NDTnet 1998 Aug, Vol.3 No.8

Abstract

Introduction
Ionizing radiation play an important role in the field of analysis and conservation of the cultural patrimony. They can be used from low to high energy, with X-ray tube or gammagraphic source, and applied for the examination of the paper in old books or for the auscultation of pierces de taille.
VALECTRA, Groupe de Laboratoires of Electricity of France, brings to the cultural patrimony the important knowledge and investigation material existing in the industry. Using a team of engineers and conservators, this laboratory is specialized in the development of electrolytical methods for cultural artifacts, with concern to conservation ethics and principles, and supported by the most recent industrial techniques.Improved inspection analysis
This paper illustrates the use of X-ray radiography combined with the most advanced computer technologies in the field of art preservation and the activities of VALECTRA, laboratory of applied research for the conservation and restoration of artifacts and archaeological remains by the means of two examples: the objects discovered inside the TITANIC and the dead sea copper scrolls from QUMRAN.

The 200 objects coming from the TITANIC few days after its recovery, has been preserved from a complete destruction by the help of EDF. X radiography was used to identify them and as an help for diagnosis of their alteration.
In 1994 the Kingdom of Jordan entrusted the segments of the Dead sea copper scroll to EDF for expert evaluation, derestoration and rerestoration. Together with these conservation and restoration operations, reproduction by radiography, digitization and image processing were undertaken. The obtained images can then be juxtaposed on a screen, in order to recompose a virtual copper scroll and to reveal previously indistinguishable Hebrew letters. Touching up was also possible by following the instructions of epigraphists. So by the means of this virtual reproduction, the deciphering of the original text has been greatly facilitated.

Abstract Source:
Book of Abstracts, 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN: 87-986898-0-00

Full-Text Source:
Proceedings of the 7th European Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, 26-29 May 1998, ISBN:

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