Preserving timber with proven impregnation methods: learn how coal-tar oil, zinc chloride, and Hasselmann processes aim to extend the life of railroad ties and other wood structures.
This practical guide compiles detailed procedures, safety considerations, and measurement standards used in early 20th‑century timber treatment. It covers drying, vacuum and pressure operations, oil heating, and the testing methods that determine how much preservative the wood absorbs. The text also discusses quality controls, supplier requirements, and how results are evaluated against set absorption targets.
- Step‑by‑step impregnation procedures, including drying, vacuum cycles, and pressurized oil application
- Specifications for coal-tar oil and zinc chloride solutions, plus testing and quality checks
- Methods for calculating absorption, adjustments for different timber classes, and penalties or bonuses tied to results
- Notes on equipment, duties of contractors, and liability responsibilities during treatment
Ideal for readers interested in historical wood preservation practices, industrial delivery of treating processes, and the evolution of timber durability methods.