Protecting Historical Cellulose Acetate Film Collections with Acetic Acid Gas Removal

As the stewards of cultural and historical assets, organizations that store cellulose acetate films, such as libraries, museums, and archives, face unique challenges. The degradation of acetate film, often referred to as “vinegar syndrome,” is a well-documented issue that not only threatens the longevity of these valuable collections but also impacts the performance and lifespan of HVAC systems used to maintain the controlled environments necessary for their preservation. enVerid Systems offers a cutting-edge solution that addresses these challenges by effectively removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including acetic acid, from the air. Our technology is designed to preserve film integrity while reducing the strain on HVAC equipment, ensuring a stable and optimal environment for the long-term storage of these irreplaceable materials. 

Cellulose acetate film, widely used for photography, motion pictures, and microfilm, is highly susceptible to degradation over time. The primary cause of this cellulose acetate film degradation is the release of acetic acid, a byproduct of the film’s chemical breakdown. This acetic acid not only accelerates the decay of the film itself but also contributes to the corrosion and malfunction of HVAC systems, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential equipment failure. 

The presence of acetic acid in storage environments creates a corrosive atmosphere that can significantly reduce the efficiency of air conditioning units, air handlers, and other HVAC components. Over time, this results in higher operational costs and the need for more frequent equipment replacements. 

enVerid Systems provides an innovative solution specifically designed to mitigate the effects of VOCs, including acetic acid, in storage environments. Our patented technology is integrated into existing HVAC systems to capture and remove harmful VOCs from the air. enVerid’s solution helps to: 

• Preserve film quality by removing acetic acid from the storage environment 
• Enhance HVAC performance by reducing corrosive VOCs in the air
• Reduce operational costs by improving the efficiency of HVAC systems
• Improve sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of HVAC operations

The enVerid Sorbent Filter is a field-replaceable filter that delivers proven, long-lasting air cleaning for gaseous contaminants such as acetic acid and a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, without producing any byproducts. 

enVerid Sorbent Filters capture airborne contaminants through a process by which contaminant molecules attach to the surface of the sorbent material as air passes through the filter. Sorbent Filter efficiency for a representative list of design compounds has been proven through rigorous testing by accredited independent labs. Third-party tests have also confirmed that enVerid Sorbent Filters do not produce any VOC or ozone byproducts. 

The preservation of acetate film is a critical concern for organizations dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage. enVerid Systems offers a proven solution to protect these assets while enhancing the performance and longevity of HVAC systems. By integrating enVerid’s VOC removal technology, libraries, museums, and archives can ensure the continued preservation of their collections and achieve significant operational efficiencies.