FEASIBILITY OF DRYING CCA-TREATED RED PINE POLES DURING FIXATION

This study evaluates the effects of exposing red pine poles to combina tions of high humidity fixation and low humidity drying conditions in a kiln immediately after treatment with chromated copper arsenate (CCA -C) wood preservative. The rate of fixation is slowed substantially as a result of cooling of the wood surface under the drying conditions. However, as long as the wood moisture content does not drop below the fiber saturation point, there do not appear to be any adverse effects on CCA leaching from the fixed wood or on redistribution of preservati ve chemical. This practice does not provide great savings in drying ti me, but energy consumption should be reduced in dehumidification kiln fixation chambers if drying is started before fixation is complete.