Workshop Integrated Pest Management (IPM) New perspectives and methodes for insect control Bernhard Schachenhofer Technical basics of the Thermo Lignum ® process Brussel 18 th of March 2013

The Idea behind the Thermo Lignum Process  Insects (Pests) such as woodworm (Anobium punctatum), moths, carpet beetle etc. are temperature sensitive.  The majority of insects at any of the various stages of their life cycle will die if they are subjected to temperatures between 50°C and 55°C for an extended period.  → Heat up the objects Source: Becker und Loebe 1961

The risks of heat treatment  Dimensional change, due to swelling or shrinkage, because of changes in the object moisture content  Excessive temperature differences in the object Damage to objects occurs for two reasons:

Context of climat and wood moisture The solution Control relative Humidity during the process

The solution  Measure the core temperature  Define a temperature difference  Control the chamber temperature Avoid large temperature differences between surface and core

Bring all together Process sheme The Thermo Lignum ® Chamber Technology Treat ment phase warming phaseCooling phase °C time Core temperatur °C - t rh% Cell temperatur °CRelative humidity % < 60°C ≥ 55°C Mind. 1 Std

The Thermo Lignum ® process process scheme in a Thermo Lignum ® chamber Treat- ment phase Warming phaseCooling phase t t = 18 – 24 Std Cell or Chamber temperature Core temperatureRelative Humidity t