Wax Dipping Service For Bee Boxes

$35.00

Out of stock

Wax dipping service available in Melbourne not available during Spring and summertime.

Cooking bee boxes, lids and bases increases the longevity of woodware from the elements. The woodware is cooked for 10 minutes at 160C in paraffin and microcrystalline wax. They can be left like this but for an even longer life of the woodware, they can be painted twice.

$35 per box, 8 or 10 frame

$5 per piece if painting is required.

Pick up and drop off is Blackburn North.

Hot wax dipping of beehive components for preservation and sterilisation

A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

By Russell Goodman Institute for Horticultural Development Agriculture Victoria Knoxfield

May 2001

RIRDC Publication No 01/051 RIRDC Project No. DAV-167A

 2001 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment
All rights reserved

ISBN 0 642 58273 4 ISSN 1440-6845

Hot wax dipping of beehive components for preservation and sterilisation

Publication No. 01/051 Project No. DAV-167A

The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of the persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report.

Disclaimer

This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquires concerning reproduction, contact the Communications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.

Researcher Contact Details

Russell Goodman
Institute for Horticultural Development Private Bag 15
SOUTH EAST MAIL CENTRE VIC 3176

Phone: Fax: Email:

03 9210 9222
03 9800 3521 russell.goodman@nre.vic.gov.au

RIRDC Contact Details

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House
42 Macquarie Street
Barton ACT 2600

PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2600

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

02 6272 4539
02 6272 5877 rirdc@rirdc.gov.au

http://www.rirdc.gov.au

Published in May 2001
Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint

ii

Foreword

In July 1998, a national honey bee disease workshop was convened to developed suitable management programs to control and reduce the level of the notifiable honey bee brood disease, American Foulbrood. One of the recommendations arising from the workshop was that the use of disease barrier management systems in apiaries should be encouraged.

In addition to barrier management systems, there has also been a growing interest in the apiary industry about the use of hot wax dipping to sterilise beehive components originating from hives infected with American Foulbrood disease. A project was funded to develop beekeeper focused guidelines regarding these two management practices.

This publication considers best practice for hot wax dipping of beehive components for preservation and for the prevention and control of American Foulbrood disease.

This project was funded from industry revenue which is matched by funds provided by the Federal Government.

This report, a new addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of 700 research publications, forms part of our Honeybee R&D program, that aims to support innovative and focused research and development projects which will contribute to the productivity and profitability of the Australian beekeeping industry.

Most of our publications are available for viewing, downloading or purchasing online through our website:

  • downloads at www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/Index.htm
  • purchases at www.rirdc.gov.au/eshopPeter CoreManaging Director
    Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation

iii

Acknowledgments

The author appreciates the contributions made by a number of apiarists towards this manual. Their contribution in terms of sharing their experiences and knowledge of hot wax dipping of beehive components has been invaluable. Their time and effort is greatly appreciated.

The author thanks the following apiarists:

Howard Brown, Seymour, Victoria
Norm Collins, Kangaroo Flat, Victoria
Geoff Cotton, Keith, South Australia
John Curran, Puckapunyal, Victoria
John Edmonds, Mt Duneed, Victoria
John McMonigle, Wangaratta, Victoria
John and Kieren Sunderland, Dubbo, New South Wales Glen Watson, Devenish, Victoria.

The author also thanks:

Brad Styles, Fire Officer, Country Fire Authority, Boronia, Victoria for information on fire prevention and control.
Frank Howard, Office of Gas Safety, Melbourne, for information on safety handling of bottled gas.

David Morton, Dussek Campbell, Victoria for information about flash points of waxes.

iv

Contents

Foreword ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. iii Acknowledgments …………………………………………………………………………………………………..iv

  1. Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1
  2. Preservation of wooden hive parts ……………………………………………………………………… 4
  3. Safety …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
  4. Fire safety ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
  5. Waxes for dipping ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
  6. Hot wax dipping for preservation ………………………………………………………………………. 14
  7. Hot wax dipping for sterilisation………………………………………………………………………… 19
  8. Vats for hot wax dipping ………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
  9. Paints and painting…………………………………………………………………………………………. 26
  10. References ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 28

v

1. Introduction

Introduction
What is hot wax dipping?

Welcome to the hot wax dipping manual for apiarists.

A definition

It is the placement of various beehive components, or parts, in hot molten wax.

The term ‘dip’ means a brief immersion into a liquid.

However, when apiarists dip their hive parts in molten hot wax, it is usually for periods of up to 15 minutes depending on the reason for which the dipping process is being used.

There are two reasons why apiarists hot wax dip hive parts. They are to:

  • preserve wooden hive parts so that they are protected from the effects of weather, fungi and other causes of decay
  • sterilise hive parts salvaged from hives infected with the honey bee brood disease, American foulbrood.Not all hive parts can be hot wax dipped.Photo 1. Some examples of beehive material that may be hot wax dipped.Several apiarists have indicated to the author that when hot wax dipping is done well, the waxed items will last for many years.There is little documented information about the effectiveness of hot wax dipping as a preservative of hives.Some consider that only a limited degree of protection is gained because the process is largely a surface treatment and means of keeping timber drier (Williams 1980). On the other hand, Matheson (1980) indicates that the process provides excellent results. Some writers have quoted research conducted by Kalins and Detroy (1984) to indicate that hot wax dipping is ineffective because decay was found in dipped hive bottom boards within three

Purpose of dipping hive components

Effectiveness of wax dipping

1

Safety first!

