Steaming of red oak prior to kiln-drying: effects on moisture movement

Red oak boards (Quercus spp.) were steamed prior to kiln-drying to determine the effect of steaming on initial moisture content (MC), moisture distribution, and drying rate. Four hours of steaming in a saturated steam atmosphere caused a drop of approximately 10 percent in initial MC, a reduced moisture gradient through the thickness of the boards, and an increase in drying rate during the early stages of kiln-drying, when compared to unsteamed oak boards.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member