PROTECTIVE HEMP OIL FOR WOOD TREATMENT METHOD

Abstract

A protectant and sealant solution and method of use thereof, configured to protect wood from premature decay when disposed in contact with the earth. The solution is composed of processed hemp oil which is mixed with bio-diesel and other oils to form the protectant solution. The wood is then impregnated with the solution via pressure treatment within a retort cylinder. The solution is configured to protect utility poles and other wooden construction members which are known for prolonged contact with soil. The solution is designed as a safe replacement for pentachlorophenol solutions which have been found to be harmful to the soil and water table.

Claims

1. A method of treating wood with natural solution to provide enhanced weathering protection and heightened decay hazard ratings comprising: drying the wood in a kiln, removing water from the wood, forming pre-treated wood; preparing the natural solution by mixing bio-diesel oil with hemp seed oil; disposing the solution in a retort cylinder; placing the pre-treated wood into an interior of the retort cylinder; sealing the retort cylinder; the retort cylinder applying pressure to the pre-treated wood within the interior of the retort cylinder; the pressure impregnating the wood with the solution; the pressure covering an exterior of the wood with the solution, forming treated wood; opening the retort cylinder; removing the treated wood; and drying the treated wood.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the solution is comprised of 85% bio-diesel and 15% hemp seed oil.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the solution is comprised of 90% bio-diesel and 10% hemp seed oil.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the solution is comprised of 95% bio-diesel and 5% hemp seed oil.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein a vacuum applied in the retort cylinder is 24 inches HG minimum.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pressure applied in the retort cylinder during impregnation of the wood with the solution is less than or equal to 150 PSI.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: painting a surface coat of the solution to the exterior of the treated wood.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: emptying the retort cylinder of solution; and the retort cylinder applying two final vacuum stages to the treated wood to allow equilibration of internal pressures within the treated wood with atmospheric pressure.

9. The method of claim 2, further comprising: emptying the retort cylinder of solution; and the retort cylinder applying two final vacuum stages to the treated wood to allow equilibration of internal pressures within the treated wood with atmospheric pressure.

10. The method of claim 3, further comprising: emptying the retort cylinder of solution; and the retort cylinder applying two final vacuum stages to the treated wood to allow equilibration of internal pressures within the treated wood with atmospheric pressure.

11. The method of claim 4, further comprising: emptying the retort cylinder of solution; and the retort cylinder applying two final vacuum stages to the treated wood to allow equilibration of internal pressures within the treated wood with atmospheric pressure.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the pressure applied in the retort cylinder during impregnation of the wood with the solution is less than or equal to 150 PSI.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the hemp seed oil of the solution is derived from industrial hemp.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the specific gravity of the solution is below the specific gravity of water.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-treated wood has a shape selected from the following group: a utility pole, a beam, a column, a board, and a post.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0016] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a flow chart detailing the process of use of the present invention by a user.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a bar graph exhibiting the efficacy of the treatment method of the present invention in comparison to a control group.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a bar graph detailing the dimensional variation of wood treated with the solution of the present invention at seven and 14 days of exposure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

[0021] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0022] The present invention is a wood treatment solution and method configured to facilitate the protection of wood against premature decay. The solution is hemp oil-based, and is preferably a mixture of at least the following oils: hemp oil, diesel oil, bio-diesel oil, and small quantities of stabilizing oils. Strengths of the hemp-oil in the solution is preferably 5%, 10%, or 15% (+/−) hemp oil, with the remaining portion of the solution composed of bio-diesel oil and/or other oils. Solutions may be available in other ratios of hemp oil to bio-diesel oil, however it has been found that increases in protection diminish after 15% hemp seed oil. The hemp oil used in the solution of the present invention is preferably processed hemp seed oil. The carrier solvent can be a petroleum-based oil or a number of natural oils, such as bio-diesel. The specific gravity of the solution should be well below that of water to facilitate good gravimetric separation from any residual water accumulated during treating. Miscibility and/or complete mixing of the hemp oil component in the carrier solvent should occur indicating formation of a true solution.

[0023] The hemp oil solution of the present invention is preferably impregnated into the wood using conventional pressure treatment practices. A retort cylinder is preferably used as the kiln-dried wood is immersed in the solution of the present invention, treating the entirety of the wood. Woods suitable for treatment include beams, poles, columns, and boards, however preferred embodiments of the present invention are envisioned for use as a treatment for utility pole which are known to remain in contact with the earth for its entire use. The entirety of the pole is preferably treated with the solution, not only the portion configured to rest below the groundline of the installation.

