The skill in optimized lumber drying lies in controlling the rate of evaporation to match the rate at which moisture reaches the surface; the aim is to minimize the moisture gradient without damaging the lumber. Adjustable speed drives have proven themselves as a method for reducing energy consumption by reducing fan speed in the later stages of drying to match the rate of evaporation. Little work has been done to investigate how lower air velocities over the lumber stack during the later stages of drying affects quality of the final product in terms of moisture content distribution, shrinkage, and degrade. This study was undertaken to examine the impact of airflow using an adjustable speed drive on the final quality of 50x152.5mm Pacific Coast Hemlock.
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