Challenges still to meet

摘要

Drying technology has progressed in leaps and bounds, but there is still fundamental work to be done. With many of kiln drying's "easier" problems solved, researchers are moving to tackle some of the really challenging issues. Forest Research's Multi-Client Drying Group continues its work this year with 33 member companies representing kiln operations, kiln and energy suppliers drawn from New Zealand, Australia, Chile and North America. The group has been running since 1989, says scientist Ian Simpson. "Two key issues for us are kiln brown stain and moisture variation after high temperature drying of structural products," he says. "With kiln brown stain we have some answers but the outcomes are not seen as commercially acceptable. For example theproblem can be eliminated by using oversized timber and dressing off the surface. This eliminates the stain, doesn't require any additional machinery or chemicals and is financially viable. However having spent years trying to eliminate sawing variation1 can understand it goes against the grain to turn around and cut oversized wood.