Noel Valentin writes: After new HVAC equipment for a gallery has been installed, what is the shortest AND longest period of time you have tested the new equipment before bringing art and artifacts into the galleries?
Noel: The testing of HVAC machinery is quickly and easily done by the installer. There are a lot of components, and they may be supplied or installed by different providers. However, the commissioning and fine tuning of the system can take years, and at least one full year's cycle of seasons is advised. Even once a system is installed, it must be supervised and fine tuned. A good start is to ask your buildings people what they expect. It is good to be on familiar terms with them, and for them to understand your needs. To this end, I would strongly suggest that you determine what your needs really are, as these numbers will form the basis of all discussions. You and your staff will have to develop a shared understanding of what is possible, and at what cost. (e.g. The costs of HVAC operation have been shown to double as environmental limits are halved!) Also, I can't over stress the importance of monitoring with your own instruments. This should be done on a regular basis, and should include your own measurements of ambient and outside conditions, as well as the conditions in enclosures, behind paintings, etc. The monitoring system of your HVAC system is designed for human comfort, not ideal artefact conditions. For example, measurements are sometimes taken in the return air flow, not at showcase level or at various locations in the gallery. Remain patient, polite, and insistent. If you can't get what you need, consider a microclimates approach for your most problematic collections! js
-- Jerry Shiner Keepsafe Microclimate Systems www.keepsafe.ca +1 416 703 4696 [email protected] Skype: jerry.shiner Specializing in the design, procurement, and installation of environmental control systems for museum and archives ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
