Modifying device for hygroscopic material

Abstract

The present invention relates to the thermal or thermo-mechanical treatment of hygroscopic materials to adjust material properties. The present invention relates to a modification device for hygroscopic materials. The modification device comprises a modification unit (202) and a fluid container (204) coupled to a control valve (205) connected to at least one fluid aperture (203). The modification device is configured to heat the hygroscopic material in the modification unit (202) to extract moisture therefrom and, in response to the opening of the control valve (205), to direct fluid from the fluid container through the at least one fluid aperture (203) into the modification unit (202). The modification device further comprises a treatment agent (207) added to the fluid such that the treatment agent (207) is absorbed into the hygroscopic material and modifies it. The treatment agent (207) comprises at least one of the following ingredients: a preservative, a dye, a pigment, a fragrance, a deodorant, a pesticide, an impregnation ingredient, or a fire retardant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the thermal or thermomechanical treatment of hygroscopic materials to adjust their properties. Background Technology

[0002] Moisture-absorbing materials readily absorb moisture from their surroundings through absorption or adsorption. Wood is a versatile moisture-absorbing material suitable for a variety of purposes. Besides wood, other moisture-absorbing substances can include plants (including woody plants), cellulose fibers, cotton, paper, honey, ethanol, methanol, or concentrated sulfuric acid. Here, wood and woody plants are collectively referred to as timber.

[0003] Wood treatment methods are categorized into mechanical, physical, biological, and chemical methods. Sawing, splitting, and applying pressure—that is, applying force to the wood—are examples of mechanical treatment methods.

[0004] Drying is a physical treatment of wood. Heating is another physical treatment that can cause wood to shrink and slow down its decay. Here, wood is considered as processed wood products, while wood panels are less processed wood, such as cut trees. High-temperature heating can reduce the so-called abrasion resistance of wood, leading to cracking. Steaming is a physical wood treatment that can prevent or inhibit wood from cracking.

[0005] Sprinkling or rinsing with water is one example of a biological treatment method. This method of wet storage of wood is commonly used in pulp and paper mills near the coast where brackish water is available. Biological treatment methods based on fungi, bacteria, or enzymes are being tested in laboratories, and some of these methods have already been piloted.

[0006] The use of preservatives is one type of chemical treatment. Certain fungi can cause wood to rot. Preservatives protect wood from fungi, spores, insects, and / or marine organisms. Preservatives can be applied to the surface of the wood, for example, using a brush. The use of penetrating enhancers is another example of the chemical treatment of hygroscopic materials. Penetration is based on the use of resins or similar substances and is therefore classified as a chemical treatment method. Resins are slightly viscous organic liquids and may contain formaldehyde.

[0007] Some wood treatment methods combine different types of methods. For example, pressure impregnation of wood is a method based on chemical preservatives and pressure (specifically, hydraulic pressure).

[0008] Pressure impregnation of wood is accomplished through the following steps within an impregnation chamber. First, the wood is placed into the chamber, and air is evacuated from the wood cells by creating a vacuum. Second, the wood is soaked in a preservative. Then, hydraulic pressure is used to force the preservative into the wood, creating excess pressure within the chamber. Next, a vacuum is created again to remove excess preservative from the wood. Finally, the wood is dried in the impregnation chamber to achieve its final moisture content.

[0009] The TMTM (Thermodynamic Wood Modification) process, developed by a company called "Avant Wood," represents a close prior art to the present invention. The TMTM process involves heating a hygroscopic material in a modification unit. More specifically, the process comprises the following five stages performed in the modification unit.

[0010] 1. The wood is heated and mechanically stressed in the modification unit. Heating may cause the wood to crack or otherwise damage, so water is used to prevent this.

[0011] 2. Moisture removal and wood densification are the next processing stages. Heating and mechanical pressure remove moisture from the wood. The predetermined moisture content of the wood and the appropriate temperature are crucial for densification.

[0012] 3. Thermal modification is a process stage that reduces the moisture content of wood and improves its dimensional stability.

[0013] 4. Cooling wood means using water to cool it to prevent drying defects from occurring after the modification process.

[0014] 5. Equilibrate the moisture content to achieve the desired wood moisture content. Finally, release the mechanical stress on the wood, and the process is complete.

