[Nhcoll-l] Grate covered trenches in alcohol collection facilities

[Rob Robins]

Hi Folks,
Many modern fluid preserved collection facilities have trenches dug in the floors to contain or route a high volume spill of alcohol to a single location from where the fluid can be removed.

These trenches are typically covered with metal grates.

Said grates, no matter their specific attributes, i.e., the size and arrangement of the spaces in the grate—typically rectangular or square—induce vibration to passing specimen cart wheels. Those vibrations end up being transferred to the specimens. Sometimes rather violently.

Question for the group: What if anything is being done to reduce those vibrations in collections that have trenches?

There appears no perfect solution; e.g., temporary “bridges” to smooth the passing of carts can be heavy, unwieldly, and inconvenient and thus likely not to gain full compliance; even the smallest permissible spaces in the grates induce substantial vibration; larger spaces can capture wheels of some carts threatening tip over, mores so the typically smaller wheels of mobile ladders, etc.

Yes, for small numbers of materials coming to and from the collection, typical use scenarios, these can be carried by most persons. But large amounts must periodically be moved and these require carts or something like carts. To say nothing of the initial transfer of an entire collection to a new facility with these trenches.

I suppose I am looking for the “least bad” way to mitigate the effects of these grates. Full suspension carts?!? 😉

Best wishes,

Rob

Robert H. Robins
Collection Manager
Division of Ichthyology
[FLMNH Fishes logo email small]
Florida Museum
1659 Museum Rd.
Gainesville, FL 32611-7800
Office: (352) 273-1957
rhrobins at flmnh.ufl.edu<mailto:rhrobins at flmnh.ufl.edu>

Search the Collection:
http://specifyportal.flmnh.ufl.edu/fishes/

Search samples suitable for dna analysis:
https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/grr/holdings/

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