Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DWT-I4FEDW (DWT- Impregnation for Fireproof Excellent Durability Wood)

Teaser

The DWT A/S process is an innovative and sustainable impregnation system for impregnation of different wood species using preservation fluids. The DWT A/S process in short:•Is the first system for full impregnation of wood rather than surface impregnation.•Can impregnate...

Summary

The DWT A/S process is an innovative and sustainable impregnation system for impregnation of different wood species using preservation fluids. The DWT A/S process in short:

•Is the first system for full impregnation of wood rather than surface impregnation.
•Can impregnate wood with various fluids for improving its characteristics for specific applications: e.g. with fire retardants; with substances improving durability against rot and fungus; or colourings for providing aesthetic tuning on demand.
•Can be used to treat several wood species (softwood and hardwood)
The unique selling point is represented by the full impregnation of wood (never succeeded before) that allow outstanding and incomparable fire resistance, durability extension, lifecycle prolongation. The technical characteristics of wood treated with DWT A/S technology extend its field of applications both in typical wood manufacture industry as well as alternative material.

Our overall objective is to develop an industrial method to manufacture the new resistant and fire proof wood material in order to produce and sell large-scale wooden products in the EU / International market of construction, boatbuilding and wood utility poles.

Work performed

The feasibility study was comprehensive of the following assessments:
1. Technical Assessment confirmed viability of process and product. Wood impregnation is 100% with water-based or oil-based solutions for fire-proof and durability over 50 years purpose. Preliminary environmental footprint analysis was performed and regulations for environment were identified.
2. Market Assessment Analysed the marketability of I4FEDW process and products. Detected market segments in construction (engineered wooden products, wood-based panels, wooden flooring, wooden windows), utility poles (for telecommunication and energy supply) and naval sector (wharves and boat building). We analysed the competitors and alternative products and we assessed the legal framework for fire retardant and wood preservation in each sector and field of application. Market trends and identification of target countries were defined as well.
3. Economic Assessment for first pilot industrial plant: identified and analysed CAPEX and OPEX for pilot plant and launch to market. Calculated and validated thermal and energy costs, impregnation agent costs, other raw material (water) consumption, labour, production capacity and operative conditions. Operating fix and variable costs were counted and analysed. Cost/benefit analysis was estimated for each segment and product. Comparison with competitive product was made to estimate sale price and potential profit/loss. Cash flow and payback was determined as well financial resources and sources.
4. IPR: This study assessed the uniqueness of the methods and wood treatment devices developed by DWT, that can commercialize the technology through license. The registration certificate of community trade mark and design was achieved the 11/08/2015 for “Viking” with ID 014003991. Freedom to operate was confirmed.
5. Business Plan: defined framework conditions, SWOT analysis, competitor evaluation, risk analysis. Market strategy outlined, price, place, product mix policies defined. Communication strategy outlined and stakeholder identified. Result achieved: estimated turnover (about 20 M€ by end of 2020) and ROI were estimated for the first five years after project launch. Stated that I4FEDW process allow from 30 up to 80% profit when sold at the current market price, providing high value added services and products.

Final results

The current state of the art of wood preservation/fire proof treatment foresees the impregnation in autoclaves of wood under-vacuum but without the HF wave support. This state of art doesn’t guarantee the total impregnation of wood like the DWT-I4FED but only the 2,5 mm of thickness.
DWT process allow full wood impregnation both with water-based or oil-based impregnation solutions. DWT process can have positive ecological impact when used linseed oil.
This DWT innovative solution let reduce the import of tropical wood boosting the valorisation and performance of European forest species. Moreover, it will have an important impact on boosting the employment in the industry chain. Then, the innovation aims at exploring new market opportunities addressing EU/global challenges, placing DWT and European wood treatment technology in competition with the global leaders of the sector.

Website & more info

More info: http://dwt.as/.