Accelerating Oak Drying By Presurfacing Accelerated Schedules And Kiln Automation

Reducing kiln-drying time for oak lumber can reduce energy requirements as well as reduce lumber inventories. In this work, 1-inch northern red oak and white oak were kiln-dried from green by a combination of individual accelerating techniques--presurfacing, presteaming, accelerated and smooth schedule, and high-temperature drying below 18 percent moisture content. Results were compared with those achieved by conventional kiln drying. Drying time in the combined techniques procedure was reduced by more than 50 percent. The results for quality of the lumber were mixed. In most of the material, the quality was acceptable, but enough honeycomb was present to be of concern. (Author)

Drying Hardwood Lumber focuses on common methods for drying lumber of different thickness, with minimal drying defects, for high quality applications. This manual also includes predrying treatments that, when part of an overall quality-oriented drying system, reduce defects and improve drying quality, especially of oak lumber. Special attention is given to drying white wood, such as hard maple and ash, without sticker shadow or other discoloration. Several special drying methods, such as solar drying, are described, and proper techniques for storing dried lumber are discussed. Suggestions are provided for ways to economize on drying costs by reducing drying time and energy demands when feasible. Each chapter is accompanied by a list of references. Some references are cited in the chapter; others are listed as additional sources of information.