 #7 A002400050043-4 MECHANICAL FUNCTION EVALUATION Section 1 - Preparation 1. Examine the machine to ensure that all components, access panels, magazine, etc., are present. Visually inspect the machine for any signs of physical damage, deep gouges, dents, etc. After locating the machine in the operating area, check the level of the machine about both axes. Connect the processor to a floor drain, or to a sink. NOTE: A sump pump is provided on the processor. Connect the machine to a fresh water supply. NOTE. Provision is made on the processor for installation STAT of af water conservation (W.C.5. ‘ system. Ensure that all machine switches are in the OFF position, and plug in the electrical supply. NOTE 1 A 110/220 volt, 6G cycle, 3 wire system (¢ phase, and neutral) 120 amp protected supply across each phase is required. NOTE 2‘ The processor is fully sequenced for automatic switching of electrical circuits through enabling relays to ensure a gradual build-up to maximum operating load. Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved Fo®Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B0474?A002400050043-4 MECHANICAL FUNCTION EVALUATION Section 2 - Temperature Control Tests 1. Fill all tanks with clean water and note the temperature after i] filling. ; a: 2. To bring the processor up totemperature the following sequence is required. | | a) Operate "power'' switch to ON. b) Check that the liquid level indicator lamp for all five tanks is safe. NOTE If any of the five tanks have a low liquid level this light will indicate this, and by inter-locking circuitry > will prevent the recirculation pumps used for warti-up only from being energized. * e up to Waieraics. ¢) To bring tte solution in each of the five tank the manual "warm-up" switch for each muat be operated. As a result, the heater sieiente: the recirculation ‘ace are operated until precess temperature is reached, and the "ready" rc ae " Ad light for each tank illuminates. The booster heater is then .cut- out, and the thermostatically controlled heater continues to cycle to maintain the temperature. @) When the "ready lights" illuminate the "process" switch may be operated to 'ON"' to start the air blower, vacuum pump, and five seconds later the process pumps. (The eecirculation Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 1h . : es Fa Boe ee eee Cae  Approved wr Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B047%7A002400050043-4 Section 2 (cont.) pumps automatically stop, and the main process pumps will only operate if at this time the tank liquid levels are correct). 3. Following this the machine may be threaded and if required the . "Drive'' switch operate to commence processing. 4. Alter the "Drive" and Process’ awitch are switched to OFF the main process pumps cease and after 5 seconds the air blower and vacuum pump also the five tanks remain on stand-by temperature control with the recirculating pump functioning, unless the main "Power" switch is turned OFF. At regular intervals during the time the processor is coming up to its operating temperature of 110°F check the temperature of the tanks with a standard mercury thermometer and also record the temperatures shown on the indicator. After the machine has reached temperature as determined by a mercury thermometer check the temperature reading of the indicators; and note the total warm-up time, NOTE The indicated temperatures may be calibrated to the mercury thermometer readings by means of the bezel ring. 7. With the processor at operating temperature determine that the temperature control system maintains it at this temperature within a tolerance of - 0.5°F over a period of several hours. re Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved FaRelease 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B047%7A002400050043-4 Section 2 (cont.} 8. During this period also conduct regular visual checks for signs of leakage from pumps, pipe connections, etc. Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved FOrRelease 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04 77 A002400050043-4 MECHANICAL FUNCTION EVALUATION "Section 3 - Transport System Tests | 1. With the tanks full of clean water at operating temperature, and with détdpavative control system operating, conduct the following transport system tests. Z. Switch on the air blower. 3. Inspect the machine for undge vibration, check for any loose screws or attachiieute; etc. Note and record the amperage drawn by the blower. 4. Load the Sai asinls with 1000 feet of obsolete film. 5. Thread the machine and turn on the transport arive system, note sequence switching. (Sect. 2) Check the operation of the vacuum capstan by pulling on the film to ensure that a proper level of negative pressure is exerted on the film. No slippage of the film over the capstan must occur, neither must the vacuum produce marks or indentations on the film. 6. Check that the film take-up system is operating satisfactorily. NOTE No excessive tension must be placed on the film, nor must the film be permitted to build up a slack loop. ‘ Ve Check the film carefully throughout its length to determine if there are any signs of base or emulsion scratching or scuffing. Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 .  