The advantages of high-temperature drying are faster drying, reduced inventory, reduced energy requirements, and reduced equilibrium moisture content. However the disadvantages are higher initial costs of the kiln, greater power needs, knot dropout, and reduction in some strength properties. The latter was the subject of this study. Three hundred pieces...
The fixed bed drying of western hemlock and Douglas-fir biomass particles at temperatures ranging from 50°C to 200°C and air velocities from 0.3 to 0.9 m/s was investigated. The objectives were to describe the drying characteristics of the particles, fit a model for thin-layer drying, and develop and test a...
A mathematical and then a numerical model were developed for simulating a convective batch lumber drying process. The model incorporates mass and heat transfer relationships within the lumber stack, as well as thermodynamic properties of the wood and drying air. It takes into account a change of air properties along...