[0024] To impregnate wood with the solution of the present invention, the solution is applied to the wood under a vacuum/pressure regime to drive the hemp solution into the wood. This can be accomplished in a number of ways, including the Bethell full cell process utilizing a deep initial vacuum, the Lowry empty cell process utilizing initial air pressure at atmospheric, the Rueping empty cell process utilizing increased initial air pressure above atmospheric, and the modified full cell process utilizing a partial initial vacuum. For example, the basic modified full cell process for southern pine is:

TABLE-US-00001 PROCESS PRESSURE/ TIME STEP VACUUM (min) Initial vacuum 10 inches HG 15 Fill cylinder 15 Impregnation Less than or equal (until gross injection to 150 PSI target is reached) Empty cylinder 15 1.sup.st Final 24 inches HG 45 Vacuum Minimum Vent 5 2.sup.nd Final 24 inches HG (until net injection Vacuum Minimum target is reached) Purge 15 Final Empty 10

[0025] It should be noted that other combinations of vacuum and pressure may be utilized at times dependent upon the species of wood, the condition of wood to be treated, and the net gauge retention required.

[0026] The treating process is accomplished in an autoclave (retort) cylinder where the wood to be treated is immersed in preservative solution. Prior to immersion, the wood is subjected to a partial vacuum to evacuate some air from the wood. Typically, after the initial vacuum step, a sufficient volume of preservative is forced into the wood with pressure of sufficient magnitude necessary to accomplish preservative penetration consistent with industry standards for the species of wood in question. After impregnation of the solution into the wood, the cylinder is emptied of solution and the wood is subjected to two final vacuum stages to allow equilibration of internal pressures with atmospheric. This accelerates any kickback of preservative in the cylinder whereby minimizing exudation of preservative after removal from the treating cylinder.

[0027] The process of installation and use of the system and apparatus of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is preferably as follows: [0028] 1. First, hemp oil is mixed with bio-diesel oil and/or other oils, forming the protectant solution. (100) [0029] 2. Next, the protectant solution is disposed within a retort cylinder. (110). Wood to be treated is first conditioned. It is kiln dried below the fiber saturation point to remove free water from the cell lumen in preparation for treatment. Special care should be taken to ensure the wood surface to be free from heavy concentrations of particulates and/or surface deposits that could impede the radial flow of preservative solution into the wood. [0030] 3. Then, the wood to be treated is placed within the retort cylinder. (120) [0031] 4. Next, the retort cylinder is sealed. (130) [0032] 5. Next, high pressure is applied to the confines of the retort cylinder. (140) The pressure remains for a required minimum duration as specified by the species of wood, and its ultimate end-use application. Primarily, the end-use application of the wood determines the concentration of solution applied, as well as the duration of the pressure application. [0033] 6. The high pressure impregnates the wood with the protectant solution, and the exterior of the wood is coated with the solution. (150) [0034] 7. Then, the retort cylinder is opened, the wood is removed and allowed to dry. (160) [0035] 8. Additional applications of the protectant solution are applied if needed or desired. (170)

[0036] It should be noted that higher concentrations of the solutions may be prudent for use in high decay hazard zones as is typical of other preservative systems. These processes are applicable to lumber, timbers, posts, poles, piling and other wood products generally treated for industrial or residential use in both ground contact and above ground contact applications. Other combinations of vacuum and pressure may be utilized at times dependent upon the species of wood, the product being treated, the condition of wood to be treated, and the net gauge retention required. Additionally, it should be noted that the solution of the present invention is also suitable for treatment of lumber configured for use as deck supports, wooden compost bin construction, fence post, and similar wood-to-soil installations.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, multiple instances of the pressure treating process may be required. In other instances, a supplemental surface coating may be used.

[0038] Post-treatment conditions can further promote the polymerization of the hemp solution in-situ to fix the solution and any components or additives carried by the solution with the wood substrate. After removal of the wood from the retort cylinder, the treated wood should be held a few days to allow this to begin to occur. Once polymerization is initiated in the wood, it generally will continue until complete. It is known that when the outer coat of the wood treated with hemp solution is breached, the less fully polymerized hemp solution components retained in the interior migrates to the surface. As it reaches the surface, it is exposed to the air where oxidation begins which results in the polymerization of solution components to the wood substrate. Also, depending upon the atmospheric conditions of the manufacturing plant, it may be advantageous to heat the solution immediately prior to treatment to accelerate the rate of oxidation and subsequent reactions once the wood is treated.