When to wax dip

and a half years of treatment. However, the timber was treated with a paintable water repellent (paraffin wax and varnish in mineral spirits) and the results should not be compared with the effectiveness of hot wax dipping.

The key to successful hot wax dipping is to have the molten wax as hot as possible, but not exceeding the safety limits detailed later in this manual. It is also essential that the wood being dipped is well heated throughout to ensure maximum penetration of the wax into the timber. The process should not be hurried by dipping for only a short period of time.

Hot wax dipping is a dangerous process if safety precautions are not followed.

Severe burns to the operator can result if care is not taken.

Fire may also result. Remember that wax is flammable. Keep the temperature of the molten wax below the stated flashpoint temperature (see section ‘Safety first’).

Wax dipping can be done at any time of the year, subject to the precautions listed below.

Dipping is often conducted during the winter months when the active beekeeping season has finished and apiarists have time to attend to maintenance of hive material and other equipment. A small amount of wax may drain from the dipped item after it is removed from the vat. If the draining wax congeals and forms beads on the surface of the dipped item, the wood has probably not been heated enough. Very little wax drains from timber that has been well heated and is very hot towards its centre. As the timber begins to cool, most or all of the liquid wax on the surface is drawn or sucked into the timber. Because the timber is so hot, any wax that is not drawn into the timber will remain liquid and will readily drain away before temperatures cool to the degree that beading might occur.

Observe all fire safety regulations applicable in your State or Territory. Regulations control the use of fire on days of ‘Total Fire Ban’ and during declared fire danger periods.

Approximately 30 to 50 beehive supers (boxes) can be dipped in one day.

One apiarist has calculated that a full depth beehive super will absorb approximately 30 grams of wax.

Much of the information presented in this manual has been given

Precaution against fire

Some statistics

Information in this manual

2

freely by a number of Australian apiarists willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Some information has been sourced from overseas beekeeping journals and similar publications.

The information in this manual is presented as ‘best practice’ in use at the time of writing. Readers are encouraged to identify and adopt measures to improve the safety of the hot wax dipping process for their own individual situations.

3

2. Preservation of wooden hive parts

The need to protect hives

Damp timber is prone to decay.

Most Beehives in Australia are made from pine. This timber has little durability and needs protection if it is to have a useful working life. It will soon begin to decay if left unprotected from the effects of weather outside the hive and the moisture that occurs at certain times of the year inside the hive.

Apiarists have found that even when hive components items such as pine boxes and clearer boards are painted, dry rot can quickly reduce their useful life to only two or three years. This is particularly true of hive components that have been cut from pine before the timber has had time to adequately mature.

It is extremely costly and time consuming to replace boxes and other wooden hive parts that have had their useful life prematurely shortened because steps were not taken to preserve them.

Photos 2 and 3. Examples of wood decay in a clearer board (left) and hive (right).

Apiarists weather-proof and preserve hive components in a number of ways. The majority of hives are painted, but sometimes other treatments are used, either with painting or instead of painting. This manual details one of these treatments known as hot wax dipping.

Decay in wood is caused by fungi.

Fungi have one major requirement, moisture, before they can attack wood and cause decay and rot. Wood that remains damp will support decay organisms.

In contrast, wood that has less than 20% moisture content will not support decay organisms (Robinson and French 1986). These facts were confirmed by Williams (1980) who stated that fungi must have moisture and therefore do not attack wood that is dry.

In addition to moisture, wood rotting fungi also prefer warm temperatures of between 20 -30oC for optimum development and

Cause of decay

4

Paint can protect the surface

this explains why wooden hive components decay readily in the tropics if left unprotected.

When a beehive is painted, it is covered with a protective film. The film (paint cover) protects the hive from the elements (weather and sun) and keeps the moisture (rain and dew) on the outside. As a result, the timber remains dry and is not prone to decay.

A broken paint film, such as cracked paint, will allow entry of moisture into the wood. The moisture remains trapped by the more or less sound paint cover and provides a favourable environment for wood rotting fungi and eventual decay of the wood. Damp timber protected to a greater or lesser degree by a deteriorating paint film will dry more slowly than that unpainted wood.

Wooden hive parts and paint cover can suffer considerable damage that results from:

  • transport of hives
  • use of hive tools to separate boxes
  • fastening of hives with metal straps
  • dumping of boxes on the ground to dislodge bees.Physical damage of this type to wooden hive parts will rupture the paint and provide opportunities for water to enter the timber and become a catalyst for decay.In addition to the physical damage described above, environmental factors can also have an adverse effect on timber. These effects are described by Weatherhead and Kennedy (1980). Sun, wind and rain can cause physical degradation of timber. A change in the moisture content of the timber can lead to expansion or contraction and this in turn leads to warping and splitting.Successive wetting and drying of timber also causes a loss of natural oil and waxes leaving the timber exposed to the effects of moisture. This process can be controlled by water repellent treatments that penetrate into the timber and repel water. Less water enters the timber and this reduces the degree of expansion and contraction.Where the moisture content of the wood remains relatively constant there is only minor (minimal) swelling and shrinkage particularly around the joints. Some re-treatment of the timber may be required from time to time to ensure adequate protection.

Mechanical damage to painted hives

Environmental effects on wood

5

Successful hot wax dipping

Hot wax as a preservative

Efficacy of hot wax dipping.

The key to successful hot wax dipping is to have the timber very hot. At this point, the moisture, sap and air in the timber is replaced by molten wax. One apiarist advised: ‘If you don’t heat your timber to the same temperature as the wax you won’t dry it out’.

