Common drying methods

Language iceberg museum, specimen making method

Delanti Natural art

The basic process of making insect specimens

The making of insect specimens includes several main steps, such as softening, posing, fixing and drying. Of course, the production process will be slightly different for different purposes and different specimen types, but the overall idea and process are the same.

In addition, according to the type of specimen and the purpose of making, each process step often adopts different strategies.

This paper mainly introduces several common drying methods in the process of specimen making. Include drying in the shade, drying, freeze drying and vacuum drying.

First, dry it in the shade.

This is one of the most common drying methods. Softened insect specimens are dried in a well-ventilated place. Because this method does not need to use any tools or equipment, the cost is low. However, it is necessary to keep the indoor environment dry and avoid direct sunlight, so as not to affect the quality of specimens.

Scope of application:

Suitable insects: most insect specimens are suitable for drying in the shade, including beetles, butterflies, dragonflies, bees and so on.

Unsuitable insects: drying in the shade may not be suitable for some large insects, such as large beetles or butterflies. In addition, if the specimen is too wet or the environmental humidity is too high, it may lead to the deterioration of the specimen.

Time required:

The drying time depends on the environmental humidity and the size of insect specimens, and usually takes several days to a week. In the case of no hurry, I sometimes even work in the shade for more than a month. Putting it under air conditioner in summer and radiator in winter can reduce the waiting time of drying and improve the drying quality.

Second, the drying method

Drying is another common drying method, which is a good thing for keen insect friends because it can quickly dry insect specimens. The use process is very simple, just set the temperature and time and put the specimen in.

Scope of application:

Suitable for most specimens. It should be noted that if the insects have been dead for some time, heating with a dryer may accelerate the odor emission. You can dig out the meat from the specimen or use a hair dryer to solve it.

Time required:

It usually takes only a few hours to a day. Please pay attention to control the drying temperature when using. The body color pigments of some insects may decompose and even distort the body at high temperature. It can be treated with toner in advance and fixed with insect needles.

Third, freeze-drying method

Freeze-drying method is to remove water from insect specimens by freezing and vacuum, and the operation is complicated. First, slowly freeze the specimen to below 40℃, and then put it into a freeze dryer for drying. This method can preserve the color of the specimen well, but it is not suitable for personal operation because of the professional equipment and technology required.

Scope of application:

Suitable for most specimens.

Time required:

Depending on the type and size of the specimen, it usually takes several days or even weeks. At the same time, it also needs professional equipment such as freezer, freeze dryer and sealed container.

Fourthly, vacuum drying method.

Vacuum drying method is to evaporate the water in insect specimens by heating at low temperature in vacuum environment, so as to quickly obtain dried specimens.

When operating, the insect specimen should be put into a vacuum sealed container first; Then the air in the container is pumped to establish a certain degree of vacuum environment; Then, the temperature and pressure are controlled to convert water from the sample into steam, thereby removing water from the sample; After drying, take out the specimen.

Scope of application:

Suitable for most specimens.

Time required:

The whole process takes several hours to several days, depending on the type and size of the specimen. In addition, this method, like freeze-drying method, needs some professional equipment, such as vacuum sealed container, vacuum pump, temperature controller and so on. , not suitable for ordinary individual players to operate.