Manual for technical drying of timber BES BOLLMANN® DRYING & CONTROL SYSTEMS BES Bollmann GmbH Phone.: 07731-7860. Zeppelinstrasse 14 Fax: 07731-786145 78244 Gottmadingen emai: info@bes-bollmann.de www.bes-bollmann.deLEITFADEN DER SCHNITTHOLZT ROCKNUNG Manual for technical drying of timber Guide de séchage du bois Principi dell’ essiccazione del legno “.. BOLLMANN SERVICE! BES BOLLMANN Drying Technology-Control Systems AT Reinders Almelo company BES Bollmann GmbH Tel. 07731-7860 Zeppelinste. 14 Fox 07731-786145, 78244 Gomadingen _BES-Boll BronlinedeINTRODUCTION The autor of this guide to converted timber drying has tried, primarily to impart such know-how about the methods, -effects and possi-— bilities of kiln drying aS is needed by to- day's timber expert for the best and most economical seasoning of timber. A detailed description of the purely physical and theoretical principles has been delibe— rately dispensed with. This also meant that complicated formulae, diagrams and scientific deductions did not have to be shown. Sufficient scientific literature is available for anyone interested in these aspects. The discussion of design details of drying in- stallations also lies outside the scope of this guide, since the intention was to empha— size the "how" of the seasoning process This publication provides, in a simple and easyly understood form, a logical and at the same time comprehensive manual for modern converted timber drying. Decades of experience in this field and par - ticularly the co-operation of our specialists Dipl.Ing. R.D. Schmidt and Dipl.Ing R.Richrath made it possible to publish the newest edition of this document. It will be found an ideal and practical guide for seasoning shop foremen and engineers in the timber processing industry, as well as for pupils and students of technical colleges. Rielasingen, 198712.77 *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS U timber moisture wo Wg rnétiat nossture mo Ue Final moisture ow Ugg Fibre saturation range Ugl Equitsbriun nossture content TS Notature eqiiibelus aD TG brying gradient = potential B Shrinkage w By volunetrie shrinkage » Bt Tangentiat shrinkage c Br Radsai shrinkege o eh Swetting w Y Relative air muniaity o REFERENCES Kounsann, P. Technologie ‘des Holzes (Tinker Technology) voi. (4981) saNaK, We Handbuch der Holstrocknung (Wandbook of tinber drying) (1964) VORREITER, 1. Holstechnologisches Handbuch (Handbook of timber technology) (1958) KEYLMERTH, R, Grundlagen dex Hochtenperaturtrocknung (Principles of high-temperature drying) , Hole~tentraiblate (1949) KEYLNERTH, R. Uatersuchingen an einer Hesadampftrocknungs~ anlage (Studies on a superheated steam drying installation), Holz als Roh- und Wetkstof£ (1955) REYLMERTH, R, Das Trockhungsgefille und die Steuerung von Holztrocknungeanlagen (The drying gradient and the control of tinber Kitna), Hola-Zentraiblatt (1950) KRISCHER/KROLL ‘Trocknungstechnik (Technology of arying), vol. 1 (1956) 6p oven-ary weight Ta ovensary density KI Reterence nunver fs stacking factor A isference FT Ptr Pw ‘Tenperature Dry temperature (ary bulb) Wet temperature (wet butb) eying tenporature Dy feroce tists saturation hg Peving temperature after fibre saturation aDpsterveratore ditterentiat Punoy, Binflue der trocknungsgeschwindigkeie (Effect of the arying rate), Holz als Roh~ und Werkseoft’ (1961) TRENDELENBURG, R./MAYER-NEGELIN, 1. Das Holz als Rohstott (Tinber as a raw material) (1955) RNUCHEL, He Das Holz (Timber) (1954) RYSDYK, J.P. Die Genauigkest von Holzfeuchtenessung mit elektr. Feuchte-Hosgerien (The accuracy of tinber moisture Peasurenent with electric measuring instruments) » Holz als Roh* und Werkstof£ (1951) tka/n?) (kg/m?) wey ee) eer oy (ey een177 Nachdrth, hopiron~ ach avsepen *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz CONTENTS TABLE Introduction symbole, references contents table Basic concepts. timber moisture ranges. ‘Svencary welaht- oven-ary density Free, and pound moisture, fibre Saturation range, hystoscopic, equilibrium: eduilibrium moasture Ugl 5 Shrinkage. elling 6 Hystereaia, drying gradient (potential) 7 Approximate values for selecting Thearving gradient (potential) Timber species reference number KZ ° ‘Timber species - drying data table 10 Air humidity. relative bunidity Eondensation’ ry Dry temperature. wet-bulb, temperature Yonpersture differential, neagurement of air humidity 2 Peychronetric table. psychrometer 13 Peychroneter HT. 64 Measurement of equilibrium moisture 14 Equilibriua sensor HT 65 as Poychromat HT 69. timber shrink.teble 16 Tinber moisture measurement, oven dry method, drving scale v7 Electric tinker moister measurements 18 TROMATIC H -DI . weight canples 19,20 Timber structure aa Mo{sture movenents. purpose of drying ‘arying rave 22 Effects of structure and timber ‘thickness 23 Effects of temperature and drying gradient 2a Effects of air-movenent 2s Influence of dryer design, celculation fof arving time, TROVATIC “100, 26 Stacking of converted timber 2 Stack cross-section, stacking