Radio frequency heating for sterilization of wood packaging material of radiata pine. Part 1: Total treatment time

Abstract

In this work the total heating time was studied using radio frequency to sterilize wood packaging material of Pinus radiata, through the conditions 56 ° C and 60 ° C for 30 and 1 minutes respectively, according to international phytosanitary norms. The experimental tests were carried out in a laboratory radiofrequency equipment of 3 m3 capacity. The heating time was determined and prediction models were developed, depending on the thickness, plaque separation and wood loading volume, with confidence levels above 90%. The results showed that the total time of radiofrequency sterilization was greater in the surface of the pile and were statistically similar under both treatment conditions.