What is Creosote?

Creosote is a wood preservative used for commercial purposes only; it has no registered residential uses. Creosote is obtained from high temperature distillation of coal tar (itself a mixture of hundreds of organic substances). Read more here.

Creosote Treatment Process

Coal-tar creosote is the most widely used wood treatment today; both industrially, processed into wood using pressure methods such as "full-cell process" or "empty-cell process." In addition to toxicity to fungi, insects, and marine borers, it serves as a natural water repellant. Its commonly used to preserve and waterproof cross arms, pilings, telephone poles, transmission poles, marine pilings, and fence posts. The poles are then treated according to full cell process as follows:

• Treatment Vessel is charged with poles and the treatment vessel is sealed.

• A vacuum is drawn and maintained for an adequate period.

• Without increasing the pressure, the preservative is introduced at the appropriate temperature.

• Allow the cylinder to fill to capacity.

• Apply hydraulic pressure and maintain this pressure (approx 10bar) until the required absorption is attained.

• Release the pressure and pump surplus preservative from the treatment vessel.

• Apply a final vacuum to "dry poles" of excess preservative

After treatment, poles are laid out for final inspection where the poles are inspected for defects and drilled to check the depth of penetration. Acceptable poles are then tagged and stacked according their length and diameter class, ready for dispatch. Creosote is purchased from Arcelor Mittal and FFS Refiners in tanker form. The product adheres to SANS 616 type 2 and 3 specification respectively.

R&B TIMBER GROUP HARVESTS, PROCESSES, AND PRESSURE TREATS WOODEN POLES.

WE HAVE SUPPLIED QUALITY TIMBER TO THE LOCAL AND WORLD MARKETS SINCE 1952.