Heat treatment (HT) is a method of treating wooden pallets to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. It involves heating the pallets to a specific temperature for a specified period of time to kill any pests or pathogens that may be present. Heat treatment is a preferred method of pallet treatment because it is environmentally friendly, and it does not involve the use of chemicals that may be harmful to human health.
The process of heat treatment on wooden pallets typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Inspection: The pallets are visually inspected to ensure that they are free from dirt, debris, and any other materials that could interfere with the heat treatment process.
- Marking and Identification: The pallets are marked with an internationally recognized heat treatment stamp that includes the manufacturer’s code, the treatment code (HT), and the country of origin.
- Heating: The pallets are placed in a heat treatment chamber or kiln and heated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C for at least 30 minutes. The temperature and time are monitored throughout the process to ensure that the pallets are heated evenly.
- Cooling: After heating, the pallets are removed from the chamber and allowed to cool down to room temperature.
- Quality Control: The pallets are inspected again to ensure that they have been heated properly and meet the requirements for heat treatment.
Documentation: The pallets are accompanied by a certificate of heat treatment that provides details of the treatment process, including the date, time, temperature, and duration of the treatment.
Heat treatment is a highly effective method of treating wooden pallets, and it is widely used in the export industry to meet international regulations and prevent the spread of pests and diseases.