The N2-fumigations are carried out in gasthight bubbles or enclosures. An anoxic atmosphere requires an enclosure, nitrogen gas, and oxygen monitoring device. Enclosures must be constructed of vapor impermeable materials such as steel or aluminized polyethylene films. There are several types of enclosures: hard-wall, soft-wall, and mobile chambers.
Gas supply from back-up gas tanks and on-site production of nitrogen from ambient air. The on-site Nitrogen generators feed the controlled atmosphere chambers for preservation and conservation of various artefact pieces. Climate conditioning is also important not to harm artifacts.
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Infobox: Anobium punctatum (= the common furniture beetle), common name „woodworm“, is a worldwide spread woodboring beetle.
The larvae bore in wood and feed upon cellulose. They like not too warm climates as found in basements, churches and museum depots. Also libraries and archives are their preferred habitats. Adult Anobium punctatum measure around 3-4 mm in length. Adults do not feed; they just reproduce and are able to fly if its warm enough. The females lay their eggs into cracks and crevices in wood or inside old exit holes. The eggs hatch after some two weeks. Larvae feed for about 3-7 years in wood depending on temperature and its moisture content.
12- to 30-years life cycles have been also reported. The fully developed larvae come nearer to the wood surface when ready to pupate. They excavate small spaces just under the wood surface and take up to 2-4 weeks to pupate. The emerging adults then break in late spring and summer through the surface, making a 1 to 1.5 mm sharp exit hole and spilling dust. Typical are little wood powder piles. The flight holes are the first visible signs of an infestation. |
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