Sterilisation

ISPM15

Sterilisation
of packaging
and pallet material

The sterilisation of packaging and pallet material is of paramount importance in the prevention of forest diseases spread due to the infestation of wood packaging. This problem prompted the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention), under the endorsement of the FAO, to promulgate the ISPM15 (International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures) standard in March 2002. Standard ISPM15 establishes two sterilisation methods: fumigation with methyl bromide and heat treatment. The latter is preferable for environmental and ecological reasons. Heat treatment requires the wood to reach an internal temperature of at least 56°C for at least 30 minutes.

According to the precepts of ISPM15, it is the task of NPPOs (National Plant Protection Organisations) to supervise the application and control of heat treatments. The standard also lays down the technical specifications concerning the number and type of probes required for treatment, as well as the certificates to be issued.

Electronic sterilisation control

Electronic sterilisation control is a crucial step in complying with international standards such as ISPM15, the application of which varies from country to country. In order to certify the attainment and maintenance of 56°C at the core of the wood material for at least 30 minutes, some countries require direct measurement by means of probes inserted into the core of the wood, while others rely on indirect measurements by means of air temperature probes.

To meet this variety of requirements and ensure full compliance with regulations, Nardi has developed advanced electronic control solutions such as the HTR additional equipment, which enables the acquisition, processing, visualisation and printing of the data required to certify the heat treatment of wood.

In addition, for cells intended exclusively for sterilisation, Nardi has created a dedicated control system called HTC. This tool not only manages the sterilisation cycle, but also enables the acquisition, recording and printing of data essential for ensuring compliance with regulations and obtaining the IPPC/ FAO mark.