ThermoWood is a method that Jartek developed to increase wood‘s structural integrity and lower its moisture absorption. Two treatment tiers are part of the ThermoWood process: Thermo-D (durability) and Thermo-S (stability). The temperature at which these processing phases are carried out determines their differences. Thermally treated wood’s characteristics are impacted by the various stages:
- Durability is the main objective of the Thermo-D process. Additionally, Thermo-D produces a darker hue.
- Improving dimensional stability and minimising moisture absorption are the goals of the Thermo-S procedure.
The technique uses only water, steam, and heat. The wood isn’t treated with any chemicals. There are three stages to the process:
- Temperature increase: The wood’s temperature is swiftly increased to around 100 °C (212 °F), then more gradually to between 130 and 140 °C (266-284 °F). The wood’s moisture content falls to almost nothing during this phase.
- Real thermal modifying: Depending on the level of therapy, the temperature is increased to 185-220 °C (365-428 °F) and then held there for two to three hours. The wood’s chemical makeup starts to alter as the heating process progresses and the water is eliminated, with notable alterations taking place in the hemicellulose.
- Drop in temperature and equalisation of humidity: Spraying water reduces the temperature. The moisture content of wood varies depending on its intended use, but it is often greater than 5%.
The advantages of thermal modification:
Thermal alteration enhances wood’s qualities, such as:
- Diminished absorption of moisture
- A higher level of dimensional stability
- Improved resilience to rust and weather
- Resin extraction from coniferous plants
- Depending on the temperature, the wood will become stained throughout its thickness and deepen to different shades of brown.
The following modifications enhance usability:
- Preventing external cladding boards’ dimensional alterations brought on by air humidity
- Even at high relative humidity, decay fungus cannot thrive in thermally treated wood because of the low humidity levels maintained.
- Preventing resin from leaking through painted surfaces from coniferous wood
About Jartek
In terms of wood thermal modification equipment, Jartek leads the global market. A consistent and superior final product that satisfies the quality standards of the approved ThermoWood brand is guaranteed by Jartek thermal modification chambers.
Jartek has supplied more than 20 boiler plants and 80 thermal modification chambers in the last thirty years. To satisfy the various demands and specifications of their clientele, they have consistently improved their thermal modification technology. The International ThermoWood Association, the company that controls the brand, counts Jartek among its members.
Get such product updates from: HOT PRODUCTS
Get industrial insights from: wood, wood processing, thermal energy, surfaces
