ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN INDUSTRIAL DRYING OF RADIATA PINE

摘要

This study evaluated the specific heat and electricity consumption for industrial drying of radiata pine in the 8th region of Chile.Experimental accelerated and high temperature drying tests were performed in 100 m3 industrial kilns. The experiments consisted in slight modifications of the standards temperatures and air velocities that were used by the sawmill. The heat and electricity consumptions were determined with data collected during the industrial runs and calculations based on physical relationships. The results showed that the energy consumption can be potentially reduced by using higher dry-bulb temperatures and lower air flow velocities at certain stages of drying.