Moisture content management is a key requirement to improve forest harvest residue economics for bioenergy production. This dissertation aims to contribute towards better management through these three general objectives (1) Determine average moisture content of fresh forest harvest residues and its changes over the different seasons of the year, focusing...
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...
Rotary dryers are the most commonly used wood drying system in the particleboard industry. These dryers also play an increasingly important role in drying wood residues for fuel. Many potential benefits may be realized through an improved understanding of the rotary drying process. A rotary dryer simulation model was developed,...
Tanoak lumber might supplement the supply of white oak for boat construction, as the tree has extremely thick sapwood that can be pressure- treated readily with preservatives.
One-inch tanoak lumber was kiln -dried to 3 different moisture content ranges, then pressure -treated with water -borne preservatives. Some unseasoned lumber was...