stick efossuseetion, stick spacings 28 Stack transport, stacking factor 29 Drying damage, discoloration 30 Case compression. surface cracks at For test pieces. cell crimps eeri"coriars a End grain cracks. deformations. Tenia leakage ES Technolosy of evaporation drying 34 Technolosy of condensation drying 35.36 Technolesy of hish-tenperature drying 37.38 Technology of vacuum éFying 39-43 The drying process, - preperation, election of timber’ types. sna. dimensions Smber with different moisture Love Nerification of initial congitions 44. Generel inspections before starting the drying pros: 20 'Sppiication of DrHABeP2abGeat ion fenge! sa UEePaiR honing) serving according Nighuperheated steam Gtying) 59 ME a: Bs Ge ES a Timber species, reference numb ‘Timber group setting number Diagram, equilibrium moisture Tobie. timber moseture toleran @igaren jer table 86.87 68 89 eo bo taden der Schnitthnlsteaskannn cate i. 3277 Nachdrck hopiaan = auch aversgmeite~ nicht Cony by Botinann *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes Uber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Hoiz BASIC CONCEPTS Timber moisture - Initial moisture - ug Final moisture - ue Oven- dry weight - Gp Oven - dry density - ry The purpose of this GUIDE 4s to explain the fundamentals of timber azying. T Amber , which is one of the most impor- kant nateriais, is available in its raw state in large quantities, but generally with too high a moisture content. For processing, tne moisture level must be considerably reduced. To do this, by means of drying or seasoning, requires a knowledge of basic concepts which can be obtained by studying the explanations set out below. Every tree and therefore its tinber contains a certain amount of water, depending on its species, structure, location and other factors In principle, the timber poieture U is Gefined as the ratio of the weight of water Gw contained in the tinber to the weight of ule absolutely dry timber. Freshly felled spruce may contain up to 150% moisture, poplar up to 220%, balsa up to 600t and over: The vater hela in the tinber is present basically in two conditions: free and bound’ (held in the cell}. ‘The percentage of moisture (water content), based on the absolutely ary weight (ary sub- stance of tinber) per my at wnich drying 13 fostart, ia) the “End tivad” Ro'd Timber substance (dry) + water + msist timber 400 kg +160kg = 580 kg 100 % + 40% = 140% initial moisture: 160 - 100 rm 40% The percentage of moisture, based on the abso- lutely dry weight which the timber hes or must, have so that it can be processed or sold, 13 referred to.as the final moisture =U ‘The {inal moisture should be such that the tin- ber changes as little as possible in its final condition, i.e. that it does not swell or Shrink; in thig respect see also "hygroscopic equilibriun’. the table at the left provides approximate values of the required moleture {final moi- sture) for various purposes. ‘The weight of the timber without water is re- red to as the oven-dry weight Gp on which ail weight and moisture data are Based, see table 13, page 86 with weight data for the most popular species of timber. Theoven-=ary density fe is fhe, ratgo of the weight of the absolutely dry timber Gp (oven-ary weight) to its volune in the shrunk condition at 0 ¥ moisture (oven-dry volune)« Corresponding data are also contained in table 13, page 86 T12.77 by Bollnann _Nachduck, hopin — auch avtzgencito~ nih! ge +; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Hoiz Free moisture Bound moisture Fibre saturation range. uy Hygroscopic equilibrium Equilibrium moisture - ug (moisture egetibrium) The water which is present between the cell walls is referred toas free moisture ‘The oroportion of free moisture (not held by the cells) is very high. Most water above about 25-20 4 timber moisture is free and can be renoved relatively easily. The water which is bound in the cell walls is referred to'as| bound water, This is the proportion of, water below 25-30 timber notsture down to 0 # tinber moisture. Thi Proportion i difficult to renove and ex Plains the decreasing drying rete as the Gegree of dryness of the timber increases, ‘The intermediate area between free and bound moisture ig referred to as the fibre satura tion range. Depending on the tisber species, this 1s an average situated at eround 26 © tinber noteture: This range has many different effects, among others, as the tinber moisture decreases below the fibre saturation rence, the timber is reduced in size ~ it shrinks or "works". ‘The drying conditions also change as the tin- ber moisture dross below the fisre saturation range (see drying gradient, drying temperature Grying stresses)» Every tinber adapts itself autozatically to the fanblent conditions (climate, i-e; air tone eure and air hunidity). As the climate Ehangos, the moisture content of the tinber Fises of falls, Timber behaves hy groscopically ‘This behaviour has been investigated and a Giagran ~ table 2 (see page 6) ~ haz been Je- Yeloped which shows the