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Peter:
Thank you for the reply and clearing up the
info regarding cardboard boxes for the storage of audio. In the realm of
motion picture storage, there are several vendors of film cannisters that are
created to allow the acetic vapors to escape (ie. vented or slitted). Does
anyone manufacture "breathable" cans specifically for audio recordings? Can you
think of any reasons for not using the one's that are designed for motion
pictures?
Lance Watsky
Preservation
& Media Specialist
The Georgia Archives
5800 Jonesboro Road
Morrow,
GA 30260
678-364-3764 (phone)
678-364-3860 (fax)
lwatsky@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.GeorgiaArchives.org
Lance:
I apologies for being
unclear in my response. My response was specific to vinegar syndrome and
was intended to point out that cardboard boxes could act to slow
down vinegar syndrome simply because they would allow the buildup of acetic
acid to dissipate. I did not mean to imply that I think using cardboard
boxes to store tape in is a good idea. As a disaster recovery
specialist, I heartily disapprove of storing tape in cardboard boxes but for
reasons other than vinegar syndrome.
In addition to your point
that many boxes have an unacceptable PH, cardboard boxes also supply virtually
no protection to the tape from crushing or falling damage, provide no
protection against water incursion, retain moisture that can damage
tape, are flammable, are subject to mold growth that can infect the
tape and can produce contaminating dust as they age.
Peter Brothers
President
SPECS BROS., LLC
(201)
440-6589
www.specsbros.com
Restoration and Disaster Recovery Service
Since 1983
-----Original Message-----
From: Association for
Recorded Sound Discussion List [mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
Watsky, Lance
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 9:10
AM
To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [ARSCLIST] audio
reel archival containers
Peter:
It was clear from your posting, that
good airflow in a container will help to slow down the rate of acetic acid
build-up, thus helping to slow down the rate of deterioration. My
concern with your posting, is when you mentioned that "cardboard boxes would
work well". It needs to be added that the "old" cardboard boxes are usually
not inert to begin with, and have a very high Ph, they will decompose over
time and eventually give off acid on their own. Certainely, we have all seen
old acetate tapes that have turned brown, sometimes even leaving an imprint
of the plastic reel. Since this is true, then the acid that is emitted
from the breakdown of the cardboard boxes will actually help to speed up the
deterioration, unless new inert boxes are
utilized.
Thanks,
Lance Watsky
Preservation & Media Specialist
The Georgia Archives
5800
Jonesboro Road
Morrow, GA 30260
678-364-3764 (phone)
678-364-3860 (fax)
lwatsky@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.GeorgiaArchives.org
From the testing I've
reviewed, it's pretty clear that acetic acid will catalyze the breakdown
of acetate. As such, any method (that does not otherwise damage the
acetate) of removing traces of the acid from proximity to the
tape should help slow down the reaction. Testing has shown
that acetate tapes will decay slower if they are exposed to an air-flow
that removes the residual acid than will tapes that are in sealed
containers that trap the acid inside. Cardboard boxes would work
well for the simple reason that they are not air-tight and allow the
acid to escape.
It's also important
to have a positive air pressure and air flow in the storage area so that
the acid is removed from the area. Removing the acid from the
proximity of one tape and then trapping it in a room can catalyze
breakdown in other tapes stored in the same
space.
The Tuscan cans
should work ok as long as there is enough air movement in the room to
allow some air to circulate through the air vents and channels in the
cases.
Peter Brothers
In a message dated 8/9/2004 5:11:12 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ArcLists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
I'm suspicious
that the traditional cardboard box is
functioning something like a
molecular sieve and absorbing some of
the acetic acid outgassing/effluent
from the tapes and retarding
any vinegar syndrome.
***************
Keeping tape in unsealed cardboard boxes does seem to
help preserve it.
"ProVent Audio's vented design allows active airflow through the
container to prolong the life of audio tape or 8mm film."
Everything I've seen indicates that you want to get the acetic acid
out of the room completely, not trap it near the acetate.
Controlling the room's humidity should prevent excessive drying.
The thickness of film base may be a factor in preventing the acetic
acid from leaving the material, explaining the faster deterioration,
however the compulsion to seal film in metal cans in sealed vaults
certainly has a greater effect. I've yet to see vinegar syndrome in
any of my 40+ year old tape or film, however the material I
just received from a friend who was meticulous about "protecting" his
material definitely does show the effect (now stored in a separate room
for airing).
Mike
Csontos
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