Khulani Processes

Weighbridge Certificate to weigh the Gum Poles.

Receiving of Gum Poles:

• Gum Poles gets weighed.
• Gum Poles gets graded according to SANS 754 / 457 Gum Pole specifications.
• Gum Poles gets cubed and separated in pole sizes.

Drying of Gum Poles:

• Seasonal drying of Gum Poles- air-drying poles.
• Another grading of the Gum Poles follows (TR1).
• Kiln drying of Gum Poles- artificial drying of Gum Poles.
• Another grading of Gum Poles before treatment follows (BT1).

After drying the Gum Poles, and additional processes follows to treat the Gum Poles with Creosote or Tanalised according to specifications.

High- pressure treating process of Gum Poles: See: Upgrade on CCA plant.

Bethell (full- cell) treating process of Gum Poles:

Charge the treatment vessel with Gum Poles, seal the treatment vessel, apply a vacuum and maintain the vacuum for an adequate period. Without increasing the pressure, introduce the preservative at an appropriate temperature (High temperature creosote SANS 616 / temp 80°C — 90°C ) to achieve the requirements. Allow the cylinder to fill to capacity, apply a hydraulic pressure and maintain this pressure until the required absorption is attained. Release the pressure. Pump the surplus preservative from the treatment vessel back and optionally, apply a final vacuum and maintain this vacuum for an appropriate period in order to “dry” the surface of the Gum Poles.

Final Inspection of Gum Poles:

A 100% final inspection will then be carried out on the Gum poles, before releasing the Gum Poles (FI1). The inspections are carried out based on the SANS 754 /457 and ESKOM specifications for Gum Poles.

As part of the final inspection all Wood Poles are tested for the correct retention that must not be less than 130kg/m3(ESKOM Specification 34 -1647 for Wood Poles) and a minimum of 15mm penetration of chemical in the Wood Pole.