Pallets used in export shipments must be treated in order to comply with ISPM-15, the international regulation governing wood packaging in order to prevent the spread of wood-eating insects.
Pallets – or the lumber used to build them – may be treated by fumigation or heated to eliminate the risk of insect infestation. Proper treatment and marking are the only way for wood packaging material to comply with the international standard, and heat treatment using kilns has become the preferred treatment method for the pallet industry.
A number of companies offer heat-treating systems for the pallet and container industry. Nearly all of them also manufacture kilns for producing kiln-dried lumber because the technology of heating wood to the ISPM-15 standard and the technology to dry wood is very similar. In fact, some companies offer systems that can do both – heat-treat and kiln-dry. In the last decade, more and more pallets are being dried to prevent mold and mildew on pallets. This is especially true for pallets used in food and pharmaceutical applications. Some companies are using dip tanks to treat lumber or finished pallets with a chemical to inhibit mold growth.
Recently, increases in KD/HT pine lumber has resulted in more companies switching to green pine cants and then drying the pallets after manufacturing.
Heat-treating systems can vary widely. Systems are available in various capacities to treat small or large quantities of pallets. Suppliers can construct a heat-treatment chamber from the ground up, provide ready-built units that can be readily put in place on a concrete pad, or supply equipment packages to convert a shipping container or trailer van into a heat-treating system. Chambers may allow loading and unloading pallets by forklift or they may use a specialized loading system. The most common approach utilized in the industry is forklift loading. The most common fuel for heating the chambers is gas (natural gas or liquid propane). However, wood biomass and electric powered options are also available.
Another issue to consider in evaluating and selecting equipment for heat-treating pallets is the control system and record-keeping system. Systems are available that function automatically and may be monitored remotely. They also capture and record data during the process — information that may be needed to meet certification requirements.
Some units are much harder to move than others. It is sometimes worth considering the portability if you may have to relocate at a later date. This is especially a concern for companies that lease facilities and do not own them.
Service and support after the sale and installation are critical if you want to maintain a good running system. With high employee turnover in the industry, having a supplier that offers strong support can keep you running when an experienced operator leaves a company. Not all suppliers offer the same level of support and training. Ask around the industry to find out which suppliers are the best for long-term support.
The following pages contain information on advertisers that supply pallet heat-treating equipment. Pallet companies considering investing in a heat-treating system should take into account the purchase cost, infrastructure required, charge time, fuel cost, cost per pallet, support, controls and monitoring software, and other factors. Advertisers are listed in alphabetical order.
Kiln-direct.com
Phone: 910 259 1624
Email: sales@kiln-direct.com
Web: www.kiln-direct.com
Capacity: 300-800 GMA pallet (12 models)
Cycle time: HT: 1-6 hours in most cases
Pallet drying: 8-24 hours in most cases
Fuel Type: LP gas, natural gas or biomass/wood waste
Description:
Kiln-direct offers 12 standard models that are end- or side-loaded plus a conversion unit for a reefer van. With more than 900 pallet kilns running, Kiln-direct has become a popular choice for the industry. Kiln-direct has continually made improvements in kiln performance and control systems. This means the newer kilns are significantly faster and with updated controls incorporating touchscreen display equipped with onscreen troubleshooting guide. The office PC is wirelessly connected to the kiln for record keeping and mobile access. Kiln status notification with your phone is available.
Kiln-direct focuses on providing sustainable support for its kilns; giving customers access to technical support, parts, new maintenance videos, and upgrades to make kilns perform better (more details: www.kiln-direct.com/sustainable_support).
In the last few years, Kiln-direct has introduced many improvements: Performance models with significantly shorter heat up times, 100% stainless steel chamber structures for longest kiln lifespan, heat recovery on venting to reduce energy cost when drying pallets, and better burner controls. As part of our sustainable service, many of the upgrades and improvements are offered for upgrading existing kilns.
Millwood, Inc.
Phone: (800) 860-4744
Email: ezflo@millwoodinc.com
Website: www.millwoodinc.com
Capacity: 22 GMA pallets
Cycle Time: 240 pallets per hour for heat treating; 160 pallets per hour for mold inhibiting
Fuel Type: Electric
Description: The EZ-Flo heat-treating system has been in operation since 2011 as a proven solution for ISPM-15 compliance. Formal testing has been conducted by Timber Products Inspection and the American Lumber Standards Committee to certify ISPM-15 compliance running EZ-Flo in a continuous, flow-through mode.
Pressurized forced-air technology provides consistent temperatures throughout the stack of pallets. The high temperature along with pressurized air flow in the oven produces short run times, resulting in lower treatment costs and higher capacity output compared to other solutions in the industry. The treatment cycle allows surface moisture to flash dry; the reduced surface moisture will inhibit mold growth. Finished pallets do not exhibit water stains, especially near the bottom of the stack, and degrade is minimized or eliminated. Temperature data loggers and software for maintaining ISPM-15 certification are included with the machine.
Nova Dry Kiln
Phone: (502) 409-4539
Email: mmeredith@novadrykiln.com
Website: www.novadrykiln.com
Capacity: Truck-load of GMA pallets or half-load or quarter-load
Cycle Time: 4-5 hours
Fuel Type: Gas, wood waste or electric
Description: The Nova Dry Kiln pallet heat treating systems are hot-water based, providing better operating economy and more flexibility with fuel. The instrumentation is fully automatic and simple to work with. Nova provides the ability to dry pallets as well.
Nyle Dry Kilns
Phone: (800) 777-6953
Email: kilnsales@nyle.com
Website: www.nyle.com
Capacity: 350-660 GMA pallets
Cycle Time: About 3 hours for heat-treating, 2-3 days for heat-treating and drying
Fuel Type: Propane or natural gas (indirect fired burners)
Description: Nyle has developed heat-treating systems that are adaptable, efficient, and easy to operate. The innovative, flexible design of these units makes modification and expansion easy when regulations or your needs change. All Nyle heat-treating systems are equipped with indirect gas-fired furnaces burning either natural gas or propane for high temperature heat treating and extended drying capabilities. This technology is safer, more efficient, and does not require a boiler. Nyle offers 40-foot container and chamber packages manufactured with the highest quality materials to ensure that your time is spent making money, not repairs.
SII Dry Kilns
Phone: (336) 357-7146
Email: kilninfo@siidrykilns.com
Website: www.siidrykilns.com
Capacity: 600-2,400 GMA pallets
Cycle Time: 2-3 hours
Fuel Type: Natural gas, propane, steam and hot water
Description: SII manufacturers high performance pallet heat-treating and drying chambers. It offers systems of various size and capacity that can hold from 600 to 2,400 GMA pallets. All units are built out of aluminum and stainless steel to minimize corrosion. Systems are designed to heat-treat and dry pallets fast and effectively. The chambers can be heated with indirect or direct gas burner systems, steam, or hot water. Fully automated computerized controls provide all required documentation to meet and comply with heat-treating regulations.
