Scientific Publications on the Thermo Lignum® WARMAIR Process (excerpt)
Heat Treatment of Entomological Drawers using the Thermo Lignum® Heat Process
Autoren: Philip Ackery, David Pinniger, Adrian Doyle, Karen Roux Veröffentlichung:Collection Forum, 2005, 19(1–2): 15–22 Institutionen: Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, London
Short description: This study evaluates the Thermo Lignum® WARMAIR process for pest eradication in entomological collection drawers at the Natural History Museum, London. Temperature and relative humidity changes inside closed drawers were monitored during treatment. The results demonstrate that safe and effective pest control is achievable without damage to specimens, provided that sufficient air circulation around the drawers is maintained.
Effects of High Temperature Pest Eradication on DNA in Entomological Collections
Title: Effects of High Temperature Pest Eradication on DNA in Entomological Collections Authors: P. R. Ackery, J. M. Testa, P. D. Ready, A. M. Doyle, D. B. Pinniger Publication:Studies in Conservation, 2004, Vol. 49 (1), pp. 35–40
Short description: This study investigates the impact of humidity-controlled high-temperature pest eradication, using the Thermo Lignum® process, on the DNA integrity of Lepidoptera specimens of different ages. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing were performed on treated and untreated specimens. Results showed no detrimental effects on nuclear DNA, even in 20-year-old specimens, and in some cases, treated samples yielded better DNA quality than controls. Additional tests confirmed no visible changes to specimen grease content or corrosion on mounting pins.
Availability: Available via Studies in Conservation (Taylor & Francis) or JSTOR. View abstract
Tests on Herbaria specimens and Paper enclosures
Institution: National Museums and Galleries of Wales, Cardiff, 1995 Authors: National Museums and Galleries of Wales & Thermo Lignum Ltd
Short description: This study examined the effects of multiple Thermo Lignum® treatments on herbarium specimens of various fern species and their paper enclosures. Both treated and untreated samples were compared for visual changes and pH variation. No visible differences were found, and pH measurements showed negligible changes, remaining within normal experimental error. The results indicate that repeated Thermo Lignum® treatments are safe for both plant material and paper substrates.
Availability: Full report available from Thermo Lignum International GmbH.
IPM at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and Preventive Treatments using Thermo Lignum™
Author: Val Blyth Institution: Victoria and Albert Museum, London Publication type: Conference/Technical Paper
Short description: This paper presents the Victoria and Albert Museum’s integrated pest management (IPM) programme and its application to the preventive care of collections. It explains how treatment decisions are made based on risk assessment, time, and resource considerations. Special emphasis is placed on the use of Thermo Lignum™ humidity-controlled heat treatment at 52 °C as a practical and effective option for safeguarding diverse objects without the need for bagging. Case studies, including iconic items such as the Mae West Lips sofa, rolled tapestries, and the Great Bed of Ware, demonstrate how the method is applied to both preventive and remedial pest control in high-profile exhibitions and loans.
Thermal methods of pest eradication; their effect on museum objects
Authors: Gail G. Beiner, Margaret A. Ogilvie Institutions: Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford; Bristol Museum, Bristol Publication:The Conservator, Vol. 29 (2005/6), pp. 5–18
Short description: This paper reviews different thermal methods used for insect pest eradication in museums, with a focus on their effects on a range of materials, including textiles, wood, paper, and composite objects. Laboratory and practical case studies show that humidity-controlled heat treatment, when properly applied, can effectively eliminate pests without causing measurable damage to most museum objects. The authors discuss advantages, limitations, and best-practice recommendations for safe application.
Availability: Available via The Conservator (Taylor & Francis). View abstract.
The Thermo Lignum process for insect pest control
1994, Paper Conservation News 72 [9 ] By Child R.E.
Treatment of Laccquered Material with the Thermo Lignum Process
Cardiff, 30. Mai 1995, Study of R.E. Child Consultant on Environmental and Insect Pest Control on Historic Buildings and Collections By Child R.E.
