ISPM-15 treatment is the mandatory thermal process that ensures the safety and compliance of wooden pallets and packaging intended for export for international trade. The treatment eliminates pests, insects, and harmful organisms through a controlled heating cycle.
The
ISPM-15 international phytosanitary standard requires reaching a core temperature of at least 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes and is recognized in Italy and all major importing countries worldwide.
At the end of the cycle, the HT (Heat Treatment) certification is issued, which is required for the free circulation of goods on international markets.
The process lasts an average of
3–4 hours, varying depending on the load volume and the initial characteristics of the treated material.
Control and Automation Software
Incoplan dryers are equipped with latest-generation control software, designed to ensure maximum operational efficiency and fully automated cycle management.
The system enables:
Energy efficiency and consumption reduction
Energy consumption is one of the most important aspects of
ISPM-15 drying and treatment processes.
Incoplan systems are designed to ensure maximum efficiency through advanced engineering solutions, including precise fan power control, a key element for reducing consumption in continuously operating systems.
The structures are made with highly thermally insulating panels and tested insulation, while the overall design is optimized to minimize heat loss.
A key role is played by the cross-flow heat recovery system, which allows for the recovery of up to 30% of the thermal energy that would otherwise be lost, significantly contributing to the reduction of overall consumption.
Hybrid Dryers: The Next Generation of Industrial Systems
In response to rising energy costs and the increasing volatility of fossil fuels, Incoplan has developed next-generation hybrid dryers, designed to integrate different energy sources within the same system.
Hybrid solutions can combine:
- electric heat exchangers
- high-efficiency heat pumps
- traditional or condensing boilers
- natural gas heating systems
This configuration optimizes consumption based on energy costs and source availability, ensuring greater operational flexibility and reducing operating costs.
One of the most efficient solutions currently adopted is the combination of gas heating and electrical integration via photovoltaic systems, which further reduces the overall energy footprint.
Gas Heating with Incoplan Technology
The gas heating system developed by Incoplan uses a high-efficiency burner with an indirect heat exchanger designed and manufactured in-house, ensuring high standards of safety and performance.
The heat is distributed through a radiant tube, ensuring uniform distribution within the treatment chamber.
This technology offers numerous advantages:
- No open flame inside the chamber (maximum safety)
- High heat exchange efficiency
- Reduction of energy losses
- Process stability and uniformity
Average consumption per ISPM-15 treatment
Below is an indicative overview of methane gas consumption per ISPM-15 treatment cycle based on plant capacity:
- 200–300 pallets: 12–15 m³ of gas per cycle
- 400–500 pallets: 21–27 m³ of gas per cycle
- 800–1,000 pallets: 44–58 m³ of gas per cycle
- 1,500–2,000 pallets: 92–120 m³ of gas per cycle
The average consumption per treated pallet, including heat treatment and drying, is between 0.32 and 0.42 m³ of gas per pallet, with variations depending on the type of wood and the initial condition of the material.
