Glossary
Dielectric heating
Also called: DH, microwave treatment, RF heating
Reviewed
Definition
Dielectric heating (DH) is an ISPM 15 treatment that uses microwave or radio-frequency energy to heat wood packaging to at least 60 °C for one continuous minute throughout the wood profile. Treated wood carries the code DH on its ISPM 15 mark.
How DH compares with other treatments
| Code | Method | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| HT | conventional heat treatment | 56 °C at the core for 30 minutes |
| DH | microwave or radio-frequency heating | 60 °C for 1 continuous minute throughout the profile |
| MB | methyl bromide fumigation | fumigant schedule |
| SF | sulfuryl fluoride fumigation | fumigant schedule |
DH heats the wood with microwave or radio-frequency energy rather than hot air. The wood must still be debarked, and the ISPM 15 mark shows DH as the treatment code.
Why it matters to buyers
A DH mark is as valid as an HT mark wherever ISPM 15 applies. When a spec says "ISPM 15 compliant", it accepts any approved code unless the buyer states HT specifically. See ISPM 15.
Questions
- Is DH the same as HT?
- Both are ISPM 15 heat treatments. HT heats the core to 56 °C for 30 minutes; DH uses microwave or RF energy to reach 60 °C for one minute throughout the wood.