Munters dehumidifiers are used worldwide for the preservation of films, tapes, documents, books and artifacts in archives, museums, and libraries.
Temperature and pollutants are important factors in the preservation of documents. Humidity levels and temperature levels have to be as stable as possible with pollutants kept to a minimum. In some cases entire museums or libraries are climate controlled with Munters dehumidifier systems. A benefit of using a such a system is that it minimises energy consumption.
Galleries, Museums and Libraries are public places requiring ventilation air that carries a low moisture load. For these types of buildings a desiccant dehumidifier treating the fresh air before it enters the building is most suitable. Archives have less public access and need less ventilation which means that treating the return air is more appropriate.
Once moisture damage, bacterial growth, corrosion etc. occurs, most artefacts never return to their former condition. With the rising investment for acquisition, maintenance and restoration of collectibles, our dehumidification products prevents damage in the first place or stops its onset.
The level of Relative Humidity (RH) in the air within a display or storage environment is critical in preserving objects from perishing or corroding. Materials such as paper, textiles and wood absorb moisture and create an environment for bacterial, mould and fungal growth. By removing the moisture from the environment using a dehumidifier, the damaging effects are eliminated.
Using a dehumidifier has the following advantages:
– Indoor air quality is improved
– Mould and bacteria prevention
– Energy cost reduction
– Corrosion prevention
Archives
Preservation of stored paper and film records for long periods of time can be easily done with a Munters desiccant dehumidifier. Old flammable nitrate film shrinks and decomposes with age. Humidity is a key factor affecting acetate film degeneration. The optimum conditions are 45-60% Relative Humidity at 16-19C if the safety of stored records is to be guaranteed.
Glass and Ceramics
The maintenance of precise Relative Humidity levels is essential for the preservation of 16th and 17th century Venetian glass that need to be displayed and stored. Glass and ceramic objects are best protected in a Relative Humidity between 40% and 60% to prevent ‘weeping or crazing’ from occurring.
Metals
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys corrode quickly in the presence of water vapour. The rate of corrosion is accelerated by natural or industrial pollutants in the air. Moisture is a powerful driving force for the corrosion of metals and rises significantly over 60% Relative Humidity. Bronze, can develop the phenomenon known as ‘Bronze Disease’, and metal which is already severely corroded may require the maintenance of a Relative Humidity below 40%.
Desiccant dehumidifiers absorb moisture in the air onto a desiccant wheel, whilst the dry air is directed to the display or artifacts storage facility. The desiccant dehumidifier can operate efficiently even at very low temperatures and still maintain the desired humidity conditions, and is far more energy efficient than heating.
Our comprehensive range of dehumidifiers perfectly meet restrictive space and low noise requirements ideal for archives, museums and libraries.
With over 17 years of experience in the industry SMAC Enterprises has assisted many clients in various industries by providing air treatment solutions that will preserve valuable articles, documents and film.
Contact us today for a complimentary assessment and let our Munters trained air treatment specialists recommend the correct Munters dehumidifier from the Munters Air Treatment range suited for your unique industry need.
SMAC Enterprises are the official representatives for the Munters AirTech Division and are sole distributors for Munters dehumidifiers with South Africa and the Southern Africa regions.
