How long does a dehumidification kiln take?
So let’s say a smaller wood producer owns one of the more common kiln types, a dehumidification kiln. A common sized unit is designed to dry around 2500 board foot of lumber in a batch of inch thick boards. For this one inch lumber, green-to-dry kiln time is typically 5-6 weeks, or 35-45 days.
How does a dehumidification kiln work?
In a dehumidification kiln, heated air, (usually starting at a heat of about 85°F or 29°C) is circulated over the lumber with separate circulating fans, evaporating the water contained in the wood. The hot, moist air then passes over a cold refrigeration coil where air is cooled to about 60°F (15°C).
What is a dehumidification kiln?
A dehumidification kiln makes sense particularly when the lumber is air-dried first. This limits the amount of energy needed to bring lumber to the desired 6% to 8% moisture content. In contrast, a dehumidification kiln uses a sealed chamber, with only enough energy input to maintain the desired temperature.
How much is a vacuum kiln?
Vacuum kiln drying costs from $1-$2 per board foot, depending on the thickness. Plus, rather than paying for years of storage your lumber is ready within only a few weeks. 2) You can air dry lumber wherever allowed by law and typically there are lumber drying services in most major cities.
Can you use a dehumidifier to dry wood?
You can dry any hardwood or softwood in your dehumidifier kiln, but hardwoods need to dry slower to help reduce cracking and checking and require closer monitoring. ALL WOOD that goes into your drier needs to be end-sealed, and it should be end-sealed with a recommended product.
At what temperature do you dry wood?
You want your wood to dry quickly, but you don’t want to risk starting a fire. This puts an “ideal” temperature for drying the wood at about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows enough heat to dry the larger pieces, without singing small pieces of kindling.
Is kiln dried wood better?
So, kiln-dried lumber isn’t qualitatively “better” than air-dried lumber; it’s simply a quicker method of drying the green wood. Kiln-dried lumber is much more uniformly at balance with the moisture in the air all the way through the wood.
How do vacuum kilns work?
With a traditional forced-heat kiln dryer, the idea is to make the wood hot enough that the moisture evaporates. A vacuum kiln removes air pressure from the equation almost entirely, allowing you to cause moisture evaporation at much lower temperatures, much faster.
How long does it take for a dehumidifier to dry wood?
My dehumidifier is an appliance type unit rated for continuous duty. I will dry the lumber to less than 10% moisture content, which I figure will take 1-2 weeks.
How does a Nyle dry kiln drying system work?
Dehumidification lumber drying with a Nyle Lumber Drying System is similar in many ways to drying lumber in a conventional dry kiln. The lumber is stacked in a chamber and air is circulated through it at a controlled temperature and humidity in order to maintain the proper drying rate for the species and thickness.
How does a Nyle heater and dehumidification system work?
The Nyle System includes a method of heating the lumber which supplements the dehumidification system. The supplemental heater is used to heat during the initial warm up and, sometimes, when temperature increases are desired during the cycle. The Nyle System includes a circulating fan system. This system establishes airflow within the chamber.
Can a moisture meter be used inside a Nyle kiln?
While outside electronic moisture meters can be used to avoid entering the kiln, during the drying cycle, Nyle strongly recommends regular checks inside the kiln to visually inspect the surface or end checks, mold, stain and to check with a hand held meter.
What are the features of the NYLE l200m?
The L200M includes auxiliary heating, two circulating fans, controls, prewired electric panel, over temperature vents and upgraded controls with moisture probes. These kits provides you with everything you need to get going except the building itself*