[0039] For surface applications, similar solutions of industrial hemp oils and carrier solutions are applied to the wood surface allowing a few hours between applications. It is important to provide a solid surface coat of oil to seal the wood. Prevailing mechanisms for the surface applications are similar to those previously described. As the hemp solution on the exterior surface of the treated wood polymerizes, it hardens creating a layer of protection to the exterior of the wood imparting some water resistance and weathering resistance to the wood substrate, however the method of impregnation previously described yields better results.

[0040] It should be understood that the solution and method of the present invention may be configured for use on home-use wood products as a protectant/sealant for above ground lumber applications.

Testing of Treatment Efficacy

[0041] The below describes efficacy testing which was conducted to determine the most effective ratio of solution (hemp seed oil to bio-diesel oil) for the desired effect of maximizing the service life of wood.

Soil Block Testing

[0042] To prepare the soil block test beds, the AWPA E 10-16 standard was followed, with a substitution of plastic containers for French square jars. The water holding capacity of the sieved, autoclaved soil was verified. To the 150 g of soil, approximately 70 ml of water was added. A 2-inch southern pine feeder strip was placed in the center of each container and plugs of G. trabeum were inoculated onto the soil immediately adjacent to the long sides of each feeder strip. Inoculated containers were maintained at 27 degrees C. for 14 days to allow the fungal inoculum to become established on the feeder strip. At 14 days, test containers with the most fungal growth were selected to receive treated blocks.

[0043] A total of 10 blocks were placed into glass containers, which were placed into a bench-scale treatment cylinder. Treating solutions filled each glass container so that the blocks were completely submerged. A vacuum was pulled in the sealed cylinder and allowed to remain 15 minutes to purge air from the blocks. After 15 minutes, the vacuum was released and the blocks were allowed to soak in the respective solutions for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes the surface wetness was blotted away and the weight for each block was recorded. Blocks were allowed to continue drying at ambient temperature and humidity until a stable weight was reached. From each treatment group, five blocks were selected for testing based on the weight and treatment uptake.

[0044] Treated blocks were placed onto inoculated feeder strips in containers and placed back into an incubator at 27 degree C. for eight weeks. Growth was visually inspected for contamination and/or drying issues and no issues were observed. At the end of the eight-week test period, containers were removed from the incubator, test blocks were retrieved, cleaned of fungal growth and placed onto a drying rack. Blocks were dried for several days until they reached equilibrium. Final weights were taken and percentage mass change was determined.

[0045] Mass change in the unprotected water controls average 36%, indicating that the fungal culture used in the test is consuming wood as an energy source and the wood provided no impediment to its progression. A 30-40% mass loss average is considered to be an acceptable standard for unprotected southern pine blocks in soil testing.

[0046] All treatment groups other than the water control indicated the potential to restrict fungal growth. It was noted that there is a direct correlation between sample mass gain and concentration of hemp seed oil in the solutions.

Pole Decay Modeling

[0047] Previous testing with standard soil block test methodology using 14 mm southern pine and the brown rot fungi Glocophyllum trabeum indicated no detectable mass loss in samples treated with SGUP proprietary oil-based system after 8 weeks. Three treating solutions and two control sets were included in the experimental design, including a water only control, a P9 carrier oil control, and treatments at 33%, 66%, and 100% Hemp seed oil in carrier oil.

[0048] Since the goal of the treatments development is to design a system for the treatment of utility poles, testing a sample geometry more representative of a pole was agreed to by SBP staff and SGUP representatives. The stages discussed were: 1) lab scale modeling of treatment followed by decay and termite evaluations 2) eventual field scale studies with 18-inch treated stakes. Lab scale testing was based on AWPA E 14-16 method for Rapidly Evaluating the Decay Resistance of Wood based materials in Ground contact. Soil test beds were prepared consistent with AWPA E 14-16. Sections of agar-grown G. trabeum decay fungi were added to the soil surface and allowed to colonize the soil for a minimum of 14 days.

[0049] Growth of fungal inoculum and preparation of treated samples occurred during the same time period. Treatment groups were placed in a cylinder under vacuum for 20 minutes followed by 20 minutes submerged in the solution. (Treatment tests were performed preliminarily to determine time needed for penetration and retention.) Following treatment, samples were dried at 40 degrees C. in a forced air oven to a stable weight. The treated samples were introduced vertically into the soil beds to a depth of 2 inches.

