Re: [ARSCLIST] Ultrasonic Disc Cleaning

["Adams, Christine" <Christine.Adams@xxxxx>]

IASA recognises this as an acceptable cleaning method. The IASA document 'Guidelines on the production and preservation of digital audio objects' (TC-04) states;

'An ultrasound bath using a liquid that is not a solvent for the recording surface will increase throughput. The depth need not be more than the radius of a disc recording and the recording is suspended on a shaft parallel to the liquid surface and such that the label area is not submerged. The effect of all solvents should be tested before use' (Paragraph 5.2.3.4)

'As with historical mechanical and other obsolete formats ... ultrasonic cleaning may be effective. Care should be taken in the selection of solvent, though a 1% solution of Cetrimide in distilled water is an appropriate cleaning solution. The label should be kept clear of the fluid, and the disc rotated slowly until the whole grooved area has been wetted.' (Paragraph 5.3.3.4) [Note: this paragraph is referring specifically to vinyl discs]

The British Library Sound Archive use an ultrasonic bath for vinyl and for shellac records that are particularly dirty with grit or soot etc before washing on a Keith Monks machine.  The record is 'dipped' with a rod passing through the spindle hole so that the label is clear of the bath and is slowly turned by hand whilst the bath is operating so that the surfaces are cleaned.  The liquid in the bath is distilled water and a record is cleaned for typically 20 seconds. We don't use the ultrasonic bath on cracked or damaged records but we consider both vinyl and shellac to be resilient and not to suffer from the process.

Nigel Bewley and Christine Adams
The British Library Sound Archive

I see in the latest edition of Playback (the bulletin of the British 
Library Sound Archive) the mention of an ultrasonic bath for disc cleaning.

I have never heard of such a thing; though it might be safe for 
vinyl, it seems to me that such a process would wreak havoc on a 
vintage recording. And even on a vinyl record you have a label to worry about.

Does anyone know how this is used at the Archive?

Kurt Nauck

c/o Nauck's Vintage Records
22004 Sherrod Ln.
Spring, TX  77389

Website: www.78rpm.com
E-Mail: nauck@xxxxxxxxx

Phone: (281) 288-7826
Fax: (425) 930-6862

**************************************************************************
 
Experience the British Library online at www.bl.uk
 
The British Library's new interactive Annual Report and Accounts 2006/07 : www.bl.uk/mylibrary
 
Help the British Library conserve the world's knowledge. Adopt a Book. www.bl.uk/adoptabook
 
The Library's St Pancras site is WiFi - enabled
 
*************************************************************************
 
The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended for the addressee(s) only. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this e-mail and notify the postmaster@xxxxx : The contents of this e-mail must not be disclosed or copied without the sender's consent. 
 
The statements and opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the British Library. The British Library does not take any responsibility for the views of the author. 
 
*************************************************************************