1 INTRODUCTION

AN EFFICIENT SYSTEM for producing aqueous deacidification solutions is necessary in any large paper conservation laboratory. Such a system should consistently generate a large volume of solution with good working properties in a reasonable period of time, and should be sparing in its use of raw materials and staff time.

The apparatus for producing magnesium bicarbonate at Northeast Document Conservation Center was recently evaluated to determine whether improvements could be made in any of these areas. The tests performed were simple and based on well-known theoretical work. Because NEDCC is one of only a few institutions using a pressurized system for making magnesium bicarbonate solutions, our observations may be of interest to others. It is hoped they will be useful in more systematic research on pressurized systems.