Avbarkningen

Avbarkningen, or debarking, is the process of removing the outer bark from tree trunks and branches in forestry and wood processing. The operation is common in sawmills, pulping facilities, and biomass plants. Debarking can improve processing efficiency, product quality, and storage stability by reducing moisture variation, fungal contamination, and the risk of bark-related defects in the final product.

Mechanical debarking uses log debarkers that peel or strip bark with knives, rollers, or high-pressure blades as logs move along a processing line. Some systems combine mechanical and hydraulic or pneumatic components and may use water jets to assist bark removal. The specific method depends on tree species, log diameter, and downstream requirements; softwoods, hardwoods, and bark thickness differ in ease of removal.

Reasons for debarking include facilitating drying and milling, reducing resin buildup on equipment, and decreasing the transport of pests and pathogens. In pulp and paper production, debarked wood chips yield more uniform pulps and less contamination from inert bark material. Bark itself is a valuable byproduct in some cases, used for energy, tannin extraction, or mulch.

Environmental and regulatory considerations focus on waste management and biosecurity. Bark residues can be used as biomass fuel or processed into other products, but improper handling may spread invasive organisms if infested bark is moved. Debarking is typically integrated into standard wood-processing workflows and is performed under safety and quality controls.