Q1 Is it possible to preserve using only a hard container with RP agent enclosed?

A1 No, it is not practical under present circumstances.
If you use a plastic hard container alone such as Tupperware, the pressure inside the container is reduced due to the oxygen absorption by the RP agent. This causes the deformation of hard container and consequently some air gets into the container.
If you want to use a hard container, cover it with a gas-barrier bag sealed perfectly

Q2 How should we preserve an object with projections?

A2 The RP system requires a completely sealed environment, which means you cannot obtain the desired preserving effect if a projection has made a pinhole in the gas barrier film. To protect such projections, wrap up the object by cushioning materials such as a tray and bubble wrap sheet prior to RP packaging.
However, do not use paper cushion using the RP-A agent which is the moisture absorption type because the RP-A agent also absorbs moisture from the inside of the paper cushion. So the moisture absorbing ability of the RP-A Agent may be exerted wastefully and also the paper cushion itself may deteriorate due to excessive desiccation.

Q3 Is it possible to use in combination with a paulownia case, paper wrapping or something like that?

A3 Yes, it is if you use the RP-K agent which we call moisture-neutral type.
If using a paulownia case, put suitable amounts of RP-K agents inside and outside the case respectively, and then put the case in a bag, finally seal up the package.
If you want to use a folded wrapping case, pack the case with the RP-K agent placed between the case and the gas-barrier bag.You cannot however use the RP-A Agent of moisture absorption type.

Q4 Is it possible to use for two or more objects each packed in a polyethylene bag for classification?

A4 Yes, it is. If you pack two or more objects together — each packed in a polyethylene bag — an oxygen free condition will be created in each polyethylene bag in a few days, since a polyethylene bag itself has a high permeability.

Q5 Is it necessary to degas (vacuum-pack) the package with an RP agent enclosed?

A5 No, it is not necessary.
If you try to degas the package with an RP agent enclosed, the package will be decompressed further due to oxygen absorption, which causes the object to contact the inner surface of the gas-barrier bag too closely. When sealing the package, you must avoid this situation. Otherwise the object may be damaged or a pinhole may be formed on the inner surface of film due to excessive pressure from outside.

Q6 Is it possible to reuse the RP agent like a silica gel?

A6 No it isn't.
The RP agent cannot regenerate its preserving ability. The silica gel may physically retain moisture and emit it by drying. In contrast, the RP agent absorbs oxygen, corrosive gas and moisture by irreversible chemical reactions.
(The RP-K agent does not absorb moisture.)

Q7 Is it possible to reuse the ESCAL or the PTS bag?

A7 Yes it is possible if there is no flaw, fold, pinhole, etc. in the film.
However, the RP system requires a completely sealed environment, which means the desired preserving effect cannot be obtained if there is a scar or hole in the surface of the gas-barrier film.

Q8 Is any harmful substance used in the RP agent?

A8 No, it isn't
Both the RP agent and the oxygen indicators are made from non-poisonous ingredients. However, don't eat them, nor tear RP agent pouches, intentionally.

Q9 How should we dispose of the RP agent?

A9 If you dispose of small amounts of RP agent, throw away as you would general plastic wastes.
If you dispose of a large amount of RP agents, separate the RP agent pouches from other disposal items by placing them in an air tight plastic bag (for example,a polyethylene bag), tie the mouth of the bag with as little air left inside as possible, and keep it way from other materials until incinerating it at the earliest opportunity. A large amount of RP agent will generates heat as a reaction of oxidation, when they are accumulated together.

Q10 Which considerations are important when using the clip?

A10 We have already confirmed that the clip can maintain a fully sealed environment for more than 4 years if the RP System is stored at room temperature.
However, if a thin film is fastened with a clip that has previously clipped a thick film for a long period, it may become loose and consequently it will be unable to attain a complete seal. To determine if a clip has the desired sealing ability, clip a single piece of film and try to pull it out. If you fail, the clip can be considered acceptable. Also, the clip cannot attain the desired sealing condition at a temperature of 40°C or higher.

Q11 How long can unused RP agents remain effective?

A11 No functional deterioration takes place as long as air is not let in. Accordingly, exert careful attention not to make any scar or hole in the external film.
If you do not use the entire RP agent at one time but use part of them in several instalments, some air must get in each time the aluminium bag is unsealed. To be exact, therefore, the RP agent's preserving ability will deteriorate bit by bit, though at a low level. Whenever you take some agents out, seal up the remaining agents after expelling as much of the air from the aluminium bag as possible.