various conditions, shen timber moisture air temperature + 15°C ran (storage Sn ee aie tenpentere +220} gaye gy ene Miatttuaiuty aan} Sete 84 “ScetStns laitfaden der Sehnitthalrteock Weetiint arnCovi by Boltmaan _Nachdck, 1277 *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz vm Hsroscopie equilibrium diagram BB as Tigi ed : VY, 1 Xx vA ne \3 LA 1" XxX a5 A Relative air humidity ~~ isture 89 7 t | i 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 % 10 mt 1eC~w Dry temperature Ftp | Timber equilibrium "0 taste 2 Shrinkage - B E2'Zipjoct ‘to fsctustions ia"ies "nesses content. Swelling - off These fluctuationsare related simitaneously to changes in the timber volume ‘and to tinber dinensions. Tf Water is extracted from the tinber te will shrink and if tinber absorbs water it will swell. Depending on the structural make-up of the timber 18 will svell more tangentially than radially. The effect of shrinkage ~ depending on posi- tion = can be seen in the Einber section shom in fig. te Shrinkage values are given in table 6, page 15 They apply to volumetric shrinkage By» tan- gential shrinkage PY, and radial shrinkage pr and to the range of 0's to 308 timber mossta- ‘These values are inportant for srocessing, because corresponding allowances should be made before drying ray staves ste. in orer to obtain correctly dimensioned finished material If, for example, one dries from 30 ¥ to 15 ty only 50 8 of the values from table 6 must be entered; if one dries fron 301 to 108, 2/3 Of the specified shrinkage values must be entered in the calculation. Obviously, there are also corresponding values for changes in shape vhen water is absorbed again, fre. for ewelling. ‘The swelling values are a Little lower than the shrinkage valves.+; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Hysteresis Orying gradient - TG tsetenta o _ rT as{ Tela teal 7 8080 He eee ¢ - 2 | tan YT Sit} LL eae Li G ECCT oh ZN tues at ater abseration al s + Z jy | bat ‘ tJ = 60 0 100 Relative air humidity ie linen moisture is reabsorbed, the same tinbor equilibrium moisture, at equal tonserature and equal air hunidity, is mot obtained as in the caso of moisture releage, instead, the Value obtained will be Lower. this shenonenon isknownas hysteresis (see 3.2) This fact is of practical importance only for the storage of dried tinber. ‘The swelling values are in this case aot so important for practical purzoses, since tin- ber should be dried in such a way that a hygroscopic equilibrium is reached and that only the shrinkage values have to be taken int accoune. So that timber can below the fibre satura~ tion range be dried artificsally and quickly at all, a clinate (temperature and air humi= ity) must be created within the dryer which is alvays regulated to a lover ecuilibrium moisture than would correspond to the tinber moisture at that particular onent. ‘This relationship is described as [Drying gradient “ti TG Examples: IE the instantaneous tinber moisture U were equal to the timber equilibrium moisture Ugt v= Ug 15% = 15% the drying gradient (potential) would be te ce ee TE and the timber would no longer dry. If the instent: us Wt and the lus timber moisture were eqilibrium moisture Bane bt wu 12 = og 724° TG In general it can be said thats the greater the drying gradient a) the faster the drying b) the more irregular the distribu tion of final moisture content ©) the more and the wore frequent the érying damage. The value of the drying gradient (potential) determines, below the fibre saturation range, the characteristic curve of the drying pro cess. Above the fibre saturation range, other rules apely. Previously, drying zrocesses were run with a constant drying gradient (sotential). Today, the drying gradient (potential) is changed through modern methods and know-how to suit the tinber species and application, throush- out the drying process, to achieve better and quicker results. Approximate values about the selection of the suitable drying gradient (potential) are gi- ven in the table below. obviously, these could still be varied. * Leitfaden der Sch thalytrocknunn Geite 7*;BOLLMAR = iNFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iber Trockn —_fegetung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Approximate values for selecting the suitable drying gradient hi =TG KZ ref. no slow tryin gradient © og sarmal fe fast i potential iw slow normal fast light, white et hey, red 1200 slow 20 22 26 able 3 fast Example Spruce = 430 kg /m3 from 60% to 15%, 50mm avrmal drying © 224-28 oa Beech = ry = 600 g/m? from S0%t0 8%, 40mm renmal ying 24 a Utile rg = S50Kg/m3 from 60% 102%, S0mm (sine) stew drying) =2.2 -24 41277 Nechdvuch, kopiren~ auch avasigensie ~ sieht Copyright by Bolimann *; BOLLMANIN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Timber species reference number - KZ BOLLMANN Laboratory fina ‘Today, increasing use ie made of a large nun ber of timber species from Africa, Asia and South America, which have to be processed. 