[0050] Soil bed containers were housed in an incubator for fungal analysis at 22-28 degrees C. with no internal lights. Each container was covered with a layer of aluminum foil and allowed to exchange moisture and air inside the incubator. Moisture content was maintained at an appropriate level to maintain fungal growth (30-50%) and confirmed weekly. Mass loss was minimal in all treated samples.

[0051] Both the 33% and 66% samples showed a slightly higher mass loss than the 100% sample. The 100% samples averaged 1.3% weight loss, while the 33% and 66% samples averaged 1.8% and 1.9% respectively.

[0052] From the results, there was little difference in weight loss with the changes in concentration. Therefore, the results would suggest that considerably lower concentrations would also behave favorably.

Accelerated Weathering

[0053] Here, the university was engaged to perform accelerated weathering tests on a number of formulations for topical use. Procedures and results are summarized below.

[0054] A part of their routine evaluation procedures, the university houses an accelerated weathering testing machine, which has been used to successfully analyze the weathering potential of numerous wood products for many years. Specifically, this methodology is used during investigations of coatings and paints that aim to reduce or eliminate wood swelling and shrinking, and damage to coatings and paint from heat and water.

[0055] Testing is based on similar procedure conducted by Temiz, et al (2005) which determined surface and color changes in preservative-treated wood. For the proposed test, samples of SYP were prepared from a larger board, cut to sample size 1″×4″×3″ in the wood shop. Students weighed test pieces into similar groups, and selected five from each group for coating. Solutions provided by SGUP were applied by brush to all surfaces of test pieces, and allowed to air dry for 24-48 hours. A second coat was applied, an accepted industry standard practice, and the pieces dried for an additional 24-48 hours. Weights and dimensional measurements were taken and recorded. Uncoated SYP samples were included as controls, along with an alkyd-acrylic product that is known to perform well in weathering tests and a solvent-only control group (Bobadilha et al, 2021).

[0056] A cycle of 8 hours of UV light and heat (approximately 100° F.) were followed immediately by water misting for 16 hours. These cycles continued for the duration of testing. Each day, samples were randomly reassigned to a different position within the weathering chamber. Weights and dimensional measurements were taken at 0, 7 days, and 14 days of exposure (approximately 0 hours, 168 hours, and 336 hours). Daily task included rotating the samples randomly and monitoring of the weathering system.

[0057] At 7 and 14 days of exposure, samples were removed from the weathering apparatus, and examined for the following:

[0058] Weight

[0059] Dimensional variation (L/W/D with digital caliper)

[0060] Visual analysis such as cracking/checking/flaking/chalking of coated surfaces (ASTM standards)

[0061] Warp/cup/splitting of wood

[0062] Mold or mildew occurrence

[0063] Nine different solution formulations were tested. Also, solvent controls, positive controls and negative controls were Tested as well. Samples of 5, 10 and 15% hemp seed oil were mixed with solvents. These, and 4 different industrial hemp crude extractions were quantified regarding mass change at various stages during the weathering tests. These results were compared to an alkyd-acrylic product (positive control) that is known to perform well in weathering tests and a solvent-only control group. Mass Change results are shown in FIG. 2.

[0064] In FIG. 3, the HSO BB samples were also favorable to the positive control on dimensional variation as was sample BB-3-5 HSO crude. It can be seen that in FIG. 3, samples 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 all behaved favorably in comparison to the positive control. The negative control was untreated wood. The positive control was treated conventionally such that is known to perform well in weathering tests. As shown in FIG. 2, all samples performed favorably to the positive control. All samples were evaluated after weathering for surface issues including flaking, chalking, mold, mildew, cupping, and warpage. There were no issues on any of these. The only observation that was noted was a little end checking and this was present on all the samples and also the positive control. These were very small checks similar to the end checking that would occur as wood begins to season at moisture contents just below fiber saturation point.

[0065] For surface applications, similar solutions of industrial hemp oils and carrier solution are applied to the wood surface allowing a few hours between applications. It is important to provide a solid surface coat of oil to seal the wood. Prevailing mechanisms for the surface applications are similar to those previously described. As the hemp solution on the exterior surface of the treated wood polymerizes, it creates a layer of protection to the exterior of the wood imparting some water resistance and weathering resistance to the wood substrate.

[0066] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0067] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.