A timber preservative for beehives must have good water repellency and no adverse effect on bees. Hot wax dipping using paraffin and microcrystalline waxes has both of these qualities.

Robinson and French (1984) indicated that some apiarists found that hot wax dipped treatments lasted in excess of 15 years before retreatment of the material became necessary. Some beekeepers have indicated that well-treated boxes will last for more than 20 years before further treatment is required.

The extent of microcrystalline wax penetration was determined in trials conducted in Australia by Robinson and French (1986). They exposed blocks of wood to microcrystalline wax coloured with a wax soluble dye and placed in an oven at 135oC for one hour. The dye was just visible in the latewood at 2 mm on the radial face and up to 5 mm on the tangential face. These experiments do not fully replicate the environment provided by a vat of hot wax because the temperatures used in the trials was well below that recommended for hot wax dipping. Therefore the above findings should be treated as a guide only.

Some reports indicate that during hot wax dipping, the heated wax may penetrate up to about 50 mm in the end grain of timber. During dipping, the molten wax penetrates the joints, repaired sections and other surfaces of the box. The hotter the wax is, the greater penetration of wax is likely to be achieved.

As previously indicated, apiarists have stated that dipped items will last for many years without further treatment. Unfortunately, there appears to be no comprehensive study to determine the effectiveness of hot wax dipping under Australian conditions. Wax dipping in New Zealand is reported by Tew (1984) who indicated that sap timber, the portion of timber that would normally decay after a few years, should last as long as 10 years if re-dipped at 3-4 year intervals. However, he did not indicate the length of time that the timber was dipped and it is probable that the dipping time was insufficient.

The majority of apiarists who dip hive components choose to paint the material as soon as possible after it has been removed from the vat and while it is quite hot. The paint is sucked or drawn into the hot timber as it cools. It is thought that the paint adds extra protection to the timber by preventing or reducing the leaching of wax over time. A light coloured paint will also help to protect hives from overheating in the summer sun.

6

3. Safety

Precautions

Material Safety Data Sheet

(or MSDS)

Read the MSDS

Employee safety

Safety equipment

Hot wax dipping can be dangerous if safety procedures are not followed. If used carelessly, hot wax dipping can result in:

  • severe burns to the operator
  • headaches and drowsiness from fumes • fire.Always ask for and obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each type of wax you buy for dipping. The sheet is prepared by the manufacturer of the wax and contains detailed information on precautions for safe handling, use and any health hazard. It will also provide essential information about the flash point of the molten wax.Take time to read the Material Safety Data Sheet and follow all safety directions.Any employee who is to conduct hot wax dipping must be provided with a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet and adequate protective clothing. Employees should also receive training in hot wax dipping procedures. Confirm that the employee has read the Material Safety Data Sheet and understands your directions. Confirmation that the employee has obtained the necessary competencies can be obtained by asking the employee to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that the training was expected to provide.Accidents can happen unexpectedly!Hot molten wax can splash and burn the operator. Beware of drips of wax draining from an item as it is removed from the vat. Make sure you or any other operator is fully clothed and protected.Protective clothing and safety items include:

First Aid – be prepared

Molten wax can cause severe burns to the skin. If a burn is received from hot wax or direct contact with the hot vat, run cold water over the burn for at least 15 minutes. One apiarist visited by the author had a drum of water ready nearby for such emergencies.

Obtain medical assistance and advice as quickly as possible if the operator receives burns.

* coveralls
* leather gloves * * face shield

* hat apron

* protective footwear.

7

Hazards . . . . . Where to dip? Indoors or outdoors?

More about fumes – how good is the ventilation?

Fire – Beware!

Carrying out wax dipping operations in-doors can be extremely dangerous. The hazards arising from this practice involve:

• fumes • fire.

Avoid fumes given off by the molten wax. They are dangerous!

Ensure good ventilation is provided throughout the dipping operation. Apiarists conducting hot wax operations have reported severe headaches.

Hot wax dipping should only done outdoors. If you choose to hot wax dip in a purpose built shed or similar semi-enclosed area, you will more than likely experience the effect of a build up of dangerous fumes.

Even apiarists using large vats of molten wax outdoors have reported that they have sometimes become effected by fumes.

Detailed notes on fire prevention are presented in the next section ‘Fire safety’.

8

4. Fire safety

“Observe all safety precautions and wax dipping can be done safely”

Be fire conscious
no complacency please!

Don’t leave molten wax unattended

Local fire brigade

Fire regulations

Please familiarise yourself with the points below. Develop a fire safety plan and you will be prepared for any emergency.

Remember, that if a fire gets away from your premises you will be liable for damage to other people’s property.

The Country Fire Authority of Victoria provided much of the following information.

No complacency please! An apiarist whose vat of wax caught fire reported flames as high as 10 metres in the air!

Always keep a watchful eye on the molten wax. A number of apiarists’ sheds and equipment have been destroyed by fire, as a result of wax melting operations, particularly when molten wax, including molten beeswax, has been left unattended. Such cases have included hot wax dipping operations.

Know the telephone number of your local fire brigade and have it handy in case of emergency. Preferably, have a mobile phone on hand. Check that the mobile phone will operate in the area.

Familiarise yourself with fire regulations. Observe local fire regulations at all times. Take note of days of Total Fire Ban and declared Fire Danger Periods.

Some fire regulations require that there is no combustible material within 3 metres of the vat during the declared Fire Danger Period.

