Trials of prototype roll-feed, high-temperature dryer for 8/4 southern pine

Abstract

Eight-foot studs measuring 1.75 by 3.84 inches in cross section were cut from veneer cores and dried in a prototype continuous kiln that provided complete mechanical restraint against warp. Twenty-four hours on a high-temperature schedule brought the pieces from 87.9 to 8.3 percent moisture content without casehardening. Crook, bow, and twist were half that found in conventionally stickered studs dried on the same schedule. It was concluded that the reduction in warp (with resultant increase in lumber value), together with the system's inherent labor efficiency, justifies continuing work on mechanical design of roll-feed continuous kilns.

Citation

Koch, Peter. 1974. Trials of prototype roll-feed, high-temperature dryer for 8/4 southern pine. Forest Products Journal, Vol. 24(5): 24-28