Longer life for wood poles
Investigates the use of liquid fumigants on in-service wooden utility poles in order to prevent decay. Reveals that although utility poles are pressure-treated with chemicals before they go into service as supports for transmission and distribution lines, they are frequently invaded by one or more of 225 species of fungus. Indicates that while the average service life of poles is 15-25 yrs, retreatment with fumigants may extend it to 35-40 yrs. Discusses trees and treatment, fungi, pole inspection, and fumigation. Points out that the Bonneville Power Administration estimates that it can save $2.2 million per year by retreating 15,000 poles instead of having to replace 1500 of them per year for 10 yrs. Reports that research results on decay and fumigation have helped more than 160 electric utilities who are using the fumigants. Concludes that although some decay-prone areas in poles, such as seasoning checks and woodpecker holes, will continue to invite the fungal menace, the increasing effort to inspect and fumigate poles on a large scale will ensure safer and more reliable power lines, while eliminating much of the conventional expenditure on replacing decayed poles.
- OSTI ID:
- 5971146
- Journal Information:
- EPRI J.; (United States), Vol. 7:9
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
SUPPORTS
FUMIGANTS
WOOD
BONNEVILLE POWER ADMINISTRATION
DECOMPOSITION
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
EPRI
FUNGI
POWER TRANSMISSION TOWERS
SERVICE LIFE
TREES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PESTICIDES
PLANTS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
TOWERS
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
200300* - Electric Power Engineering- Power Transmission & Distribution- (-1989)