Low-Temperature Drying of 1-Inch Sweetgum

Groups of drying-rate curves, and data on degrade and moisture content uniformity have been developed for 1-inch sap sweetgum lumber at low-temperature, forced air-drying conditions. Actual drying rates were determined from moisture content sample boards that were dried at constant temperatures of 80?, 90?, 100?, 110?, and 120?F.; 10 percent equilibrium moisture content; and air velocity at 550 fpm. From these data, drying rates were calculated at the same temperature series and assumed EMC conditions of 6, 14, and 18 percent. The calculated drying rates were accurate in predicting drying time to within 1/2 to 1 day of actual drying time. This was equivalent to a maximum difference of 2.0 percent in actual and predicted final moisture content. Degrade did not exceed $l.49 per Mbf in any tests at 10 percent EMC. Moisture content uniformity was good; standard deviations of moisture content ranged between 0.7 and 4.0 percent.

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