At Lion, we are dedicated to ensuring that our wood products are high-quality and safe for international export, when required. Our advanced, on-site heat treat chamber is designed to meet the stringent requirements set by global regulations, ensuring that wood products like pallets, skids, and other lagging equipment can be properly treated to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Why heat treat wood products?
Heat treatment is a crucial process for any company involved in exporting wood products. This process ensures that the wood is free from harmful insects, larvae, and microorganisms that could be living inside the wood. The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15) require that wood packaging materials are heat-treated to a specific temperature to eliminate these risks. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties, rejected shipments, and harm to global biodiversity.
Examples of the invasives that are common in wood shipments that our heat treatment process eliminates.
Southern Yellow Pine Beetle
This beetle primarily targets various species of pine trees, including those found in the southern United States – affecting not only the ecosystem but the timber industry. Southern yellow pine is particularly vulnerable to this destructive beetle.
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Known for attacking hardwood trees, this beetle can cause severe damage to forests and urban landscapes. Once established, it is extremely difficult to control and can lead to widespread tree mortality.
Pine Wilt Nematode
This microscopic worm infests pine trees, causing pine wilt disease, which leads to the rapid death of affected trees. Its spread can have devastating effects on pine forests, particularly in regions where the species is not native.
Gypsy Moth
The gypsy moth caterpillar feeds on hundreds of species of trees and shrubs, defoliating large areas of forest. Without natural predators, it can cause massive ecological imbalances in new environments.
Chamber Dimensions and Specifications
Our system is designed to accommodate a wide range of wood sizes and complies with the ISPM-15 standard, a regulatory requirement for international shipping. Our standard procedure is to raise the core temperature of the wood to a minimum of 140°F (60°C) and maintain for at least 30 minutes. This process ensures that all pests, larvae, eggs, or other invasive species are eradicated, making the wood safe for export. Other parameters are available based on client needs.
Interior Dimensions: 40 ft long x 25 ft wide x 13 ft tall
Door Dimensions: 16 ft wide x 13 ft tall
Recommended Clearance from Walls: 2 ft
Operating Temperature Range: 140°F (60°C) to 170°F (77°C)
Temp Adjustment Intervals: 1 degree Fahrenheit
Temp Delta Across Chamber: Typically +/- 5 degrees Fahrenheit
Have Lion Heat Tread Your Wood Products
We take pride in our commitment to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our heat treatment chamber is a testament to that commitment, ensuring that your wood products are ready for the global market. Don’t take chances with your exports—choose Lion Lumber and see how we can help your business succeed domestically and aboard.
Contact us at 708.940.4419 today to learn more about our heat treatment services.