Analyzer IDs CCA-treated Wood

Spectro product can offer batch analyses of copper, chromium and arsenic levels.

An analyzing system that can identify CCA-treated wood is now available from Spectro Analytical Instruments Inc., Fitchburg, Mass.

The system consists of a hand-held or conveyor-mounted probe that “reports” to a bench analyzer that can be located up to 100 feet away. The probe uses X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology to detect the elements that comprise CCA (chromated copper arsenate) treatment coatings.

The Spectro Model 400 Wood Analyzer not only detects the presence of the elements, but “the resulting spectrographic energies are then analyzed and the relative concentrations of chromium, copper and arsenic are quickly identified,” according to the company.

If wood recyclers prefer more detailed analysis, a benchtop version of  the analyzer can offer high-precision readings on the balance and retention of preservatives, according to a Spectro news release.

Such readings can be “key factors in . . . ensuring batch-to-batch consistency, and continuously assessing the effectiveness of operations,” according to Spectro.

The company says the analyzer is being offered to help wood recyclers adhere to recently enacted regulations imposing tighter restrictions on the recycling, combustion and land filling of CCA-treated wood.