It is suggested that apiarists confirm these details with the local fire brigade.

A flash point is the temperature at which the molten wax will spontaneously ignite.

Never allow the temperature of the wax to get close to, or exceed the flash point printed on the Material Safety Data Sheet. (Refer also to section ‘Waxes for dipping’).

A representative of a firm supplying waxes to apiarists has advised that temperature the wax should not exceed 180oC. At the very least, a safety margin of 20-30oC below the flash point should be observed.

Overheating the wax may cause a ‘boil-over’ (See below).

Flash point – Danger! Don’t over heat the wax

9

Fire fighting equipment

When removing a dipped item from the vat ensure wax does not drip on the gas burner.

The following items should be ready for use in case fire occurs:

  • a dry chemical powder fire extinguisher – to extinguish fire burning the wax
  • a hose connected to a water supply – to extinguish fire that may have spread to nearby vegetation, sheds, beehive components or other combustible material.Note: Water must not be used on molten wax.
    Maintain fire fighting equipment in good working order and ensure itis close-by and readily accessible during dipping operations.A ‘boil-over’ may occur when molten wax froths and bubbles excessively, rises to the rim of the vat and spills over the sides. A boil-over is extremely dangerous because it may lead to fire. Boil- overs may be caused by:
  • overheating the wax
  • moisture in the timber – make sure the material is dry internallybefore it is dipped.Some hardwood sheets (eg masonite) can cause high levels of frothing. It is suggested that only small quantities of hive components made of this material be dipped at any one time.Some operators have found that if excessive frothing occurs when an item is placed in the molten wax, immediate removal of the item may remove the risk of a boil-over.A potential boil-over may be indicated by the development of large bubbles while an item is submerged in the wax.If a boil-over occurs, immediately cut the heat source by turning off the gas or electricity. This action is the first step to prevent a fire.If the boil-over causes the wax to ignite, the fire may be smothered by:
  • using a dry chemical powder extinguisher first
  • an industrial size fire blanket
  • a tight fitting vat lid. For operator safety, this should only be applied mechanically. It would be dangerous to move close to the fire to place the lid on the vat.Note: never apply water to extinguish fire burning the wax.

‘Boil-overs’ – what happens?

Beware of damp wood

‘Boil-overs’ – follow your fire safety plan!

10

Fire prevention – some simple steps before dipping is commenced

Where are the controls situated?

Where to place the gas bottle

Fire safe area

Fire may result from poor maintenance and failure of equipment.

Before commencing wax dipping operations observe the following:

  • inspect all electrical items for frayed cords and broken fittings
  • use only heavy duty electrical cords and unwind any coils to prevent them from overheating
  • test the thermostat at least once before starting the season’s dipping – failure of a thermostat can result in the overheating of wax
  • check the vat to ensure all welds are sound and no leakage of molten wax is possible.When setting up your wax dipping operation, make sure the gas bottle and electric switch are not attached to the wax vat or positioned immediately adjacent to it. Should a boil over or fire occur you will need to turn the controls off. The controls are best placed in a position that they can reached without endangering yourself in an emergency.Ideally, the gas bottle should be placed 3-4 metres from the wax dipping unit so that the supply of gas can be turned off in the case of a fire emergency. Make sure the unit is connected to the gas bottle by an approved gas hose.Readers are advised to check with the Office of Gas Safety (or equivalent) in your State or Territory about regulations that may stipulate a minimum distance from the point of ignition (the gas flame) to the gas bottle.Prepare a ‘fire safe’ out-doors area that will not allow spread of fire should an accident occur. Such areas could be concrete or bare soil. Remove dry grass and any other flammable material in accordance with fire regulations.It is preferable that the area around the vat be surrounded by bunding (similar to a small levy bank) to contain any molten wax that might spill during a boil over. This will also help to contain fire should the wax ignite. The bunding should be able to contain 50% of the volume of wax originally contained in the vat.Keep the area free of inflammable materials, including supplies of paraffin and microcrystalline wax, at all times. Remove any wax below or near the vat that may have accumulated as wax dripped from hive components as they were removed from the vat.

11

5. Waxes for dipping

Suitable waxes

A mixture of microcrystalline wax and paraffin wax is commonly used by Australian apiarists.

Both microcrystalline and paraffin waxes are sold separately and are mixed by the apiarist to form a 50/50 mix by weight. The two waxes are sold in either slab (block) or bead (pastille) form depending on the grade of wax.

In Australia, paraffin wax is generally not used on its own. The following scenarios can be expected if material is dipped solely in paraffin wax:

  • the surface of the dipped item may become very sticky in the summer sun and can readily collect dirt and grime
  • paint may not readily adhere to the surface of the treated item. Microcrystalline wax may be used on its own, but few apiarists dothis.Photo 4. Microcrystalline beads (or pastilles) (left) and block of paraffin (right).Some apiarists add a small quantity of beeswax and/or linseed oil to the 50/50 microcrystalline and paraffin wax mixture. It is believed that the addition of a small amount of one or both of these items further increases the life of hot wax dipped timber. The author has been unable to confirm whether this is true and to determine the exact quantities of these additives used by these apiarists.Beeswax and linseed oil cost more than microcrystalline and paraffin waxes. Unless it can be shown that these additives can increase the life of the timber, there is no economic benefit to be gained in using them.Always consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for information about flash points of waxes to be used in hot wax dipping.

Other additives

Flash points – check the Material Safety Data Sheet

12

Allow a safety margin with flash points

Remember, never allow the temperature of the wax to get close to or exceed the flash point.

