초록 ▼

Lumber within a kiln is subjected to a multi-step process including initial dehumidification drying to a moisture content of approximately 12 to 20 percent followed by drying at a substantially higher temperature without dehumidification. The higher temperature drying step is continued until a moist

Lumber within a kiln is subjected to a multi-step process including initial dehumidification drying to a moisture content of approximately 12 to 20 percent followed by drying at a substantially higher temperature without dehumidification. The higher temperature drying step is continued until a moisture content of approximately 6 percent is reached, after which high humidity conditions are preferably introduced into the kiln for equalization and/or conditioning of the lumber.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of drying wood comprising the steps of: (a) positioning said wood within a substantially closed drying kiln, (b) circulating air within said kiln across said wood under controlled temperature conditions, (c) dehumidifying the air within said kiln while maintaining the temperature of air cir

A method of drying wood comprising the steps of: (a) positioning said wood within a substantially closed drying kiln, (b) circulating air within said kiln across said wood under controlled temperature conditions, (c) dehumidifying the air within said kiln while maintaining the temperature of air circulating across said wood below a value of 120°F. until the average moisture content of said wood drops within the range of approximately 12 to 20 percent, (d) discontinuing said dehumidification of the air within said kiln and heating the air circulating across said wood above 120°F. but below 180°F. until the average moisture content of said wood drops below approximately 10 percent.