[Nhcoll-l] optimal temperature

[A.J.van_Dam at lumc.nl]

Dear Marcela,

Always keep in mind that collections are also there to be studied/used and periodically should be monitored/cleaned/topped up, etc., and that therefore not only the storage conditions but also the use conditions are taken into account when setting up the climate parameters for your storage facility.

For fluid preserved collections, CONSTANT ambient temperature is preferred above lower temperatures (e.g. below flashpoint). John Simmons already mentioned several arguments for this recommendation. The more climate control is dependent on heavy heating/cooling equipment (passive/preventive measurements to building would be far more sensible), the more chance (instant) problems will arise when it temporarily fails.

When a fluid preserved collection is stored below the flashpoint of ethanol, and a user of the collection takes a selection to the laboratory (where temperature is likely 10 degrees higher) and vice versa, it can lead to problems that can seriously affect (shock) the condition of the specimen, fluid, container, and lid/seal. More info on how temperature affects "The Interactions of Preservative Fluid, Specimen Container, and Sealant in a Fluid Collection" can be found in my paper in Collection Forum, 14(l-2):78-92.

It is highly recommended to seperately store fluid collections and dry collections, for many obvious reasons (RH is far more critical for dry collections, acid vapours of formalin, spill accidents, etc.). Also, it is advisable to seperate flammable and non-flammable fluid collections. For the latter, less costs have to be made to comply to safety regulations (no fire hazard).

Hope that this together with the recommendations and suggestions of my peers, will help you in realizing the best conditions for your collections.

Cheers,

Dries

Andries J. van Dam, conservator

Museum of Anatomy
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From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Marcela Cosarinsky
Sent: donderdag 14 maart 2013 17:13
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] optimal temperature

Hi All,
What temperature would you recommend for the best conservation of biological collections kept in liquids (alcohol, formalin), squeletons and embalmed animals?
Many thanks, Marcela

Marcela Cosarinsky (Curator)
Sala de Colecciones - Departamento de Biodiversidad y biología Experimental
Facultad de Cs. Exactas y Naturales
Universidad de Buenos Aires
Argentina
email: marce_irene at yahoo.com.ar<mailto:marce_irene at yahoo.com.ar>







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