Using steam explosion to improve the dryability of wet pocket wood

A technique called steam explosion was carried out to improve the dryability and moisture content (MC) distribution of lumber containing wet pockets. The research included an evaluation of the steam explosion technique for pretreating lumber before drying, an investigation of effects of steam explosion on mechanical properties of wood, and experiments of drying schedules for explosion-treated lumber. The results of this project indicated that the steam explosion treatment improved dryability and final MC distribution of subalpine fir lumber. A comparison among the five testing groups showed that the treatment with a temperature of 130?C (pressure of 2.5-bar) and 20 cycles of explosion achieved the best final MC distribution without significant reduction of mechanical properties. A considerable reduction in both modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) was observed in Group D (160?C/6.2-bar), while no significant differences were discovered for the steam explosion at temperatures below 130?C (pressure of 2.5-bar). When two types of drying schedules, conservative and accelerated schedules, were used for the treated lumber drying, no significant differences were found among the following: final MC distribution, shrinkage, MOE, and MOR.

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