Always allow a safety margin. The temperature of the wax should always be 20-30oCelsius below the flash point.

Note: The flash point of a 50/50 mix (by weight) of microcrystalline and paraffin wax must have a flash point of 220oC. The flash point of the combined waxes is dependent on the grade and mix of the waxes and will be lower than the average of the flash points of the two individual waxes.

Refer to the safety data material sheets for information on the flash point of the waxes. Alternatively, obtain this information from the firm from which you purchased the wax.

Some apiarists use 140oC when using wax dipping for preservation. For effective sterilisation of hive components, the temperature of the wax should be in the range of 150° to 160o Celsius. There is no need to exceed this temperature.

A representative of a firm supplying waxes to apiarists has advised that the temperature of the wax should not exceed 180oC.

What temperature?

13

6. Hot wax dipping for preservation

“The key to successful hot wax dipping is to have the timber thoroughly heated throughout without exceeding the safety precautions detailed in this manual”

Hive material that should not be dipped

Preparation of material to be dipped

Plastic items may warp or melt and consequently supers and queen excluders made from this material are unsuitable for dipping. This also applies to vinyl hive mats and plastic items found on some bee escape boards and hive lids. Plastic items like these should be removed before dipping commences.

Apiarists use a variety of methods to prepare previously painted hive components for dipping. Examples are:

  • sanding back to bare timber
  • steam cleaning to remove dirt and loose, flaking paint
  • high pressure water treatment to remove dirt and loose, flaking paint.Photos 5 and 6. Applying high pressure water treatment to supers (left) and cleaned supers with loose paint removed prior to dipping (right).Note: If you use water to clean material, allow sufficient time for it to thoroughly dry before dipping it in hot wax. Failure to observe this will result in excessive frothing of the wax.Some apiarists choose not to remove existing paint before dipping an item. They usually scrape off any blistered paint before the new paint is applied to the item while it is still hot.Use a thermometer and timer to correctly measure temperature and period of dipping respectively.A digital hand held thermometer is suitable for this purpose. An emersion probe, usually 300 mm in length, is attached to the thermometer unit. Emersion probes can also be custom made to any length to suit any size vat.Use the thermometer regularly to ensure the correct temperature is maintained throughout the dipping process and is not exceeding safety levels.

Thermometer and timer

14

Starting up!
Melting and heat the wax

When starting up, operators use a gentle heat to begin melting the wax. For example, only one of the three gas rings will be lit until such time as molten wax is observed rising to the top of the solidified cake next to the walls of the vat. This initial gentle heating prevents undue frothing and sudden expansion of the wax thereby protecting thermostat sensors, if present, inside the vat. It also allows liquefied wax to fill the air space under the block of wax.

When molten wax is seen at the edge of the top of the cake more heat may be applied within the safety limits.

Approximately 2-3 hours may be required to liquefy all the wax in a vat that has a capacity to hold one or two supers. The heating time for a vat that contains 4-6 supers is approximately 5 hours.

A useful suggestion! Plan to conduct the wax dipping operation over several days rather than the odd day here and there. The wax may remain warm to hot overnight and will require less heating and time to reach the desired operating temperature the next day.

When all the wax is liquefied and the desired temperature is reached, the heat source may be turned down as there is only a need to maintain the temperature. For example, where four barbeque burners (jets) are used to boost temperature after the initial heating, only two will usually be required to maintain the desired temperature.

Lower the hive part carefully into the wax to avoid splashing.

The item will want to float near the surface of the wax and will probably not be fully submerged. A weight is used to push the item(s) below the surface of the molten wax. Here are a few examples of methods used by apiarists:

  • a lever and clamp (see photo 14)
  • an old beehive box placed on the item to weight it down – a heavymetal bar on top of the old box will add extra weight
  • a variation of the above method has about 6-8 nails placed in the bottom edge of an old bee box. The protruding nails allows the wax to freely flow around the top edge of the box being dipped
  • where supers are fitted with Reade clip fasteners, several may be fastened together. The top box although not being dipped is used firstly as a weight and secondly as a means of lowering and lifting the clamped supers in and out of the vat (see photo 9).
  • a metal grid (eg, an oven tray) is placed over the item being dipped and is pushed below the surface by a sturdy piece of woodWhatever system is used to weight the material being dipped, care must be taken to make sure it is sturdy, reliable and won’t fall into the wax.After interviewing a number of apiarists, the author has come to the 15

Maintaining temperature

Careful dipping – no splashing!

Use a weight to fully submerge the item

Time of dipping

Frothing and bubbling!

conclusion that for best results, material should be dipped for 10 minutes.

Apiarists believe that the longer an item is dipped and the hotter the timber becomes, the greater the absorption of wax into the timber.

The hot molten wax penetrates the wood and replaces the moisture and air in the timber. The moisture is boiled off. The process is similar to the cooking of potato chips in hot oil.

Photo 7. A vat of molten wax ready for dipping of hive material. Note: Hot wax dipping should not be done in an enclosed space. The owner of this vat plans to increase the head space between the surface of the wax and the rim of the vat. This will improve the safety margin in case of a boil over (refer to section on vats).

Photo 8. Some frothing occurs when a hive component is placed in the molten wax.

Photo 9 As the hot wax penetrates the timber and expels much of the moisture and air, the frothing reduces in intensity.

16

Remove the item for draining

Remove the item from the vat and place it on the drain tray to allow excess wax to drain back into the vat.

