Kodak D-31 manual Storage Facilities

Summary of Requirements for Storage and Preservation of Records on Kodak Microfilm

Storage Facilities

The type of storage vault, safe, cabinet, or area selected must be based on the value of the film records and their intended storage life. In general, one roll per container is recommended. Containers should be stored in metal cabinets. Cabinets should be spaced in the room so there are no stagnant air pockets or localized areas where temperature and humidity may reach higher levels than the general condition. If humidity is not controlled, sealed metal or glass containers are required.

Although the same general storage principles apply to medium-term and long-term storage records, much greater care must be taken to obtain maximum protection for long-term storage records; makeshift or temporary arrangements should not be considered.

In summary, Table 3 indicates the conditions that are considered suitable for black-and-white silver- gelatin, thermally processed silver, diazo, and vesicular Kodak Microfilms.

Table 3: Storage Temperature and Relative Humidity

		Extended and Long Term			Medium Term
Film Type	Base	Relative	Temperature		Relative	Temperature
			(Max.)			(Max.)
		Humidity			Humidity
			°C	°F		°C	°F
Silver-Gelatin	Cellulose ester	20–50%	2	35.6	20–60%	25	77
	(Acetate)	20–40%	5	41.0
		20–30%	7	44.6
Silver-Gelatin	Polyester	30–40%	21	69.8	20–60%	25	77
Thermally Processed Silver	Polyester	15–30%	21	69.8	20–60%	25	77
Diazo	Polyester	20–50%	-10	14	20–60%	25	77
		20–50%	-3	26.6
		20–50%	2	35.6
Vesicular	Polyester	15–50%	20	70	20–60%	25	77
Electro-Photographic	Polyester	15–50%	20	70	20–60%	25	77
Photo-Plastic	Polyester	15–50%	20	70	20–60%	25	77
Color	Cellulose ester	20-30%	-10	14	20–60%	25	77
	(Acetate)	20–40%	-3	26.6	20–60%	25	77
Color	Polyester	25–30%	2	35.6	20–60%	25	77

NOTE:If the storage temperature is sufficiently low or if the air where the film is to be handled is quite moist, leave the film in its closed container until it warms up to approximate room temperature. Otherwise, condensation of moisture will occur on the cold film surfaces.

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