The upgrading of wood chips entails the removal of contaminants (e.g., bark, foliage, rot and grit) and the modification of chip size. The Paprifer process, developed in a joint project between Paprican and FERIC, achieves this through the use of industry-proven equipment. The method has been the subject of trials with a variety of furnishes using a one tonne (OD)/Day Laboratory Pilot Plant and more recently, a 56 tonne (OD)/DAY Millyard Prototype Manufactured by Hymac Ltd. In service the process stands to enhance existing sources of fibre, and permit the wider use of cheaper furnish, such as full-tree chips. Experimental findings are reviewed.
In a study funded under FRDA, FERIC AND PFC established research plots for the silvicultural assessment of a vegetation-management trial in Nelson. FERIC conducted productivity assessments of three cutting attachments for Husqvarna clearing saws; the Maxi 200, Multi 300, and Multi 255-4. Pretreatment vegetation and port-treatment seedling damage were examined by PFC researchers. This report summarizes the first-year results. Follow-up revegetation and crop growth response will be monitored and reported by PFC.
As a continuation of a project to develop a large scale accelerated laboratory test for the durability evaluation of materials used in the construction of preserved wood foundations, Hem-Fir plywood panels treated to two retention levels with CCA-C and ACA preservatives and installed in PWF test boxes located at the Ottawa laboratory were examined for durability performance after three years in service. The low retention boxes were dissassembled and panels examined visually for signs of decay and borings were taken for additional microscopic examination.