Apiarists find that very little, if any, wax drains from timber items that have been thoroughly heated during the dipping process. Consequently, a drain tray is not necessary.

When the weighting device is removed, the item in the vat will partially float above the surface of the wax and can be lifted out.

Pick-up and removal of very hot material may be facilitated by:

  • wearing thick leather gloves
  • using pliers or tongs to grasp the item
  • using two pieces of timber each having at one end several nailswith pointed ends protruding. The ends of the boards with protruding nails are placed in the handholds of the dipped box which is then lifted out of the vat.Which ever means is used to lift the item from the vat, make sure the item cannot fall back into the molten wax to cause splashing.Allow the surface of the item to cool a little and then remove the item to a separate area for painting.Photo 10. Three Ideal supers fitted with Reade clips may be fastened together and dipped and lifted as one unit. The top super is never completely immersed in a single box vat and clips attached to this box may be safely grasped by the operator. After dipping each batch of three boxes, the bottom two boxes are removed for painting. The top is then placed at the bottom of the next stack of three for complete immersion.Migratory hive lids are best dipped after the after the metal cover has been removed. This is because wax may be trapped between the metal and inner cover if the lid is left intact. In hot weather, the solidified trapped wax may melt and seep down the external walls of the hive.

Draining hive lids

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Painting

After removal from the vat, hive lids are best placed on an incline of 45° to the draining tray so that one corner is lower than the others. This is particularly important if the metal cover has not been removed, as positioning lids in this manner allows excess wax trapped between the inner and metal covers to drain away. It pays to wipe wax from the metal cover before painting and while the hive lid is still hot.

While the item is hot it may be painted. In fact, the hotter the item is, the better it is for painting. Paint is almost literally slapped or brushed onto the hot item. The paint is drawn or sucked into the hot timber as it cools. (See notes on ‘Paints and painting’).

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7. Hot wax dipping for sterilisation

“Use the correct time and temperature to ensure disease contaminated components are sterilised”

A successful way to sterilise some AFB contaminated hive parts

Its been used for over 30 years

Time and temperature

AFB contaminated hive parts can be sterilised and made safe for reuse by hot wax dipping.

During the process, spores of American foulbrood are either:

  • killed (made non-viable) by exposure to heat
  • encapsulated within the wax.New Zealand apiarists have used hot wax dipping to sterilise hive parts contaminated with American foulbrood spores (Paenibacillus larvae) for over 30 years. Experience showed that the process was effective. However, it was not until 1998 that Goodwin and Haine conducted research and proved that hot wax dipping, when used correctly, would render all AFB spores non-viable.Minimum time of dipping: 10 minutes Minimum temperature range: 150° – 160o CelsiusThese recommendations are based on research conducted in New Zealand by Goodwin and Haine (1998).Using the above time and temperatures will ensure you successfully sterilise the components you have dipped.Reduced periods of time and lower temperatures than those stated above will result in some AFB spores remaining viable and 100% sterilisation will not be achieved.Use a thermometer and timer to correctly measure temperature and period of dipping respectively.

    A digital hand held thermometer is suitable for this purpose. An emersion probe, usually 300 mm in length, is attached to the thermometer unit. Emersion probes can also be custom made to any length.

    Use the thermometer regularly to ensure the correct temperature is maintained throughout the dipping process and is not exceeding safety levels.

    All items to be sterilised must be fully immersed in the wax for at least 10 minutes to ensure effective sterilisation.

Thermometer and timer

Submerge the hive part

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What hive parts may be sterilised?

Hive parts unsuitable for dipping

The following items may be dipped:

Preparation of hive parts prior to dipping

Frames, combs and hive mats from AFB infected hives should be destroyed by burning or irradiated as appropriate and in accordance with State regulations. Hot wax dipping of these items will only contaminate and dirty the molten wax.

Plastic items may warp or melt and consequently supers and queen excluders made from this material are unsuitable for dipping. This also applies to plastic items found on some bee escape boards and hive lids. Plastic items like these should be removed and should be disposed of in a careful manner keeping in mind that they originated from hives infected with AFB.

All internal and external hive parts should be cleaned before dipping to remove:

  • loose and flaking paint
  • beeswax including brace comb, propolis, honey and dead bees
  • other debris as found on bottom boards.This cleaning only removes debris that could soil and contaminate the hot wax and reduce its useful life.Note: Wax and other debris scraped from AFB infected components pose a significant disease risk and must not be exposed to any bees. It should be disposed of carefully in accordance with State or Territory apiary laws.Dipping may be commenced as soon as the wax reaches 150° – 160o Celsius.Hive parts removed from AFB infected hives should be stored in a bee-proof environment to prevent spread of the disease.When it is time to commence dipping, infected items should be brought out in small numbers and kept covered so that bees can’t have access to them. The handling of diseased items must be done in accordance with appropriate State or Territory legislation.

When to start dipping

Bee-proof environment required

* wooden bottom boards
* hive lids,
* feeders
* bee escape boards without plastic or fine mesh inserts.

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* supers (with clips)
* nucleus boxes
* metal queen excluders

8. Vats for hot wax dipping

“Safety and efficiency are the main issues to consider when designing a system”

Construction of the wax vat

The vat that holds the molten wax may be made from 3 mm black steel plate or stainless steel.

In New Zealand, the bottom of the vat is constructed of 6 mm steel plate and the sides of 3 mm steel plate (Matheson 1980). The pieces of plate are welded together on both sides for added strength to prevent them from rupturing. Alternatively, the vat could be constructed from one piece of steel plate and this would reduce the number of joints to be welded.

