Conservation Research Laboratory
Nautical Archaeology Program
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-4352
 
 

DONATIONS / SPONSORS A

Flammable Storage Cabinet Shelves - These extra replacement shelves have increased the storage capacity in the flammable liquid cabinet where the numerous solvents used in the conservation process are safely stored.

'D'-Ring Binders - Thousands of photographs are taken at CRL to accurately record the artifacts and their conservation. The slides and negatives are all stored in preservers, which are conveniently housed in these binders.

Red Plastic Tubing - Tubing is used to make an extension to a waterpik mouthpiece that can then be used to direct pulsating jets of water into the interior cavities of an encrustation to clean them out. Encrustations are formed by the corrosion of the metal portion of artifacts. Once these cavities are cleaned out, epoxy is poured into the hollow left within the concretion to recreate an exact replica of the original artifact.

Magnets - Magnets are used to determine whether or not any remnant iron exists within an encrustation. The presence of residual iron will affect the steps used in the conservation process for a given artifact, possibly requiring an X ray to evaluate the nature and condition of the iron artifact.

Complete Security Alarm System - The security alarm system covers the area within the two Conservation Research Labs. The Quest 2000 sensors employ a dual detection system, using microwave and passive infrared to improve the detection potential and reduce the number of false alarms.

Perforated Plastic - This plastic film is used to cover organic artifacts, especially those which are small and fragile. The film stabilizes and protects the artifacts, while still allowing the free flow of water and other solutions over and through the material to efficiently and effectively conserve, consolidate, and preserve these artifacts that might not otherwise survive.

Digital X-ray Images - Alloyweld Inspection Company introduced to the Conservation Research Lab the world of digital radiography.  Non-destructive technologies allow for the evaluation of artifact integrity and assessment of attribute details within encrustations prior to conservation.

Modeling clay- The modeling clay donated by the American Art Clay Company is especially indispensable in various casting processes, which recreate exact replicas of artifacts that have corroded away while leaving a concreted mold. The clay is also used to hold photographic scales and artifacts in place during photography.

American Seal, Inc. 1242 Kress St. Houston, TX 77020 Phone: (713) 675-7325 Fax: (713) 675-3618

Resealable Plastic Bags - Plastic bags are an indispensable fact of life in a conservation laboratory and are used for a variety of purposes.

Bar Clamps - The Quick-Grip bar clamps will be used to hold the ship timbers together during the reconstruction of the Belle. The hull of the vessel has to be reconstructed prior to the conservation of the timbers in polyethylene glycol. The lightweight clamps are versatile and easily used with one hand, thus freeing up the other hand to correctly position the timbers, so that new fastening holes can be drilled and fasteners can be inserted. 

Neoprene Gloves - These shoulder-length waterproof gloves protect the hands of lab personnel when they handle metal artifacts going through electrolysis. The electrolyte solutions are all caustic, and the gloves are a good safety barrier.

30-in. Diameter Steel Pipe - The steel pipe has been modified to make two electrolytic vats for the conservation of the bronze and iron cannon.

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