Commercial-scale RF/V drying of softwood lumber. part 1. basic kiln design considerations

The philosophical approach in designing a commercial radio frequency/vacuum (RFN) kiln is discussed, with a review of all the design issues thought to be important. The physical processes relevant to RFN drying are reviewed and basic equations are introduced for dielectric heating, and electric field breakdown in a low pressure environment. The project followed this approach of design and construction. The successful completion of the kiln construction phase then provided an opportunity to experiment with the kiln to prove out the design, and to evaluate the important variables for determining the commercial viability of RFN drying. The experimental phase will be described in Part 2 of this paper.

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