Applying Cumulative Frequency Distribution in Moisture Control During Kiln Drying

An important question in kiln drying lumber is how to obtain maximum information about patterns of moisture variation that exist before, during and after kiln drying at minimum cost. Because of certain factors that limit the accumulation and interpretation of moisture content data, kiln operators in the past have been forced to draw general conclusions from limited data on moisture content. Moisture measurement by the oven method is accurate but time-consuming. Measurement by a moisture meter is rapid but practical and reliable over only a limited range. A statistical method based on logarithmic normal probability paper has been developed here which overcomes some of these limitations. Its use by a kiln operator should add a new dimension to existing kiln-drying theory and make a significant contribution toward an optimum solution of the problem of moisture control in lumber drying. This statistical method involves the application of frequency distribution analysis to the moisture variation problem of lumber going into the kiln, during kiln-drying, and going into the mill. Factors that will affect the accuracy of this cumulative frequency technique are discussed, such as moisture meter calibration, errors in ovendry weight of sample boards, end coating technique, number of sample boards, and method of plotting straight line through data points.

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