70 sone extent, these species of timber and their names’are unfamiliar when they are first introduced, as are their internal struc ture, hardness, shrinkage, drying behaviour, oven‘ary density as well gs other timber characteristics: On this basis of many years of practical and theoretical experiments and studies, SOLLMANN have found a suitable, and above ali simple, method particularly for the drying behaviour and for drying. A relationship exists between the ideal ary- ing development for a timber species and its characteristics or its macro- and microscopic It has been found that tinbers with the same or a similar structure or characteristics behave similarly or in the seme way during Grying. If the differences in the character- istics of two timbers are only slight, the drying characteristics will differ only = Little too. ‘Two species of timber with greater aisferen- ces in characteristics will therefore also show a comespondingly different drying behaviour. For these reasons, SOLLMANN developed a sy- sten of classifying under similar reference nunbers all those tinber species which exhi- bit a similar drying behaviour (drying tines and results). ‘Tho range of reference numbers goes from KIS OKT AS In table 4 on page 10 will be found a list of the reference numbers of the most conmonly used timber species: ‘The special advantages of this system are its many practical fields of apoiication, Not anes of tinbers, but reference nunbers are compared. For example, spruce is cov sub-species. 1d in different Central European spruce isKZ 15-17 whereas North European spruce is KZ 18-22 Bven Swedish spruce is distingvished as southern central and northern Swedish spruce KL IB, KL 20, KZ 22 The different structural characteristics of the tree by the nane of spruce resulting from location, vegetation and soil condi- tions are therefore clearly distinguished by this designation with reference nurbers, The nore accurately the characteristics are classified, the more accurate and uniform will be the drying results. Every timber specialist is already aware of the wide variation in structural character= istics of the tinber from one and the sane tree - e.g. in the case of sapwood and heartwood. Therefore, already on the basis of the struc ture, considerable differences in the final moisture or differences in length of drying time will be found for the heartwood and the Sapwood from one and the same trunk.Altnough At 4s possible to reduce these aifferences in final moisture after equal drying tine by means of drying process refinements, the ba- Sic fact of a different drying behaviour does loitfaden dor rhnitthalrtranbaunn12.77 Covi ty Balinann _Nachdwek,Kopiven~ auch ouszugrnese neh ee *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz y : Teeratres Te v ni ‘Timber species | kz Wop tna Blue gun, Lignan vitae tgmjecm | 45 a |e 1 | Riekoo™acindss anne” 1 eee maceesselesony u pei American oak (red oak, white oak), 42 40 55 2.0 2 | rer menses ' tai 40 55 65 2.6 hornbeam, niangon, lauan (dark), 38 45 55 20 3 afzelia (doussié), elm, bibolo, Y 37 60 70 2.6 Sedu nohor, iaigho, mayepis, 7 su | ae 4 | arrormosia, ramin, nakoré iy YY t tenenry maingenr) Is Vea ey Copper beech, walnut, birch, | mansonia, African mahogany, eae 5580 | 22 § | redwood, ‘zed cedar, wild serviced he tet (wawa), (samba), agba (tola), afara 28 60 15 2.8 hemlock, larch, stone pine, QT 55 65 2.4 yellow pine (white pine), pine B | Yaaricinny obache, wows, "samba, |} + elt Seen 23 65 75 | 28 Poplar (tremula), Lines fir, pine 22 60 65 2.4 dl coeentenuses ay liscrmrres) t rorlt 18 65 80 3.0 AT 60 70 2.4 8 | Spruce (central European) { eee 15 70 90 3.5 Poplar (alba), spruce (very light), “4 60 70 24 g | cckba” ciasee teed { ,aid 42 70 go 3.5 W 60 70 2.4 10| paisa { + + ' Table 4 3 70 30 4.0 * Lu In the case of initial moisture contents above 50 8 it is advisable to lower the specified initial temperatures - parti- cularly to avoid discolourations - by a further 5° - 10°C, Leitfaden der Schnittholztrocknung Seite an1277 Cony by Batinann _Nachdrack,kopiaven = auch auazugeize~ nicht ge +; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Air humidity Relative humi +20°C = “18g at P=100% +40°C J ~ 559 at = 100% +75° ~4089 at P= 100% fy. 4 100 50 Condensation 20% e fis. 5 ‘The assessment and classification as regards their drying characteristics of all types of tinber according to REFERENCE NUMBERS is much simpler than would be possible on the basis Of the nenes Of the tinber species. Low reference nusbers indicate a faster drying process, higher reference numbers a correspondingly slower process, Assess ment and classification are Not names, but reference numbers are used for Guyer regulation or when calculating the dry= ing tine. Nunbers are easier to process eli tronically and to use for regulating comput: tions. ‘The names of timber species vary fron country to country, whereas numbers are understood everywhere. AS © is able to absorb a certain amount of water; when the air is cold, it can only eb- Sorb a little, but when heated, it can