High-temperature kiln-drying of 1-inch red alder lumber

A four-step study of various high-temperature kiln schedules was conducted on green, 1-inch red alder lumber. The objective was to find a shortened schedule yielding lumber comparable to that obtained with commercial schedules in terms of four criteria: minimal degrade at 7 percent average moisture content, good color and uniformity, dryness without excessive shrinkage, and repeatable results. All test charges contained at least 300 board feet, and for confirming the best results, each of the final four charges contained about 900 board feet. Dry-bulb temperature was maintained at 230?F while wet-bulb depression and kiln time were varied. Although drying at 230?F caused excessive shrinkage, the problem was corrected with a final steaming cycle at 215?F dry-bulb temperature and 3? to 5?F wet-bulb depression. A schedule with a total kiln residence time of 55 to 60 hours met all criteria.

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