Freezer/dryer

Images and text by Garry Harrison,
Head, Circulating Collections Conservation,
Indiana University Libraries Preservation Department

Freezer/dryer

This unit by Wei T'o performs two functions: freeze-drying and extermination freezing. Procedures for the two differ. For freeze-drying wet paper materials, the idea is to keep the temperature as warm as possible but still below freezing, and to keep air constantly moving within the freezer. This is accomplished by built-in compartment fans. Extermination freezing involves subjecting the items to freeze/thaw cycles with the freezer set to subzero temperature. Extermination freezing is primarily intended for the eradication of insects, though it is effective against fungi as well.

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