[0015] The TMTM process significantly improves wood quality, such as strength and hardness. It enhances dimensional stability and breathability. The TMTM process increases the density of the wood surface or the overall density of the wood. In both cases, the surface abrasion resistance of the wood increases. Different wood species or woody plants can be treated differently in the TMTM process, and the process can produce wood products that meet customer requirements.

[0016] As mentioned above, infiltration is a chemical treatment method for wood, and pressure impregnation is also a known wood treatment method.

[0017] One drawback of existing technologies is that pressure impregnation consumes a significant amount of energy, as it requires at least one vacuum operation and one overpressure operation within the impregnation chamber. Energy use increases costs, and energy production typically generates carbon dioxide emissions. An inexpensive and environmentally friendly wood impregnation system would improve the usability of timber. Summary of the Invention

[0018] One aspect of the present invention addresses the disadvantages described in the prior art by avoiding pressure impregnation, thereby saving energy.

[0019] One aspect of the invention is to further develop thermomechanically modified wood (TMTM) processes to alter the properties of moisture-absorbing materials in more diverse ways.

[0020] One aspect of the invention is to treat wood so that, after the process, the wood has a predetermined size. In other words, the wood material is not wasted.

[0021] One aspect of the invention is utilizing an appropriate timing during the modification of hydrophilic materials. It is well known that heating dries wood, i.e., heating reduces its moisture content. This reduction in moisture content makes the wood more susceptible to absorbing liquids. In other words, the wood readily absorbs moisture. This presents an opportune moment to alter the properties of the wood, thus allowing the introduction of a liquid containing specific components into the modification unit comprising the wood.

[0022] The liquid may include water or a solvent. The liquid may further include certain components, such as preservatives added to the liquid. When wood readily absorbs the liquid, the preservatives penetrate deep into the wood along with the liquid. In addition to wood, cellulose fibers, cotton, or other hygroscopic materials may also be modified in the modification unit.

[0023] In addition to preservatives, other treatment agents, such as dyes, pigments, impregnation components, or flame retardants, can be used simultaneously. Because the treatment agent is added to the liquid, it will penetrate into the hydrophilic material along with the liquid and modify the material's properties.

[0024] This invention relates to a modification device for a moisture-absorbing material, the device comprising a modification unit, at least one liquid orifice in the modification unit, and a liquid container connected to the at least one liquid orifice via a control valve. The device is configured to heat the moisture-absorbing material in the modification unit to extract moisture from the material, and, in response to an opened control valve, to guide liquid from the liquid container through the at least one liquid orifice into the modification unit.

[0025] The modification device also includes adding a treatment agent to the liquid so that the treatment agent and the liquid are absorbed by the moisture-absorbing material together within the modification unit, thereby altering the properties of the moisture-absorbing material. Furthermore, the treatment agent includes at least one of the following components: preservative, dye, pigment, fragrance, deodorant, pesticide, impregnation component, or flame retardant. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To gain a more complete understanding of the examples and embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This demonstrates how easily the moisture-absorbing material can absorb liquid; Figure 2 A device for modifying moisture-absorbing materials was demonstrated; Figure 3 Examples of modification units and modification devices are shown; Figure 4 An example of a wood modification device is shown; Figure 5 The introduction of water-soluble treatment agents into the modification unit was demonstrated; Figure 6 This demonstrates the introduction of a spray-form treatment agent into the modification unit; Figure 7 The process of mixing water and treatment agent before the modification unit is demonstrated. Detailed Implementation

[0027] It should be understood that the following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "one" embodiment, it is not necessary to refer to the same embodiment, or the features discussed may be applied to multiple embodiments.

[0028] Figure 1 A modification process according to the present invention is illustrated, showing the point in time when the absorbent material readily absorbs liquid. Many factors influence the modification process. For example, what kind of absorbent material is being treated? The absorbent material can be a folded pile of cotton textiles, a cellulose fiber portion in a mesh bag, or a pile of wood. If it is wood, the modification process can be adjusted according to the tree species, for example, by varying the process duration and temperature for different tree species. X-axis 101 represents the process duration, and Y-axis 102 represents the temperature. For wood, the modification process typically lasts from 6 to 38 hours, and the temperature is typically up to 200 degrees Celsius. The modification process is divided into five stages, similar to the TMTM process described in the background art, but in one embodiment, no mechanical pressure of any kind is required during the modification process.

