Pressure on energy networks to deliver value and reliability has never been greater, recent world events have led to an increase in material costs and the destabalisation of vital infrastructure. Utilities are now seeking materials which not only provide long-term guarantees for long-lifecycle assets, they’re also carefully weighing up the monetary and environmental cost of these.
Changes in Wood Protection Methods: Creosote & CCA Bans
The banning and restrictions placed on harsh wood preservatives such as creosote and CCA has paved the way for new preservatives to enter the market. Copper in oil solutions may offer an enhanced desired service life over water based copper but is the extended lifespan worth the additional cost?
The requirement for producers to upgrade treatment plants to facilitate these new processes is one of the biggest hurdles with significant capital cost, combine that with the additional amount of preservative required for effective treatment, and the return on investment significantly diminishes, leading to significantly higher prices for end users.
A Better Way Forward for Wood
It’s clear that an affordable preservative which delivers a performance comparable to creosote alone is not available. One alternative, however, is additional protection with an effective ground-line barrier sleeve.
Polesaver’s Rot-Guard, dual-layer, barrier sleeve, effectively locks in preservatives and reduces leaching. It also protects the critical ground-line section of the pole, maintaining strength and offering an additional 20 years’ service life.
Whilst Rot-Guards are compatible with all preservatives, combining these with water based copper provides a cost-effective solution and superior protection, offering an initial saving of 23% and a lifetime cost saving of 48%, compared to copper in oil treated poles without sleeves.
Benefits of Polesaver + Water Based Copper
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48% cost saving compared to copper in oil over the pole’s lifespan
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Service life comparable with creosote (based on independent testing)
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Environmental compliance for use in sensitive areas
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Locks in preservatives and reduces leaching by up to 95%
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No future restrictions on use; unaffected by licensing changes
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No required upgrades to existing production processes
Environmental Benefits against Alternative Materials
Whist the changes in wood preservation have understandably caused concern among producers and utilities, wood remains the most adaptable, mobile, cost-effective and eco-friendly pole material when protected correctly. In comparison to steel and concrete, wood offers the most environmentally sound option for production and longevity.
How Much Could You Save?
Contact Polesaver for an accurate and detailed cost calculation of how much your network could save.
Get In Touch
Polesaver has been dedicated to extending the life of wooden poles for over 30 years, and is used in over 30 countries worldwide. Get in touch to speak to one of our team, or schedule a TEAMS call for you and your staff for more information.