De-acidification of books material method and apparatus

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for deacidifying cellulose based materials, especially books, magazines, and other bound or folded cellulose materials having a spine. The method includes contacting the materials with a treating medium and producing relative movement at a predetermined velocity between the materials and the treating medium in a direction generally parallel to the spine of the materials and, preferably simultaneously, directing the treating medium by means of a spray toward the materials in a direction generally perpendicular to the spine of the material for a period of time effective for the treating medium to contact substantially all of the material. Following treatment, any excess treating medium is removed from the material and directing any such removed treating medium to a holding tank for reuse later. The movement in a parallel direction is achieved by reciprocating the materials through a tank filled with treating medium. In addition, the materials may be rotated about a central axis of the treatment tank. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus consisting of a treating tank for containing the treating medium, a plurality of material holders disposed in the tank on a reciprocatable and rotatable shaft, and spray nozzles for producing the perpendicular movement of the treating medium relative to the spine of the material.