[0029] Heating the moisture-absorbing material 103 is the first stage. The moisture-absorbing material is placed in the modification unit and heating begins. If the moisture-absorbing material is wood, liquid water or steam can be introduced into the modification unit to avoid damaging the wood. If water or steam is used, the moisture content of the moisture-absorbing material will increase and may reach its maximum.

[0030] During the modification process, mechanical pressure can also be applied to the wood, for example, hydraulic pressure applied to the hygroscopic material. Unlike the TMTM process, mechanical pressure is an optional feature in the modification process of this invention.

[0031] The next stage is the process of moisture removal and densification 104. If water or steam was used, this process has been stopped. Moisture in the hygroscopic material is removed by heating, possibly including mechanical pressure, and this removal of moisture leads to densification of the hygroscopic material. Temperature profile 105 shows the temperature changes during the modification process.

[0032] Thermal modification 106 is the process stage when the temperature reaches its maximum and the hygroscopic material is extremely dry. In other words, the moisture content of the hygroscopic material is low, making it very easy to absorb any liquid. Time point 107 is the moment when the hygroscopic material begins to cool. In the TMTM process, water is used for cooling. An important difference between the two processes is that in the TMTM process, the steam contains only water. Conversely, in the modification process according to the invention, the steam may contain a treatment agent.

[0033] Treatment agents can have a wide range of effects on the properties of hygroscopic materials. For example, dyes or pigments can be used to color the material, and preservatives, pesticides, or impregnation agents can be used simultaneously to increase the material's durability. A pesticide is an ingredient or mixture that can kill pests or prevent or reduce damage caused by pests. Pests may be insects, rodents or other animals, undesirable plants (weeds), fungi, bacteria, or viruses, etc. Heat-treated wood may have an odor; therefore, in some embodiments, the treatment agent includes deodorizers (brominators) and / or fragrances.

[0034] Adding water to the modification unit completes the thermal modification stage 106. In one embodiment, time point 107 is determined based on humidity measurements obtained from the modification unit.

[0035] Cooling 108 begins with the addition of water to the modification unit. Heating has stopped or will stop at this stage. Temperature curve 105 shows the temperature decrease process.

[0036] Humidity stabilization (109) is the final process stage. Over time, the moisture-absorbing material reaches the predetermined humidity level. If mechanical pressure is applied to the moisture-absorbing material, it will be released. Finally, the moisture-absorbing material is removed from the modification unit.

[0037] Figure 2 A modification device 200 for the moisture-absorbing material 201 is shown. The modification device 200 enables the modification process described in the previous figures. The modification device 200 includes a modification unit 202, at least one fluid 206 in the modification unit 202, and a fluid container 204. A cross-sectional view of the modification unit 202 and the fluid container 204 is shown in the figure.

[0038] In one embodiment, the modification unit 202 is made of multiple layers of bricks and is cubic in shape, while the fluid container 204 is barrel-shaped. In one embodiment, the modification unit 202 has a door for inserting and removing the moisture-absorbing material 201 (the door is not shown in the figure). In one embodiment, the modification unit 202 is a drying oven capable of heating air and circulating the heated air.

[0039] Fluid container 204 is connected to at least one liquid port 203 via a coupled control valve 205. Modification device 200 is configured to perform the following operations during the modification process: heating hygroscopic material 201 in modification unit 202 to extract moisture therefrom, and then, with control valve 205 open, guiding fluid 206 from fluid container 204 into modification unit 202 through at least one liquid port 203.

[0040] The modification device 200 also includes a treatment agent 207 added to the fluid 206. In one embodiment, the treatment agent 207 is first added to water in liquid form, and then the water and treatment agent 207 are boiled to change them from liquid to gaseous form. In one embodiment, the fluid container 204 has a resistance for boiling the water and treatment agent 207. In one embodiment, the fluid container 204 is a pressure vessel, and the fluid 206 includes superheated steam, i.e., the temperature of the steam is higher than its boiling point under the pressure in the fluid container 204.