A cover or lid is constructed using metal 1.6 mm thickness.

It is suggested that before constructing a vat, apiarists consult an engineer for expert advice.

The vat should be large enough to accommodate the largest hive component to be hot wax dipped. In most cases, the largest item (at least on a plan view) would be the hive bottom board which often has a protruding lip or landing platform which makes it longer than a hive box.

Some vats are made to accommodate to 1, 2, 4 or 6 beehive boxes.

Photo 11. A vat, with drain tray, suitable for dipping one super at a time. The unit is heated by gas supplied through four independently adjusted barbeque gas burners. Note that for safety reasons, the gas bottle should be position away from the unit and the vat itself should be located outside the shed. (Refer to section on ‘Safety’).

The vat should have sufficient depth to allow for:

  • a full depth hive box to be fully submerged in the molten wax
  • displacement of wax when items are submerged
  • excessive frothing and bubbling.The height of the walls of a unit designed for dipping one box at a time should provide a safety margin of at least 230 mm above the level of the molten wax. One unit observed by the author had a

Size of the vat

Depth and safety considerations -prevent boil overs!

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Safety margins – include a rim above the level of the wax

Size of a single box unit

Plans for 4 or 6 box units

safety margin of 155 mm – this had not been sufficient to contain a boil-over.

A 4-box vat observed by the author had a safety margin of almost 400 mm in the height of the walls above the level of the wax in its solidified state.

Photo 12. The same vat (as in photo 11) showing dipped super on drain tray and molten wax. Note the distance from the wax to the top of the extended sides – a safety feature designed to contain wax boil overs.

Another vat observed by the author had a safety margin and incorporated an extended rim. It comprised of 80 mm on the perpendicular walls of the vat plus an extension of another 250 mm in height. The steel plate used for the extension was placed on an angle of 45o outwards from the walls of the vat.

The suggested dimensions for a vat capable of holding one-box are:

* length 596 mm * width 373 mm * depth 575 mm

The bottom of the vat is 320 mm from ground level.

A 4 or 6 box wax dipping unit measuring 1151 mm x 793 mm (plan view) is operated by John Sunderland of Sunderland Apiaries. This unit has insulated double walls to increase efficiency. A chimney is also provided. Readers requiring more information on this unit should contact Sunderland Apiaries, Dubbo, NSW, direct.

Photo 13. The vat operated by Sunderland Apiaries, Dubbo. Note the head space from the wax to the top of the walls. Note also the gas hose (bottom left) which is connected to the gas bottle located over three metres from the unit.

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Four boxes are placed in the vat in such a manner to form two stacks of two boxes. A third box, turned on its end, is then placed within in each stack, to provide a total of six boxes being dipped at any one time. The boxes are kept submerged in the molten wax by use of clamps.

Safety with electrical equipment

Use a lid

Photo 14. The clamps are used to keep the supers submerged in the molten wax.

The unit is gas heated using 4 burners removed from Donarch space heaters.

Thermostat and electrical connections are best covered with a metal flap, cap or hood to protect them from the weather and possible boil overs. Such protection can help to alleviate the risk of electrical fire.

A tight fitting lid for the vat is recommended by Warhurst and Goebel (1995). It can be used to smother flames should the wax catch fire. The lid should be able to be lowered mechanically in the event of a fire emergency. In this way the operator need not get close to the fire.

Photo 15. Wax dipping unit with lid in place.

When the vat is not in use, the lid should be in place to prevent entry of dust and rain that could lead to rusting of the metal components. Remember that moisture in the vat can cause the wax to froth excessively when it is next heated.

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Sources of heat

Gas

Photo 16. This vat is capable of dipping four supers at a time. Supers are removed from the wax and placed on two metal cross beams to allow excess wax to drain. The vat is partially insulated with aluminium sisalation and bricks. Completion of the brickwork would greatly improve the insulation and prevent heat loss.

Gas or electricity may be used to heat the vat. The author strongly suggests that apiarists who plan to build a wax dipping unit should consider electricity as the preferred heat source because there is no naked flame.

Solid fuel fires should not be used because of the difficulty in controlling the fire and amount of heat applied to the vat. When accidents happen, gas and electricity can be quickly switched off.

Readers are advised to consult a registered gas fitter for expert advice on the use of gas to heat hot wax dipping units.

Barbeque burners and gas rings are often used. It is strongly recommended that vats be fitted with appropriate thermocouples and thermostats to regulate the flow of gas and consequently the temperature of the molten wax. At the very least, it is advisable to have each gas burner with its own independent tap to enable efficient regulation of the flow of gas and the amount of heat to be applied to the vat at any given time. Gas ring units incorporating three independent rings each with its own tap also enable the flow of gas to be regulated.

Photo 17. Four gas burners are used to heat the unit operated by Sunderland apiaries.

