Drying of oakwood infected by anaerobic bacteria

The paper presents a review of papers covering recent research on oakwood drying problems related to infection by anaerobic bacteria Clostridium. All the drying methods used to this day are presented and commented upon, and a detailed overview of characteristics of different drying procedures used in North America and Europe is given. On the basis of the results of previous investigation it can be concluded that there is only one reliable method for detection of infected oakwood, namely the gas chromatography. Low temperature predrying followed by vacuum drying, or air seasoning of natural green wood to 20% followed by conventional kiln drying down to 8% moisture content are most suitable methods for drying of infected oak. A moderate drying schedule should be used during drying process of infected oakwood and it is recommended to dry infected and nonifected oakwood separately.