[0041] Assuming the mass of the moisture-absorbing material 201 is known, and the heating capacity of the modification unit 202 is known, the point in time when the moisture-absorbing material 201 becomes sufficiently absorbent of the fluid 206 can be estimated.

[0042] In many embodiments, measurement data is used to determine the appropriate time to open control valve 205. In one embodiment, control valve 205 is opened and closed manually. In another embodiment, the modification process is automated, with a computer using a motor to control the opening and closing of control valve 205.

[0043] When control valve 205 is opened, fluid 206 enters modification unit 202, and treatment agent 207, along with fluid 206, is absorbed by moisture-absorbing material 201, thereby modifying it. The composition of treatment agent 207 determines the modification method of moisture-absorbing material 201. Treatment agent 207 includes at least one of the following components: preservative, dye, pigment, fragrance, deodorant, pesticide, impregnation component, or flame retardant. For example, if treatment agent 207 includes preservative and dye, the dye can change the color of moisture-absorbing material 201, while the preservative can protect moisture-absorbing material 201 from rot, mold, or other defects.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of the modification unit 202 and the modification device. In one embodiment, the modification device 200 includes a fan 301 and a heater 302 for heating the moisture-absorbing material 201 inside the modification unit 202 so that the fan 301 can blow air toward the heater 302. The modification unit 202 includes a heat insulation layer 303 to prevent heat leakage.

[0045] In one embodiment, the modification device 200 includes at least one instrument to determine the timing of introducing the fluid 206 and the treatment agent 207 into the modification unit: a thermometer 304 in the modification unit 202, a hygrometer 305 in the modification unit 202, and a clock 306.

[0046] In one embodiment, the modification device 200 includes a compression device 307 for applying pressure to the moisture-absorbing material 201 to expel moisture therefrom. The compression device 307 may be a hydraulic press or other type of mechanical press.

[0047] In one embodiment, the modification device 200 includes guide rails, rollers or other mechanical devices for moving the moisture-absorbing material 201 into and out of the modification unit 202.

[0048] Figure 4 Examples of three views 401-403 of the modification device 200 are shown. Here, the absorbent material 201 is a stack of timber 404 containing sawn timber products (such as planks) of the same size. In one embodiment, the timber products have a predetermined size before using the modification device 200, which causes the timber products to shrink. Since the degree of shrinkage is known, using the modification device 200 will result in timber products with a final predetermined size.

[0049] In other words, there is no need to saw or plan the wood products sold to customers. This advantage of the modification device 200 saves wood materials and reduces labor requirements. In one embodiment, the wood products receive preservative and final color treatment in the modification device 200. The wood products can then be used directly, for example, for patio construction or house cladding.

[0050] In all views 401-403, the timber pile 404 is viewed from the side.

[0051] First view 401 shows a timber stack 404 placed on the bottom portion 405 of the modification unit 202. In this embodiment, the modification unit 202 consists of two removable parts. The bottom portion 405 includes supports, such as support 406, on which the timber stack 404 can be placed using a forklift. The bottom portion 405 is indicated by dashed lines, and it is recessed into a floor 407 made of concrete. The layers of the timber stack 404 are separated by wooden slats (e.g., slats 408). Due to the presence of the slats, fluid can enter between the layers of the timber stack 404 and affect each piece of timber.

[0052] Second view 402 shows the situation when a weight 409 is placed on the timber pile 404. The weight 409 applies force to the timber pile 404 to extract moisture from it. Since the force of gravity is always the same, the weight 409 provides the same force in the modification device 200. The weight 409 includes a plastic pallet 410, an iron plate 411 (shown in dashed lines) that serves as the weighing material, and an insulation layer (not shown) around the iron plate 411. Due to the presence of the insulation layer, heating energy is not wasted on heating the iron plate 411. In one embodiment, EPS (expanded polystyrene) is used as the insulation layer, and its outer surface is protected by a fiberglass shell. The weight 409, including the plastic pallet 410, can be moved on the timber pile 404 by a forklift. At least one corresponding weight 412 is placed on the timber pile 404 for thermomechanical wood processing.