Approved Pwr’Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B047%7A002400050043-4 Section 3 (cont.) és. if signs of scuffing are present: a) Check the operation of each pump. b) Check the operation of the blower. c) Check the air flow through the air knife of each i shaniene module. d) Check the air flow through the drier air knives. 9. Transport the film at ea siois significant speeds up to the maximum required, and check transport system for smooth operation. No jerky motion or visible pauses should be apparent. The set film speeds should be checked with a Tachometer. 10, During transport of the film periodically check that the tempera- ture control system is maintaining aie temperature in each tank 7 within the permitted tolerance. Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved F&Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04 #7 A002400050043-4 - MECHANICAL FUNCTION EVALUATION Section 4 - Drier Tests The following functional checks of the drier are to be conducted immediately prior to the sensitometric testing, since the drying condition of photographic film is modified by immersion in processing solutions, the processor must therefore be filled with the correct poiutvons for these tests. Samples of the specified films are to be used, but no image exposure is necessary wince the objective of these tests is to determine the drier perfor- mance only. l. Operate the processor at the processing speeds detailed for each film type in the Sensitometric Evaluation Section. Both widths of film, 70mm, and 9 1/2 ins. are to be used. 2. Pypcess a sufficient length of film (approx. 40 feet) of each width andtype. 3. Check the sample for adequate drying by feel. Carefully examine both surfaces for scratches, water marks, deformation or shriveling. 4, During the above test period, and as consecutively longer as necessary, check the integrity of all liquid systems for time equivalent to a 1000 feet run at 10 Fpm, at least 10 times with a 15 minute period between runs for checking of all pump seals, Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  a, 2 Approved FoMRelease 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B0474#A002400050043-4 Section 4 (cont. ) pipe joints, connections, module seals, etc., for signs of leakage. The infrared generator voltage should be increased slowly, only to the minimum level required to dry the type of film under test. Running the drier at higher voltages than necessary must be avoided, Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B64747A002400050043-4  Approved Pet Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B02747A002400050043-4 MECHANICAL FUNCTION EVALUATION ; Section 5 - Daylight Operation Tests The following tests are also to be conducted immediately prior to the sensitometric evaluation, and are to determine the integrity of the processor for daylight operation. 1, Place samples of unexposed film in the magazines in a darkroom. Place the magazine in a brightly lit area. Remove the film samples in a darkroom, tray process and examine for fogging due to light leakage into the magazine. Ze Load the machine with unexposed film in a darkroom, place on all covers, switch on all room lights, remove and process the film in a darkroom. Examine for fogging due to light leakage into the oe ceeds: If light leakage exists the location may be determined by the area of fogging in the length of film used. This area should be examined to ensure that the covers have been properly fastened. Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  _ Approved Pwr’ Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04¥#7A002400050043-4 ° SENSITOMETRIC EVALUATION Section 6 - General Film Preparation 1. The following film types in widths of 70mm, and 9 1/2 inch are to be sensitometrically evaluated in the 9 1/2 STAT STAT 2. The sensitometric performance of the processor is based on the closest possible match to standard samples of each film exposed and tray processed pez manufacturers standards as specified STAT STAT Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved FawRelease 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04797A002400050043-4 STAT 3. Reference Film Sample Exposure Data The following exposing data was used for both the reference and STAT mm samples. 1) Instrumentation Used STAT Sensitometer STAT STAT STAT Meter Candles - 116600 - Amp. Setting, 7.0. STAT Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved FoWRelease 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B047%PA002400050043-4 STAT 4. Sensitometric film samples of each type, in each of the two widths, are to be prepared in accordance with Fig. 1. These samples are for use in evaluating the following parameters: 1. Gamma 2. Photographic Speed 3. D. min. - D. max. 4. Development uniformity edge to edge 5. Resolution ; 6. Complete Fixation 7 Archival Quality per ASA PHI]. 28-1957. 8. Replicate processing runs are to be made to evaluate the reproducibility. 9. Oxidation of Developer 5. To determine the capability of the replenishing system, 1000 feet lengths of the five films types are to be prepared with the tests pattern arrangement shown in Fig. 1 duplicated continuously through- out the 1000 feet length. 