Chemical‐Free Pest Control by Dielectric Heating with Radio Waves and Microwaves: Thermal Effects. Issue 1 (4th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoyer, Christian; Pfütze, Christian; Plarre, Rudy; Trommler, Ulf; Steinbach, Steffen; Klutzny, Kerstin; Holzer, Frank; Rabe, Carsten; Höhlig, Björn; Schmidt, Detlef; Roland, Ulf
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering & technology. Volume 41:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2017-12-04
• Subjects: Dielectric heating -- Microwaves -- Pest control -- Radio waves -- Wood protection; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical processes -- Periodicals; 660.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ceat.201600712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0930-7516

Abstract

Abstract: Thermal pest control with hot air is widely accepted as an alternative to chemical methods. However, it requires relatively long treatment times owing to the low thermal conductivity of wood. Direct dielectric heating that applies radio waves or microwaves has the advantage of more homogeneous heating. However, sound experimental data on this technique are currently rare. Therefore, the thermal treatment of wood‐destroying insects with radio waves and microwaves was studied with two model pests, Anobium punctatum and Hylotrupes bajulus, and with Tenebrio molitor as a reference. The secure elimination of pests was achieved, and the corresponding treatment time was in the range of a few minutes. Temperature profiles were more homogeneous when applying radio waves. Abstract : : Huge economic damage is caused by pest infestation of timber. Thermal treatment of wood‐destroying insects with radio waves and microwaves was studied for two model pests, Anobium punctatum and Hylotrupes bajulus, and with larvae of Tenebrio molitor as reference. It was shown that a secure elimination of pests can be achieved by generating temperatures above 55 °C for only a few minutes.