[0053] Third view 403 shows the top portion 413 of the modified unit 202, which is placed on and removable from the bottom portion 405. The timber pile 404 and other objects within the modified unit 202 are indicated by dashed lines. The top portion 413 includes a roof 414, with four walls (e.g., walls 415) attached to the roof. The top portion 413 has a space for a heater 302 and a fan 301. This space is located near the roof 414 and is used for at least one heater and a blower. In one embodiment, the heater 302 is a resistance heater assembly 416.

[0054] As shown in third view 403, the top portion 413 is connected to an electric winch via wire rope 417. This winch is fixed to the ceiling of the building and is capable of raising the top portion 413 (the electric winch and ceiling are not shown in the figure). The top portion 413 is also connected to a main power supply via wire 418 to make the heater 302 and fan 301 in the top portion 413 available. An advantage of this embodiment is that multiple modification units (e.g., modification unit 202) can be placed very close together on the hall floor, thus allowing for the simultaneous processing of large quantities of timber.

[0055] Figure 5 The aerial view shows the introduction of the treatment agent 207 into the modification unit 202. In this embodiment of the modification device 200, the fluid container 204 can be used for both water 501 and the treatment agent 207, and the fluid container 204 is one of the following fluid storage devices: a liquid storage tank, a pressure cooker, or a steam generator. The fluid 206 within the fluid container 204 comprises the water-soluble treatment agent 207.

[0056] Fluid container 204 is connected to liquid conduit 502 via control valve 205. Liquid conduit 502 includes at least one liquid orifice 203 for introducing treatment agent 207 and water 501 into modification unit 202. In this example, liquid conduit 502 includes three nozzles 503-505 extending into modification unit 202 and has the same number of liquid orifices.

[0057] Figure 6 The interior of the modification unit 202 is shown, and the introduction of the treatment agent 207 in aerosol form into the modification unit 202 is illustrated. In this embodiment of the modification apparatus 200, a steam generator 601 is included for cooling the moisture-absorbing material 201 with water 501, and a water injection valve 602 is connected to the steam generator 601. A control valve 205 controls the introduction of fluid 206 from the fluid container 204 into the modification unit 202, in which the treatment agent 207 is contained.

[0058] This embodiment provides the following usage options: a) using only water 501 for cooling, without using treatment agent 207; b) using only treatment agent 207, without using water 501; c) using both treatment agent 207 and water 501. Option b) is particularly useful when the fluid container 204 contains a solvent and the treatment agent 207 is solvent-based.

[0059] In one embodiment, the water injection valve 602 and / or the control valve 205 is an on / off valve.

[0060] In one embodiment, the water injection valve 602 and / or the control valve 205 is an involute / involute closing valve.

[0061] In one embodiment, the treatment agent 207 is introduced into the modification unit 202 in the form of an aerosol (through a liquid orifice). Dots in the figure represent aerosols, including one aerosol 603. A fan 301 is positioned to mix the aerosol and water 501 inside the modification unit 202.

[0062] Treatment agent 207 contains a corrosion inhibitor in many applications. Corrosion inhibitors available in modification device 200 can be categorized into solvent-based and water-based corrosion inhibitors. In one embodiment, solvent-based corrosion inhibitors include coal tar and / or copper. In another embodiment, water-based corrosion inhibitors include chromium copper arsenic, chromium copper boron, chromium copper acid, zinc, copper oxide, copper naphthate, ethylene glycol, and / or silicates.

[0063] In one embodiment, fan 301 is a radiator 604 with a liquid circulation system. When oil is used in the liquid circulation, radiator 604 can be heated to 500°C. In one embodiment, the liquid circulation is connected to a heat exchanger 605, through which the generated heat energy is introduced (the pipes are omitted in the figure). The advantage of this embodiment is that by utilizing waste heat, radiator 604 can be heated in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0064] Figure 7 The mixing of water 501 and treatment agent 207 is shown before modification unit 202. Water 501 is stored in steam generator 601. Steam generator 601 is connected to mixing pipe 702 via water pipe 701 and water injection valve 602. Treatment agent 207 is contained in fluid 206 stored in fluid container 204. Fluid container 204 is connected to mixing pipe 702 via liquid pipe 703 and control valve 205.

[0065] If both the water injection valve 602 and the control valve 205 are open, water 501 will flow into the mixing pipe 702, and fluid 206 will also flow into the mixing pipe 702. Then, water 501 is added to fluid 206, and fluid 206 including water 501 is introduced into the modification unit 202 through at least one liquid hole 203.