absor> The maximum anount of water-which can be ab- sorbed is different at cach air temperature. For example, 1m? air at 420°C can absorb about 18g water, at 40°C it can absorb about 55 q water and at +75%C about 403 3 water - see fig. 4. These amounts of water in g/m? or 9/kg are referred to.as absolute. they con be found in a physical table and are only of indirect importance for the érying process: ‘The absolute amount of water is thus the anount of water which can be absorbed at a given temperature, i.e. when the air has Feached a degree Of saturation of 100 8+ then air at +40°C has absorbed 55 g water, ie is 1008 saturated > one then says that ithas toe relative air hu- miatety. T£, on the other hand, it only holds 25 9 water at +409C per m? ‘air, this corresponds to about 50% relative air humidity or 50 8 or 0,5. For example, air of the sane temperature can at 20 8 relative hunidity (very ary) seill absorb 80 8 moisture; at 70% relative hums~ Gity (moderately hunia), a further 39 ¥ wa~ ter can be absorbed; at'95 + relative air humidity (almost saturated snd very nonia) , the air can only still absorb @ further 5 4 water ~ sea fig. 5. Just as with rising air temperature the air can absorb more water, the air vill reversely, release move water as\the alr tenperature Grope, if at the changed tenperature the existing absolute air humidity 13 higher than the saturation value at the new temperature Example: If Tn? air had a temperature of +40°C and 40 & relative humidity (corresponding to 22 9 water content = 40 t of 55 g absolute amount of water), and if one were to cool this air down to +20%, the relative air hunidity, would rise dufing cooling and would at +20°C Row already exceed 100 8 relative air humidi- ty (complete. saturation) . Th this condition the air can ‘at +20°C only Still hold 18 g water (absolute anount of water at full Saturation). leitfedan der Cah nttthateten ata12.77 Nachdtuch, kopiten~ auch auszopsweise ~ nich estate ji by Bolimann *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Ory temperature oie (dry bulb) Wet temperature ji (wet bulb) (aoist temperature) Temperature differential - 4 yg WET BULB ocPRESSION Measurement of air humidity Originally at 140°C the air contained 22 g water and after cooling to #20°c 1t only Still contains 18 g water (naximun possible amount of saturation), as a result of which 22 ~ 18 = 4g water precipitate in the form of water droplete (nist), i.e. through condensation. From these characteristics of the air, the following can be deduced 1) Drying is quicker with warm aiz than with cooler air, because air can absorb more water as the tonperature rises. 2) The relative air humtaity indicates whe- ther air is, for example, dry (10,8 rela- tive humidity) or moderately hunid (65 ¢ relative humidity) or very moist (90° re- lative homiasey) This does not indicate the absolute amount of water ~ But it does allow one to assess fairly accurately to which extent the air is able to absorb farther moisture. Dry air causes rapid drying ~ moist air only absorbs further water very slugcishly. 3) Tf a certain amount of air is cated the relative air hunidity drop , but if one “cools. the sate anount of air, the relative air humidity rises up to 1008 humidity = beyond this the excess amount. Of water is with further cooling released in the form of water droplets. The term dry temperaturesy ig used to describe the air tenperature effectively prevailing in the dryer, which is Measured by corresponding "dry" sensors oF Gry thermometers and also regulated cor- Fetpondingiy « The term wet or moist tempera ture aby describes the air temperature effectively prevailing in the dryer, which 1s measured by corresponding "wet" sensors oF Wet thermoneters and also regulated correspondingly. The difference in temperature between the ary temperature and the wet cenperature is des~ cribed as the temperature Qi ferentiai-dwp this diteeren- tial indicates the degree of relative air puniasey. thaws ad If water 1s evaporated on the surface of a body, the heat required for this is érawa fron’ the bogy, which then cools down, If the air surrounding the body is very ax y,. this air can absorb @ large amount of moisture, t.e. the body cools down very considerably. If the air surrounding the body ss very moist, this air can no longer absorb much moistirs, i.e. the body cools down very Preeles loitfaden der Crhnitthalstrartanan Cait oe~ much sunzgeneise ~oicht gl 12.77 +% BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes liber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Psychrometric table ‘The effect described on the previous page 7 therefore used for measuring the relative air humiasey. For the measurement one uses on the one hand a "ary" thermometer, to nessure the Gzying temperatures, On the other hand, a second thernoneter is applied at the sane point. The sensing bulb of tne Latter ther- foneter is provided with a wick which ie constantly acistened ~ this is the "wet * thermometer, Depending on the prevailing relative