High-Temperature and Conventional Temperature Methods for Drying Lodgepole Pine and Western Larch Studs

Commercial kilns were used to dry both species using conventional schedules or a high (240? – 235?F) dry bulb. Kiln parameters are described along with procedures for the study in the high temperature study, wet bulb was higher throughout the study than the control setting. Considerable differences in moisture content (MC) existed between species suggesting this mix should not be used. High drying temperatures resulted in a drying to target MC in one-fourth the time needed for conventional schedule. A larger MC gradient, greater final MC variation, greater residual stress, and deeper end-check penetration occurred in the studs dried at the higher temperatures. Temperatures were not uniform throughout the kiln. A second article will detail the amount and basis for degrade.

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