[0066] An advantage of this embodiment is that the mixing pipe 702 provides a location for a concentration meter 704 within the modification device 200, which can measure the concentration of the treatment agent 207 in the fluid 206. Due to the presence of the water injection valve 602 and the control valve 205, the concentration of the treatment agent 207 in the fluid 206 can be adjusted by opening and closing the control valve 205 and / or the water injection valve 602.

[0067] The modification device 200 has the following advantages, which are related to one or more drawings and embodiments described above.

[0068] One advantage of the modification device 200 is that even low-grade wood species can be used in many wood products when treated with it. The treatment process enhances the hardness, strength, and abrasion resistance of wood made from these low-grade wood species.

[0069] Another advantage is that the modification device 200 is highly energy efficient because it can be used under normal atmospheric pressure and the modification time is relatively short compared to existing technologies.

[0070] Another advantage is that, in addition to hardness, strength, and abrasion resistance, other properties can be modified. These other properties include a wide color palette and enhanced durability to prevent damage to the wood from any type of weathering. The color of the wood can be set by using dyes or pigments during the process. The modification device 200 makes the wood more durable and water-resistant during the use of preservatives and / or impregnation ingredients.

[0071] Another advantage is that the use of the modification device 200 avoids the overuse of impregnation or protective agent components.

[0072] Most of the embodiments, features, and examples described above can be used in combination with each other. The invention is specifically described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A modification device (200) for moisture-absorbing materials, the modification device comprising: The modification unit (202) for heating the moisture-absorbing material; At least one fluid pore (203) in the modified unit; and A fluid container (204) is coupled to the at least one fluid orifice via a control valve (205), and in response to the opening of the control valve, fluid (206) is directed from the fluid container through the at least one fluid orifice into the modification unit to cool the moisture-absorbing material in the modification unit; A treatment agent (207) is added to the fluid (206) to allow the treatment agent to be absorbed by the hygroscopic material along with the fluid within the modification unit (202), thereby altering the hygroscopic material; and A compression device (307) is used to apply force to the moisture-absorbing material (201); The characteristic is that, in the modification apparatus: The compression device (307) applies the force to the hygroscopic material (201) to extract moisture from the hygroscopic material under normal atmospheric pressure; and The force and the heating cause the hygroscopic material to dry and become readily absorbent of the treatment agent that enters along with the fluid guided into the modification unit.

2. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the modification apparatus, the configuration for heating the moisture-absorbing material is that the modification unit (202) acts as a drying oven, capable of heating air and circulating the heated air within the modification unit.

3. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modification device includes a heater (302) and a fan (301) for heating the moisture-absorbing material in the modification unit (202), wherein the fan (301) can blow air toward the heater (302).

4. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modification device includes at least one of the following instruments to determine the timing of the guiding fluid: a thermometer (304) within the modification unit (202), a hygrometer (305) within the modification unit, and a clock (306).

5. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The compression device (307) is a hydraulic press.

6. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modified device includes a weight (409) that can move on the absorbent material, and extracts moisture from the absorbent material by applying pressure with the weight.

7. The modification apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The weight (409) includes a tray (410), a weight material (411), and an insulation layer surrounding the weight material (411).

8. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modification unit (202) of the modification device includes a bottom portion (405) and a top portion (413) that are separable from each other.

9. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid container (204) in the modification device is used for the treatment agent (207) and water (501).

10. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The modification device includes a steam generator (601) for cooling the moisture-absorbing material (201) with water and a water injection valve (602) coupled to the steam generator.

11. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The treatment agent (207) in the modification device is introduced into the modification unit (202) in the form of an aerosol.

12. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater (302) is one of the following devices: a resistance heater assembly (416) with a radiator (604) having fluid circulation.

13. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator (601) is coupled to the mixing pipe (702) via the water injection valve (602), and the fluid container (204) is coupled to the mixing pipe via the control valve (205).

14. The modification apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The treatment agent (207) contains at least one of the following components as a preservative: coal tar, copper, copper chromium arsenic, copper chromium boron, copper acid chromate, zinc, copper oxide, copper naphthenate, ethylene glycol, and silicate.

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