Many wood impregnation processes have been in use for a very long time, up to 150 years, but they have not been progressively modified. This paper considers impregnation processes in relation to current requirements, particularly impregnation efficiency and energy consumption. The term 'pore' is used throughout in its physical sense and is not confined to botanical 'pores'. SI units are used and, for convenience, atmospheric pressure is assumed to be exactly 100 N/m²; complete vacuum is 0 N/m². These observations and conclusions summarise an extensive programme of investigation at Penarth Research Centre involving creosote and water-borne preservatives, as well as a range of organic solvent preservatives.

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