The sound investigation of organ cleaning methods
For many of these classical instruments, the threat of corrosion accumulates within their wind systems. Since many of these are built from lead piping, the collection of aldehydes, volatile organic compounds and organic acids presents a corrosive atmosphere within. Preserving these pipes presents a more complicated task than could be imagined as cleaning an organ, its chamber and its pipe system can take weeks. An effort that, aside from including disassembly, might actually damage the structural integrity of the pipes. Since many of these old organ pipes are lead-based, they are soft and malleable and incorrect treatment may bend them thus distorting their sound quality. Therefore, an EC funded project COLLAPSE has undertaken a comprehensive study on cleaning organs in a manner that will not weaken or damage their piping systems. They investigated cleaning methodologies and materials, as well as looked into preventative measures for abating further corrosion to piping. Part of their findings found that corrosion has its source in the wind system. Therefore, project partners looked into methods in which the corrosive compounds can be sampled and measured to gauge if the organ pallet box is at risk from the damaging chemicals. The project therefore, sets its goals on preserving more than just lead pipes, but also a cultural heritage.
