Here’s a detailed guide on cleaning protocols for harvested agarwood, designed to preserve resin quality, prevent contamination, and prepare logs or chips for processing or sale:
1. Objectives of Cleaning
- Remove soil, dust, sawdust, and debris from harvested logs, branches, or chips.
- Prevent mold, fungal, and insect contamination.
- Ensure resin-rich wood is preserved and not damaged during handling.
- Maintain professional presentation for buyers and processing.
2. General Principles
- Gentle Handling: Avoid scratching or chipping resin-rich heartwood.
- Dry Cleaning Preferred: Use brushing or air-blowing rather than water to reduce moisture risk.
- Segregation: Separate high-grade resin wood from sapwood or low-value sections to avoid cross-contamination.
- Tool Hygiene: Keep brushes, brooms, and scrapers clean and free from soil or oils.
3. Cleaning Steps
A. Rough Cleaning (Immediately After Harvest)
- Remove loose soil, dust, and debris using:
- Soft-bristled brushes
- Wooden or plastic scrapers
- Compressed air (if available)
- Avoid water contact unless resin is mature and wood will be dried immediately.
B. Bark & Outer Layer Cleaning
- Only remove loose or dead bark from mature resinous wood.
- Avoid scraping resinous zones to prevent damage.
- Use chisels or knives carefully if necessary.
C. Cleaning Chips & Shavings
- Spread on a clean, dry surface.
- Manually remove residual bark, soil, or foreign particles.
- Optionally, use fine mesh sieves or air-blower systems for small particles.
D. Powder Cleaning
- For powdered agarwood:
- Sift through fine mesh or micronizers to remove grit.
- Avoid moisture exposure.
- Store immediately in airtight containers.
4. Post-Cleaning Protocols
- Elevate wood off the ground using racks or pallets to prevent re-contamination.
- Inspect wood for residual dirt, mold, or pests.
- Document cleaning: date, method, and batch ID for traceability.
- Prepare for storage or transport: shade-dried, ventilated, and protected from moisture and UV.
5. Cleaning Checklist
| Step | Method / Tools | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Remove soil/debris | Soft brush, scraper, air blower | Avoid scratching resin-rich areas |
| Remove loose bark | Chisel, knife | Only on mature, non-resinous outer bark |
| Chips & shavings | Manual separation, mesh sieves | Remove foreign particles |
| Powdered wood | Sieve, micronizer | Keep dry, avoid moisture |
| Elevate & inspect | Pallets, racks | Prevent re-contamination, check for pests/mold |
| Record & traceability | Batch logs | Ensure quality documentation |
Key Principle: Cleaning is essential for quality preservation and marketability. Gentle, dry, and methodical cleaning prevents resin loss, contamination, and degradation, while maintaining traceability.
I can also create a diagram showing stepwise cleaning: logs → chips → shavings → powder, including tools and precautions, ideal for a field manual or SOP.
Do you want me to create that diagram?