PROJECT: Showcase Repairs and Refurbishing
Melbourne

Museum Showcase air exchange testing

Showcase Repairs and Refurbishing
Melbourne
European Museum Technology

Museum showcases may allow up to 10% air exchange over 24 hours to meet European Museum Standards and protect the integrity of the artifacts. Therefore museum showcases must pass air exchange tests.

Temperature changes in the museum environment due to fluctuating lighting and heating levels over 24 hours cause air pressure to otherwise sealed museum showcases.

Generally, museum showcases are never entirely airtight so special gaskets are used to control airflow, and when necessary, humidity is controlled mechanically or statically using silica cartridges.

Due to this fluctuating air pressure, to minimize contamination from outside elements such as dust particles and humidity, it is deemed reasonable that a limit of 10% air exchange between the inside of the showcase and the outer museum environment be allowed.

To meet the European Museum Standard, we at EMT have to take the air exchange test seriously. We safely place our fully committed (Danish) test subject into the showcase.

If he is not unconscious within 10 to 12 minutes, there may still be an air leak, and further work is required.

NOTE: No Danes were injured or actually put in harm’s way during testing