Radio-frequency dielectric drying of short lengths of northern red oak

Abstract

For most uses hardwoods are dried as entire boards that include all defective portions discarded after drying. The United States has a large resource of low-quality hardwoods and the potential exists for significant savings in energy and in dryer capacity by cutting out defects before drying. One approach could use radio frequency drying. In this investigation short lengths of northern red oak were dried rapidly, but energy consumption and honeycomb were excessive in drying to low moisture levels. However, rapid radio-frequency dielectric drying to 25 to 30 percent moisture content followed by more conventional finish drying may hold technical promise.

Citation

Simpson, William T. 1980. Radio-frequency dielectric drying of short lengths of northern red oak. Res. Pap. FPL-377. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, 1980: 8 pages