Based on the possible ban of creosote in the future, the need for oil based alternative products has gained in importance. Due to possible differences in impregnation properties compared to creosote the need for re-implementing former technology is given, to determine if momentarily used impregnation processes have to be modified. The here reported tests measure the pressure gradient during the impregnation of railway sleepers and the influence of the different transversal directions of Beech (Fagus sylvatica) on the penetration under an applied pressure. First results demonstrate a major longitudinal impact on air pressure distribution (up to 70 cm) inside the wood. Due to anatomical properties a delay in pressure distribution in transversal direction is also observed. Measurements of pressure gradients inside the wood in combination with fluids are ongoing and will give further results about the penetration behaviour. First results are described in this study including the drawbacks of the selected method. Furthermore, the tendency of a higher penetration of an oily product in tangential direction is observed, but must be statistically verified by further tests and microscopical studies.

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