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Photographic activity test (pat)
The Photographic Activity Test, or PAT, is a worldwide standard (ISO Standard 18916) for archival quality in photographic enclosures. Developed by IPI, this test predicts possible interactions between photographic images and the enclosures in which they are stored. The PAT is also used to test the components of enclosures, such as adhesives, inks, paints, labels, and tapes. The test involves incubating materials in temperature- and humidity-controlled chambers to simulate aging and takes from four to six weeks. After incubation and sample evaluation, a final report is provided.
How the Test Is Done
Samples of the enclosure material to be tested are stacked into a "sandwich," along with special degradation detectors, and various other materials necessary for the test. All of these materials are held together in a stainless steel jig. A second control sandwich is prepared using a known good enclosure material. Samples are then incubated for 15 days in a temperature- and humidity-controlled chamber at 70°C, 86% RH. If the detectors that have been incubated with the test enclosures are more faded or much less faded or are more stained than those incubated with the controls, then the enclosure material fails the test. Instruments are used to measure fading and staining. The pass/fail limits have been derived from enclosures that are known to have caused fading or staining in real-life storage situations.
Our Clients
The research team at IPI has tested well over 8,000 samples to date. We have received samples from manufacturers of archival photo storage materials who are concerned about the long-term effect their products will have on their customers' collections and from caretakers of institutional collections who want to know about the potentially harmful effects their enclosures might have on the photographic images in their trust.
How to Send Sample Materials for the PAT
We need approximately three 8" x 10" sheets of each enclosure material for testing. If your material does not come in sheet form, please call IPI at 585-475-5931 for quantity requirements. Materials should be shipped to:
RIT/IPI
Daniel Burge
Gannett Building, 07B-Rm 2000
70 Lomb Memorial Dr.
Rochester, NY 14623
585-475-5199
Enclosures already in collections can be tested as well. Please call for sampling instructions for these materials. It should be noted that the PAT is a destructive test; sample materials cannot be returned.
We ask that you name or code your samples so that we have a reference by which to communicate the test results. This is important; our test reports will refer only to your specific label. All test results are confidential. You alone will receive a copy of the reports. You may, if you wish, make the information in the reports available to the public. Some of our customers do this.
Price for Testing
Routine PATs cost $750 (inclusive) for the first two materials evaluated; any additional materials in the same test run cost $200 each. There is a $750 minimum for all routine testing jobs. The costs of specialized tests vary; please call IPI at 585-475-5931 for an estimate.
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