STUDY ON IMPORTED TIMBER PERFORMANCE IN INDUSTRIAL COOLING TOWER

摘要

Timber being a high strength and weight ratio material fulfills structural and fill area requirement of cooling tower. It helps to dissipate heat from hot water and allows cooling it timely. However the suitability of timber species for this purpose needs research attention, since probability of biological deterioration is high in humid conditions. In the present study, three softwood species i.e. Pinus roxburghii, Pinus radiata and Pseudotsuga menziesii were treated with CCA, CCB and ZiBOC at 2, 4 and 6% concentration and tested in industrial cooling tower. The samples were removed at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months and analyzed for preservative loss as well as weight loss. Results revealed that untreated timber was not durable and needs preservative treatment. Significant preservative and weight loss was occurred in all treated timber species after 24 month. Although, substantial preservative retention as required for cooling tower condition was achieved in samples treated at 6% concentration. Two imported species i.e. Pinus radiata and Pseudotsuga menziesii performed better as compared to indigenous Pinus roxburghii.