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
-----Original Message-----
*From:* Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx]*On Behalf Of *Peter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
*Sent:* Monday, August 16, 2004 2:42 PM
*To:* ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
*Subject:* Re: [ARSCLIST] audio reel archival containers
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
-----Original Message-----
*From:* Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx]*On Behalf Of *Peter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
*Sent:* Tuesday, August 10, 2004 6:25 PM
*To:* ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
*Subject:* Re: [ARSCLIST] audio reel archival containers
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
-----Original Message-----
*From:* Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
[mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx]*On Behalf Of *Mwcpc6@xxxxxxx
*Sent:* Tuesday, August 10, 2004 9:02 AM
*To:* ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
*Subject:* Re: [ARSCLIST] audio reel archival containers
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