air hunidity in the drying installation, more or less water evaporates from this wick into the Surrounding air and therefore also more or less cools the wet-bulb therroneter. The wet thernoneter therefore indicates @epending on the existing relative air humi- ity, a tonperature differential in relation to the @ ry therroneter, and this differen- tial is a measure of the relative aix humidi= ty in the dryer- With the aid of table 5 it is now possible to Getermine which relative air hunidity will prevail in the dryer at a certain dry tempe- Fature and a certain tenperature differential This table is referred to as the payehrometric table. an Dry te +c Relative oi humidity Ye =F rE: Psychrometer ‘The instrument vith which the air huniaity can be measured consists of the two thernoneters with the moistening arrangement and 18 known as 8 PSYCHROMETER, Psychroneters of suitable designs are the most accurate and the most suitable measuring 4n~ Strunents for converted timber drying, because they function perfectly at any operating temperature between +10°C and +100°C. Batten 08277 Nachdiuch, hopiren = auch aeszugeneie — seh Cony by Botimann *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Psychrometer HT 64 Patent No. BP 1296 411 ta pre- heater toe Diagrammatic representation Fig. Measurement of the equilibrium moisture according to the condition of the drying climate (temperature and ait humidity) If they are fitted with regulating sensors instead of theznoneters, it is possible not only to measure, but to regulate at the sane tine. Ordinary psychroneters have shortcomings, and this is why OOLLHANN nave specially Geveloped the Psychroneter 37 64, which is covered by patents in Germany and other coun= tries, for the drying of tinber ‘The continuous noistening of the wick does not take place only fron below, but also from above. This ensures that the moistening sy- stem will continue to operate even when the wick absorption capacity, through accumula” tion of dirt or scale, 1s reduced and that the instrument remains operetional. This fact is of the greatest in portance, because faultless drying requires first of alla faultless measure- nent, since it is only these measured values which will cause the control installation to, carry into effect certain operations As can be seen in the illustration, the moist ening water first reaches a storage container fon the instronent within the dryer. This Method offers the advantage that the water fakes on the sane temperature as the drying medium ("dry" tenverature) and thus prevents the water from reaching the wick of the wet thermometer at too low a temperature, which could then distort the wet temperature: Tt overflows continuously via a epecial-steel tube from above via a wick to the sensor loos of the "wet" regulator sensor and the "wet" thermometer. ‘The wick ends in a lover collecting container which is open at the top. In this way the wick can draw up additional water form below, On the lower water container an overflow forms the @rain, which ends outside the dryer ‘The drip rate can be regulated from the out~ side by means of a drip cock According to the drip rate, the vater consumption 1 as follow 60 drops per minute = 6,2 1/day (24 h) 80 drops ber minute = 8,3 1/day 300 rope ber minute = 10,3 1/day 120 drops Der minute = 12,4 1/day ‘The normal drip rate is about 70-80 drops per minute. ‘The instrument consists of a conplete housing in aluinium with internal components nade from stainless steel and can at any time be swivelled out for operation and inspection from outside the dryer (see fig. 8): For the correct functioning of the instruent constant areation must in addition be provi~ ded at the measuring head, with an aix flow rate of about 2.0 ~ 2.4 m/s. ‘The relative air humidity inside a tinber drying installation can, apart from the pey- chronetric method, also’be determined via the timber equilibrium mai~ sture up ‘The relationship between relative air hunidi~ ty and tinber equilibriun moisture has alrea- €y been explained earlier in the section "Timber oquilibriun moisture” (see table 2). —T1277 Machdrch kpievn auch averuaneito~ ict ae! +; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes tiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Fiat Equilibrium sensor Measuring head HT66 Lately. this has been done by a thin foil or a strip’ of hysroscopically vary, sensitive ma> feriaiCunseh ie installed “inside the dryer This néasur ing ‘strip very quickly aaapte. it~ belt to” the sir conditions prevalent. jn the dryer \and: "Because of ita hysrescepic behavior exhibits. an egui librium "ueisture Ugi~ which Sorrespands tothe condition of the timber Jt, at the same time, the moisture of the tin bet “In' "the "aryer. is measured “by neene of Reaguring electrodes = ive. the instantaneous Cimber "wofature. U- = “ine existing drying Gradient tpotential) Te = U's Usl_can” be Cal= Suleted and correspondingly Yegdlated, or cor fected, if the values are found unsuitable for drying: The entire process can be