Steaming of freshly treated wood at 100°C to 120°C initiates a spontaneous fixation of copper-chromate-containing wood preservatives. For the performance, a suitable anticorrosive equipment is necessary. Good results can be achieved using a separate steaming equipment which allows a rapid heating of the wood. While warming-up, in the wood some preservative solution extends and can be partly extruded. In addition, minor condensation takes place on the surface of the wood and on the walls of the steaming device. Depending on the velocity of the steam supply, it may contain droplets of the wood preservative used. The heated timber itself evaporates water with no detectable ingredients of the preservative. Altogether steam fixation is a promising method to reduce pollution by wood recently treated with water-borne preservatives and allows its use soon after treatment.

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