Industrial implementation of an integrated kiln-drying system (IKDS)

A new model for kiln-drying has been developed, implemented, and tested in a sawmill. The model is based on an Integrated Kiln-Drying System (IKDS). The following tasks have been integrated into the IKDS: 1) on-line measurements of moisture content (MC) of green lumber; 2) automated sorting of green lumber by MC classes; 3) computer-controlled inventory of sorted lumber; 4) preprogrammed loading of kiln charges; 5) computer-controlled kiln-drying; 6) on-line monitoring of MC of dried lumber; and 7) on-line automated grading of dried lumber. Each task involves acquiring some basic data and making decisions based on those data. A drying model that is an integral part of the IKDS has been applied to provide information on final MC characteristics, the rate of degrade, the rate of wet lumber, drying time, and kiln operational parameters. The ultimate goal is to produce lumber with preprogrammed final MC characteristics that meet current market requirements. The implementation of the first preliminary version of the IKDS has led to substantial operational and cost benefits. This paper describes the principles of the IKDS operation and demonstrates how such a system has been implemented in an actual sawmill environment.

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