[NHCOLL-L:619] Re: Long term effect of compactus storage onwet specimens

[John E. Simmons]

I agree with Jean-Marc's assessment of compactors, but would caution that there are no studies at all which address the effects of vibration on wet collections.  We do know that vibrations can cause jar lids to become loose, but no one has ever studied what happens to the specimens.  It is important when discussing collection conservation issues to distinguish between our opinion based on experience and the results of properly controlled scientific investigations.  But I do agree with Jean-Marc.

We have been using compactors for wet collections for several years.  We required the company to set up a test unit of carriage and rails so we could investigate both the vibrations and the stop/start movement of the system.  We use a manual system and instruct all users to open and close the system slowly to avoid movement of jars.  Our system has an extremely smooth operation, and it does not seem that we produce sufficient vibations to be a problem for the specimens, given the buffering effect of the fluid, as Jean-Marc points out.  Compactors present several
advantages that probably outweigh the consideration of vibrations, notably (1) better use of space, (2) a closed compactor system provides another "envelope" of protection against fluctuations in the storage environment
(in the sense of Michalski 1994, Studies in Conservation 39:169-186), (3) a closed compactor system provides protection against light and evaporation (by reducing air flow around the containers).

John Simmons
Natural History Museum
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas USA

Jean-Marc Gagnon wrote:

>        I have the strong feeling that bad compactus storage systems may have some effects on preserved specimens but that a good, well-installed compactus system will have no noticable effect.
>
> >>> Sue Valis <suev at austmus.gov.au> 20 June 2000  2:07 am >>>
> I would be very interested to hear if anyone has information on the
> possible detrimental effects of compactus movement on wet collection