the Thermo Lignum method involves raising the interior temperature of infested objects to around 55 C and holding the temperature at that level for a short time - long enough to kill the insects. The relative humidity is carefully controlled during the process to ensure that moisture is neither lost nor absorbed by the objects. I don't believe that anybody in North America is offering the system commercially. The process involves a serious commitment in machinery, and therefore would be a challenge to offer if the prospective market is not large enough. It is very fast and effective, but economics make it best suited for large collections. js Jerry Shiner Keepsafe Microclimate Systems 800 683 4696 www.keepsafe.ca <http://www.keepsafe.ca/> [email protected] Specializing in the design, procurement, and installation of environmental control systems in museums and archives.
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Heather Thomas Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 10:56 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [pestlist] detecting woodborers Hello Katie, I'm not an expert in the process, but the Thermo lignum method (which combines controlled heat and humidity) has been used on many composite pieces as far as I am aware. I don't know if it is available in Canada though. Heather Thomas 3rd Year Student Conservation and Restoration London Metropolitan University. On 25 May 2010, at 15:41, Katie Fisher wrote: Hi everyone, Thanks for all your feedback! My impression is that it wouldn't be very practical to use sound right now as an indicator for infestation. I wasn't here when the last phosphine treatment was done, in 2008, but perhaps if I still end up having problems with Powderpost Beetle I'll look at different treatment options. I'm not sure freezing would be the best for this collection though, as many are fragile wood and composite pieces. Thanks again, Katie
