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Removal of creosote from wood particles at different horizontal and vertical locations of decommissioned poles using steam treatment

Informally Refereed

Abstract

This study used steam treatment to evaluate the potential of this method to remove residual creosote content of sawdust from weathered, out-of-service poles. Steaming was successful in reducing the creosote content to a level of 1.31%, regardless of creosote content at the start of the steaming treatment. Poles with higher initial creosote contents required longer steaming durations. At any given initial preservative content, creosote removal from weathered poles was more difficult than from freshly treated poles. Moreover, creosote from samples taken near the inner core of the poles was also more difficult to remove than creosote in the outer portions of the poles. Steaming proved an efficient mechanism to remove creosote. Some other technology must be applied to remove creosote content below 1.31%.

Keywords

Creosote, wood poles, sawdust, steam

Citation

Shupe, Todd F.; Hse, Chung Y.; Roliadi, Han. 2006. Removal of creosote from wood particles at different horizontal and vertical locations of decommissioned poles using steam treatment. Wood and Fiber Science, Vol. 38(2): 345-350
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/24889