Wood drying

Wood Drying at Lesoteka

Technical Drying in Our Own Dryer

In the forestry chain and in obtaining high-quality wood for various purposes, the drying of wood is a crucial phase in the processing process. Proper and professionally monitored drying extends the lifespan of wooden products and semi-finished products, while also improving their chemical-mechanical properties. Wood drying can be natural or mechanical. Natural wood drying has a smaller environmental impact and is cheaper. Unfortunately, our geographical location does not allow us to dry wood naturally throughout the year. Due to the increasing demand for properly dried wood, the Lesoteka group has its own drying facility, where wood is dried by supplying heat, resulting in the evaporation of water from the wood fibers. Artificial drying takes place in a closed chamber, ensuring uniform heat supply to the wood and continuous moisture removal.

Lesoteka Wood Dryer

Annual Capacity 10,000 m3 of Wood

Lesoteka Group has a wood drying facility at its remote location in Spodnja Vižinga. The company primarily uses it for drying and preparing wood for its own needs. Simultaneously, when dealing with larger quantities of wood, we also offer drying services to the market. The annual capacity for dried wood is approximately 10,000 m3. In addition to wood drying, other wood protection processes are employed to enhance durability and protect against pests and molds. One such process, which is also conducted in the drying facility, is the ISPM 15 standard.

ISPM 15 Standard

For Wooden Packaging

ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is an international standard used to protect forests and prevent the spread of pests and diseases that can be transmitted through wooden packaging and pallets in international transport. Adhering to ISPM 15 standards is a crucial step in preserving forests and preventing the spread of invasive pests globally. International transport of wood and wooden products represents a significant potential source for the spread of pests between different countries and continents. The most effective and common method for achieving ISPM 15 compliance is through heat treatment.

ISPM-15

PEFC

Why and in which cases is wood drying necessary?
At what moisture content do we dry wood?
What does HT treatment mean?
How does the HT treatment process work?
What is the advantage of HT treatment?
What is ISPM15?

Proper drying of sawn wood is crucial for the quality of the wood itself and its subsequent processing, such as planing, sanding, gluing, and painting. Drying maintains and improves wood quality, making it dimensionally more stable, reducing weight, and enhancing mechanical and insulating properties. It depends on the intended use. HT (Heat Treatment) is a specific treatment of wooden packaging material where the wood is appropriately processed using heat to destroy harmful organisms. The treatment must be appropriately marked in accordance with the ISPM-15 standard. Heat Treatment involves heating the wood until it reaches the prescribed minimum temperature throughout its cross-section, including the core, for at least 56 °C for a minimum of 30 minutes. The certificate for performing thermal treatment of wooden packaging – ISPM15 standard, allows the use of international markings on wooden packaging, indicating that the packaging has undergone thermal treatment and is safe for use from the phytosanitary perspective. Our company is authorized for the thermal treatment of wood. The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM15) for wooden packaging sets minimum standards to prevent the transfer of diseases and pests in wooden packaging in international trade. By heating the packaging to at least 55°C for a minimum of 30 minutes in the thickest part of the wood, potential pests in the wood are destroyed, making the packaging environmentally safe.