6. After preparation and exposure of the above test films they are to be conditioned as follows: Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved ¥r Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B0%47A002400050043-4 STAT ® 4. Sensitometric film samples of each type, in each of the two widths, are to be prepared in accordance with Fig. 1. These samples are 7 for use in evaluating the following parameters: “ 1. Gamma as 2. Photographic Speed os 3. D. min. - D. max. ae 4. Development uniformity edge to edge oot 5. Resolution 6. Complete Fixation ee 7. Archival Quality per ASA PHI]. 28-1957. 8. Replicate processing runs are to be made to evaluate the reproducibility. a 9. Oxidation of Developer 5. To determine the capability of the replenishing system, 1000 feet lengths of the five films types are to be prepared with the tests : pattern arrangement shown in Fig. 1 duplicated continuously through- out the 1000 feet length. After preparation and exposure of the above test films they are to be conditioned as follows: Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  viene Sb eee Tr a a Sybial oe Rison elle Approved Fer Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B02747A002400050043-4 é The samples should be kept under conditions which will not signi- ficantly affect the latent image. A period of two hours after ex- posures, to ensure latent image stability must elapse before the film sample is either processed, or placed under refrigeration. The temperature of the refrigerator must be maintained at 45°F, After removal from the refrigerator at least three hours at normal room temperature must be allowed before processing. ‘Ga. * Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved F8® Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 Section 7 - Chemistry 1. General - The developer formulated in Phase 1 of this program was a modification of the Navy Rapid Developer, NRD-29] | STAT proprietary chemistry, as detailed in Appendix 'A'. The prototype STAT [ nas been designed on the basis of the resulte obtained in the breadboard in Phase 1 with this chemistry. ° STAT 2e Final acceptance tests| | at the request of the customer, will be ecudusted first with standard chemistry provided| | and STAT compared to results obtained with the chemistry the machine was — designed for. 3. The processor is designed around a maximum processing rate of 10 Fpm. The normal processing temperature is 110°F, The film. transport system is variable between zero and 30 Fpm to provide the necessary flexibility in processing parameters, Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 |  Approved FarRelease 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04 #7 A002400050043-4 | Section 8 - Sensitometric Performance l. The sensitometric performance of the processor will be evaluated as follows: a) eveness of density - a density variation of not more than G.05 at a nominal density of 1.0. ¥}) Gamma, speed, D. min., D. max., resolution. - Compared to reference film samples. | c) Fixation. Sulfide tests for complete fixation. d) Wash water - consumption to be determined. Based on archival quality requirements. e) Archival quality - per ASA PHI1-28-57. f) With a replenishment system, comprising plug-in bottles, a maximum of 1000 feet of 9 1/2 inch film is to be processed and evaluated. 2. The processor is to be operated for each type of film with the chemistry specified, at a temperature throughout the processor of 110°F, at the required processing rate for the particular film. Each film sample is to be processed and read, and D log E curves of the reference samples prepared as described previously. 3. The resolution targets are to be evaluated and plotted, also the uniformly exposed areas for uniformity of development and mottling. 4. On completion of Phase Il, in-house evaluation program, the data representing the maximum performance of the processor will be provided as reference for the final test procedure. Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved FerRelease 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04¥#7 A002400050043-4 APPENDIX 'A'! SS l. The formula for NRD-29 (Navy Rapid Developer for Aerial Film) ie as used in the testing is as follows: sa Water 100°F 750.0 Ml : a Metol 5.0 grams “EF Sodium Sulfite, Des 5u.0 grams ~ Hydroguinone 20.0 grams com es Hydroxide 10.5 grams ay Potassium Bromide 8.0 grams ' Water to Make-up , l. 0 liter 2. Stop bath 2% solution acetic acid mi os ae staT. 3 (Fert = STAT Fixer a Hypo Eliminator aha Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 TEST SAMPLES LUTION TARGET LEADER SPLIT WEDGE RESO D MAY AG VS UNIFORMILY EXPOSED AREA Y OF 1.0 TYP 2 SED UNEXPO PLES | | OF NET DENSIT /2" 12" te” je" 15-0" 15-0" 72” Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 STAT Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 Next 6 Page(s) In Document Exempt Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4  oved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400Q90043-4 a aaa una ema cay STAT —_ ARH Approved For Release 2003 5 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 STAT Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4 Next 1 Page(s) In Document Exempt Approved For Release 2003/05/15 : CIA-RDP78B04747A002400050043-4