THE TIMBER INDUSTRY

The Timber industry uses energy and fuel in both drying and heat treatment processes.

Due to market demands Comtherm now offers a range of heat treatment kilns.

COMTHERM PALLET HEAT TREATMENT CHAMBERS

Wood packaging may be officially marked as ISPM15 compliant, only after an approved treatment process, such as heat treatment has been completed; heat treatment must be carried out to an agreed standard.

Accepted heat treatment of wood packaging demands that the product be heated to a minimum of 56C (core temperature) for a minimum of 30 minutes.

The heating of the kiln and the maintainance of the product temperature is carefully monitored electronically.

Comtherm Rapid Heat treatment chambers are designed to heat treat the product so that it meets the requirements of the standard as rapidly as possible.

The chambers offer the following features:-

Modular Construction: Simple container or a bespoke system that can grow as you do

Efficient Operation: Insulated construction and recirculated air minimises running costs

Rapid Cycle Times: Allow you to process more than one batch a day.

Automatic Programmes: No operator error, Safe, Repeatable

Loading Options: Direct by forklift or roller bed

Full Data Logging: Enables traceability and recording of each batch

We understand that an investment in a heat treatment system is a costly and complicated issue; we therefore spend a considerable amount of time with the client before expecting a commitment to purchase plant; this ensures that the client understands the requirements and receives the best product for their needs.

Comtherm is able to offer a complete ‘turnkey’ installation, complete with fuel system, accreditation tests and operator training.

Full technical backup and technical support is available from our own team qualified engineers.

ISPM15

In recent years the spread of pests such as the Asian long-horn beetle and the Pine Wood Nematode, has caused major problems in some countries; the spread of these pests is due to the use in international trade of pest infested pallets and cases made from unprocessed raw wood.

These pests have caused considerable damage, particularly in the U.S.A. where tree felling has helped to control but not yet eradicate the problem.

Clearly the spread of wood boring insects across international borders is a risk to forestry and woodland worldwide.

Traces of the pests have been detected in imports into many countries, including the some EC countries and the UK.

The product can be treated by fumigation with methyl bromide, however there is now a tendency to utilise a heat treatment process; this avoids the problems encountered with the use of unpleasant and toxic chemicals.

In the future other methods such as irradiation or chemical impregnation may be approved.

Rules have been introduced to regulate the treatment of wooden packaging so as to prevent the spread of such pests.

The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM15) is an international agreement for the control of the treatment of wood packaging such as cases and pallets used in the international import and export trade.

The standard specifically applies to cases and pallets manufactured from natural wood products.

For further information regarding our products and services please contact us.