Readers are advised to consult a registered electrician for expert advice on the use of electricity to heat hot wax dipping units. An electrician will provide advice on suitable thermostats and electric

Electricity

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Insulating the vat

The vat may be insulated to:

  • increase efficiency of the unit by minimising heat loss
  • protect the operator from accidental burns.Insulation can be provided by using:
  • several layers of ordinary building sisal wrapped around the vat. The vat is then bricked-up to provide additional insulation and protection from cold winds (See photo 16)
  • 25 mm semi rigid aluminium foil backed heat resistant fibreglass sheet between double walls of the unit.The metal draining tray, if required, should be big enough to hold the largest hive component and is usually positioned at one end of the vat. Excess wax drains from the dipped item, onto the sloping tray and flows into the vat (See photo 12).The use of baffles to raise the dipped item from the floor of the tray will ensure better drainage of wax from the dipped item.A couple of metal pegs welded to the floor of the tray near the vat will prevent dipped items sliding back into the vat.Over a period of time, wax in the vat will become soiled by:
    • a build up of dirt, paint and other debris
    • oxidation from the metal vat.It may be necessary to remove soiled wax and replace it with new wax to ensure that dipped hive material is clean. A drain trap is used to drain dirty molten wax from the vat. In the case of oxidation, the contaminated wax will sink to the bottom of the vat and only that portion of the wax will need to be drained out.Large debris can be removed from the molten wax using a scoop.Wheels may be attached to one end of the small vat to enable it to moved to a storage area when it is not in use.

Draining tray

Drain tap

Moving the vat

heating coils to be placed under the steel plate base of the vat.

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9. Paints and painting

Reasons for painting dipped material

Hot wax dipped material may be painted to:

  • add further protection to the timber
  • reduce leaching of wax from the timber
  • provide a cooling effect for the hives in the hot weather
  • provide a neat appearance.In summer, honey colonies cope much better with the hot sun and high temperatures when their hives are painted with light colours. When hot wax dipped material is not painted, hive bees tend to cluster on the front of the hive where the air is cooler.Some beekeepers choose not to paint hot wax dipped material believing it is unnecessary. However, a little time spent in painting may be good insurance against colony stress in normal summer temperatures and possible melt down of combs in extreme heat.The key to successful paint adhesion is to have the dipped material as hot as possible. When applied to hot treated wood, the paint is pulled or sucked into the timber as it is cools.Dipped items that have cooled cannot be painted successfully. The paint will not be sucked into the timber nor will it adhere well to the cooled wax. It appears that this process of the paint being pulled or sucked into the timber may significantly diminish or cease if the temperature of the dipped item falls below 130oC (Griffiths 1992).It is best to apply paint after the dipped material has been allowed to quickly drain but while it is still very hot. One apiarist quickly wiped any excess wax adhering to the dipped item before applying paint.Painting is made easier when the items to be painted are placed on a rotating painting stand.

    Most apiarists interviewed by the author preferred to apply oil based paints. They use one of the following:

  • two coats of gloss enamel applied to the dipped item while it was still very hot. Because the first coat is quickly drawn into the timber, a second coat can be applied almost immediately
  • undercoat applied to the dipped item while it was still very hot; a coat of gloss enamel applied later when the item had cooled and the undercoat had dried.Where acrylic paint was the preferred paint, two coats were applied while the dipped item was still quite hot.
    Those who used oil based paints considered the paint to wear better

Paints and their adhesion on wax dipped material

Oil based or acrylic paints?

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What surfaces to paint?

Reason for paint not being drawn into the wood

How many coats?

and last longer than acrylic paint. It was generally considered that acrylic paint tended to rub off easily, and in hot weather, surfaces with acrylic paint would tend to bond together causing hive components to stick to each other.

Apiarists differed widely in their approach to painting a dipped item. Some painted all surfaces while others painted only the external surfaces. The only majority agreement was that surfaces to be painted should have two coats of paint.

If the paint is not drawn into the timber it is likely that the wood was not sufficiently heated throughout when it was dipped. It may be necessary to increase the time of dipping or increase the temperature of the wax within the safety limits to ensure the wood is thoroughly heated.

Usually two thick coats of paint are applied. One apiarist applied a third coat on the top edge of the hive box for extra protection.

Photos 18 and 19. A revolving stand is useful when painting dipped supers which are very hot.

During the dipping process, some blistering of paint may occur on items that have been previously painted.

After draining, the blistered paint should be quickly and immediately scraped off before applying a new coat of paint to the still hot component.

Blistering of previously applied coats of paint

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10. References

Goodwin, M. and Haine, H. (1998). Using paraffin wax and steam chests to sterilise hive parts that have been in contact with colonies with American Foulbrood Disease. New Zealand Beekeeper. 5:4, 21.

Griffiths, G. L. (1992). Protocol for wax dipping bee equipment. In Preservation of wooden hive equipment. Miscellaneous Publication 4/92 March 1992. Compiled by L Allan, Senior Apiculturalist, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.

Kalnins, M. A. and Detroy, B. F. (1984). Effects of wood preservative treatment on honey bees and hive products. Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry. 32:1176-80

Matheson, A. (1980). Easily constructed paraffin wax dipper. 41:4, 11-2.
Robinson, P. J. and French, J. R. J. (1984). Beekeeping and wood preservation in Australia.

Proceedings of the 21st Forest products research Conference, November, 1984. Volume 1. Robinson, P. J. and French, J. R. J. (1986). Beekeeping and wood preservation in Australia. The

Australian Bee Journal. 67:1, 8-10.
Tew, J. (1984). Paraffin wax dipping of hive equipment. Gleanings in Bee Culture. 112:8, 422 and

426.

Warhurst, P. and Goebel, R. L. (1995). The bee book: beekeeping in the warmer areas of Australia. Page 35.

Weatherhead, T. F. and Kennedy, M. J. (1980). Adhesives and wood preservatives for the beekeeper in the 1980s. The Australasian Beekeeper. 82:4, 88-94.

Williams, D. (1980). Preserving beehive timber. New Zealand Beekeeper. 41:4, 13.

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