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Exhibit case desiccant replacement

by MASTER

Replace exhausted desiccant and verify the humidity indicator inside a display case to protect sensitive objects; perform this when the indicator reads above the acceptable RH or during scheduled conservation checks.

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What's inside

Exhibit case desiccant replacement

Replace exhausted desiccant and verify the humidity indicator inside a display case to protect sensitive objects; perform this when the indicator reads above the acceptable RH or during scheduled conservation checks.

⏱ 30 min ★ Medium
Target

The case currently contains a single desiccant sachet of unknown replacement date and a humidity indicator card whose spots read >30% RH or are faded/unreadable.

Obstacle

Access is constrained by tight seals and fragile mounts, so removing and replacing pouches without contacting objects is difficult; the humidity indicator spots may be small, recessed, or faded, making a clear reading hard to obtain.

Expectation

Old desiccant will be removed and bagged, a fresh desiccant and a legible humidity indicator card will be installed, the case will be resealed, and the new indicator and desiccant lot/date will be photographed and logged.

Materials
  • • Replacement desiccant sachet — 1 pc
  • • Humidity indicator card — 1 pc
Tools
  • • Nitrile gloves — 1 pair
  • • Plastic tweezers — 1
  • • Soft anti-static brush — 1
  • • Camera or phone — 1
Steps
  1. 01
    Prepare, document, and don PPE
    Put on nitrile gloves, note case ID and location, photograph the exterior, and record current date/time and visible indicator reading before opening the case
    ⏱ 5 min
  2. 02
    Open case and carefully expose interior
    Unlock/open the case using the designated method, move any loose mounts only if needed, and create a clear work area without touching the objects
    ⏱ 5 min
  3. 03
    Remove old desiccant and inspect indicator
    Use plastic tweezers to remove the old sachet into a sealable bag, inspect the humidity indicator spots and gasket condition, and photograph the indicator close-up for the record
    ⏱ 5 min
  4. 04
    Install new desiccant and/or indicator
    Place the replacement desiccant where it cannot contact objects, insert or replace the humidity indicator card in its visible slot, and label the desiccant with lot number and date
    ⏱ 7 min
  5. 05
    Reseal case, perform quick seal check, and log work
    Close and lock the case, perform a short tactile/seal check and visual confirmation of indicator visibility, photograph the installed materials, and enter date, photos, and lot numbers into the log
    ⏱ 8 min