| 20100115787 | Process For Producing Durable Products - The present invention relates to a process for preserving wood, said process comprising the following steps: (1) a modification step in which wood is heated to the modification temperature and is maintained at that temperature for a specific time; (2) a cooling step in which the wood is cooled; characterized in that the wood is heated and cooled by means of heating elements which are positioned in-between the wood. Prior to the modification step, a drying step can be carried out. According to further embodiments, the process is characterized in that one or more of the steps takes place under vacuum in a sealed chamber. Preferably, a pressure is applied to the wood during the steps, with the option of varying said pressure during the process. The invention also relates to an apparatus for implementing the process. | 05-13-2010 |