executed oy sitetronical’ means’ and) be used “for “the handling of a Sryieg Table 7, page 60, shows the timber equilibrium Roigture "Usi a2 “a "function of the arying Gradient 10 ~ O's “ugivand the instantaneous Unber moisture U Tables 8 to 12 on pages go to 82 show the tem- perature differential Qf ps as a function of thes drying’ sradient “76 ©” 0-7" ai and. the inetantanggus timber mosture U. in’the sranze between 382 °and "Bs cH ES °—erying Compers= BOLLMANN developed. in connection with the Fully!autonat iccresGleting systems THOMATIC 3 correeponding weasuring head Ht 26 ‘This measuring head contains an electrically Gberating dry. bulb thermometer "and a “hysros™ Copically enaitive measuring strie: as des- Geibed above, for the direct. determination of the Cinber eguilibriun mossture in the arver The measuring head ig installed inside the yr he g result of reein or dirt deposits Snvthe Qirface of the measuring “strip, fouley Seasurements say arise in tine, and this, mea” Guring strip oheuld therefore be replaced with fhe: becin of each drying. This replacement can be carried out in a few jingtes, since the measuring strip ie” merely held. by, @ clamping” arrangement wnich can be Feleased with two knuriedhead screws Leitfaden der Schnittholztrocknung Seite 151277 i Machdruch hpieven— auch autre Copy by Batman +} BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes Uber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Psychromat © HT 68 Anew. high-precision measuring sencor for Tnalgte sel iv"ESndiSensne processes Hi 68 Ghanges sn the relative air humidity change the Selectrss “charscterietie of a. sensitive egouring element, which t6 transformed jnto felavive™ aar"humidity. values by” means of = Special intensafying circuit The measuring sensor is, protected against Gamage end ingr se of dirt by a special Sturdy eilter The inetrument is 4 trail blazer when it comes {O° measuring. accuracy. snd to “gone extent Sxeeds the accuracy of s poychroneter The"yeiative alr humiasty is measured “in % BOLLMANY Microprocessor installations cen be Gperated ‘with’ sii the air -hupidity” Sensors entioneg above “and are “able to convert the Signalef the sensor into a value famiTiar te tha "Sper ator Example FRE” PbvcunowT, HT 60 | connected. to en humidity, but "tne TROMATIC contre! system Eonverts| this {nto equilibrium moisture and Gievieve inthe letter form. TIMBER [S-RADTAL [S-TANGENT.] B-VOLUM. roy 4-7) 2-8) u-B Biren arate ett ote aaa Bongoses | 8-9 | 3-10] 14 = 20 Beeen req] S-8 | a4-a7[ ig - 33 Beech we] 8-9 | teas] 19> 33 Boustas | 325 | “s=id| i> i@ Par 328 | F219] tol ig fuerants | 325 | 72/9] 14719 Oak 323 | Z2.9] le Skune 323 | 32%] ori8 Pine 225 | slag} lis 2-2 | 323] lB 428 | 7225] 19-38 32a] giao) iis 323 |] 2°38] lB oteis een atotrl|emroiat3) THELE 6277 rn auch avszugneiza~oicht ge check, hop Covyih by Be +} BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Orying sale Wissenswertes tiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Measurement of timber moisture {see fig. 10) and even of one and the same ee SSS Structure of the trees. in the individual arse. 120 “800 4 [NSS ‘trunk the distribution of the timber moisture erat 7 — 30 4] HERB eer] also varies considerably, so that great dif- oak 59 = fo, aeSP Le fig. 10) a2 well as between sapwood and heart ASH 50 - 70'4| | wood. perce, AO THO ALT HH (| | a.number of processes. are avaitable for aeter femur 9 “109 4 drying progress. |rarian® 109-499 4 ‘hese processes are carried ovt by: pices comets) cee timber, which is known as the oven ~ snout Mhansttenone Of Cinbet aoletire. Levels! Oven - ary process Titele complicated. Sanpies have f0'be taken seh generated during sawing’ would otnervise al- with the riving knife and = if the metsture tests are to be carried out later ~ carefully wrapped in plastic to avoid any prema ture lose of moisture. As a makeshift measure the oven-ary test can also be carried out with a letter scale and @ heating stove - but it is better to use a Special drying oven with built-in scale, knonasal drying scale (fig. 12) To carry out the oven-dry measurenent, seve yal 5-6 mm thick cross-sectional test pieces are cut out about 50 on of nore away from the eng of the board of aril shavings of a total weight of about 100-150 grams are taken with a giniet bit. several Samples (at least 2-3) should always be taken ‘The samples must be veighed imme dia- Ee ly. (letter scale) or placed on the drying scale. Then dry conpietely in the éry- ing oven or hear a heating surface, warming plate or boiler surface (not over 102-103°C) . Gnly when quite convinced that the weight will not @rop any further, weigh for the last tine and note the result, T£ may now be found, for example, that the sanple which originally weighed 105 grams now only weighs 75 grans (this is the oven-dry condition), Therefore, 105 grant less 75 grans 5°30 grams of water nave been extracted, Haden dor Grhnitthntsteack T ccite 1712.77 Copyright by 8 +; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Nachdiuck,hopieten~ uch ouszopensise nich ges Ohmmeters for measuring the timber moisture The original timber moseture or initial mois~ Ure therefore ie Ginit.weight ~ fin.weight of sample) x100 Go Final weisht of sample (205 ~ 75) x 100 75 40% With the drying gcale this computation is not necessary, eince ‘the actual timber moisture Gan then be read off directly It is IMPORTANT to find gut not only the aver- a9e, mousture content. but also the mossture SfeerThution LAYER SAMPLES (slices) or DRILLING SAMPLES (arity "shavings: driit” cores)” “should theretore’be used’ for ovenrary toate This’ slfows a morecaccurats, localization and and evaluation "er the type and extent of the foisture distribation in Ese” mofst. or dried Timber Te"alsa gakes it possible to recognize exces- Bive surface desefeation in. the opens. Stress peteTbutlon “cass heraching and divine de If the ovencdry method ,i¢ used in conjunction with Ene “syecutson of drvang processes, St is Buvieable'to toke test pieces” weight samples and “fork “fest tine Temperature fi. 23 Effect produced by the moisture range In which water is extracted Timber moisture % Ua = Up *h 108 ® @® so = Se oT?tsatevign fig 24 Effect produced by the drying gradient By warming the timbers, both the actual wood substance and the water contained in the wood are brought to a higher tenperature. This temperature increase resules in an accelerated movement of the water from the ineide of the Einber to its surface, and therefore in nore rapid drying. The higher the tinber temperature, the grea- ter and faster will be the flow of moisture and therefore algo the anount of waver relea~ Sed in a given time. This also explains to sone extent why tinber stored in the open at about 15°C dries mich nore slowly than timber in drying plants with hbuch higher temperatures. At a arying temperature of +40%C, for example, the’ tonperature factor results in values which are already twice as long as at a drying temperature of +80°C. In fact, the. actual effects are much more complicated: and the data mentioned above are therefore intended only for guidance. Since the timber moisture does not decrease linearly during every drying phase (in this connection see also tmovement of water in the timber"), the total drying tine is nade up of a large hunber of sections of different dura~ ton. Knowledge of the drying tine is, however, only Anportant for the section A-B (see fig. 34), ive. for the section from the initial moisture to'tne final moisture. Lf, for example, 1 hour would be required for arying from Ya 60 & to Ye drying fron 358 to 25¢ would be 1.8 times longer, fron 254 to 158 would be 2. times longer,and from 158 to 58 Would be 6.1 times longer, although 10 percent timber moisture is extracted each time. The air conditions around the tinber to be dried obviously have a consigerable effect fon the drying tine of the timber. During a @rying process, the drying gradient (potentiad and therefore the drying clinate are therefore controlled correspondingly (in this connection See also "drying gradient”). If the drying conditions are very moist (low Grying gradient), the high saturation level of the air leaves only little further possi- bility for water leaving the wood being absor~ bed by the air. Reversly, at a high drying gradient (low relative air nunsaity = dry Conditions), the alr {ein a mich Detter post~ ton to exttact water from the timber surface. This shows that the drying gradient also has an effect on the drying tine. In practice, this effect shows itself in that open-air dry- ing is very slow during years of high rainfall as opposed to years of low rainfall, Obvicus~ ly, the air movenent must alzo be taken into account here. loittedon dar Schnitthalytrackauna Seite 9412.77 i Copyright by Bolimann *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Effect produced by the air movement Drying gradient a 18a os time factor —m To carry out a drying process, warmth and air are required. ‘The warmth evagorates the water, which is originally present in the timber in liquid form, whereas the air carries the warmth to the timber and removes the water vapour being produced at the timber surface. The amounts of air required for a drying pro- cess and thérefore the air velocity in the Stacks is determined by a) the highest possible drying rate for the Eimber in question, which is lintted by the nature and the’ structure of the timber as well as by ize thickness, b) the drying process used (condensation-, evaporation= or high-temperature drying) « Extensive tests and practical experience have produced the folloving guide values, which Should be adhered tor fin. 2 Condensation drying 25°C = 50°C _about 1.3 ~ 2.0 m/secsin the stoy Evaporation Grying asec - 95%¢ Air _velocit ve, Qe 4) rapid grying (nainly softwood timber) aber 2.5 o 9.5 p/ster ZA 4 b) mediun speed drying DBD (Sof troed. tinber, edsuncweight hard . wood eambers) a about 2:29 310 n/sec. an | ©) stow arying ZB | (oak, heavy hardwood tinbers, 1 Reavy tropical tinbers) | about 1.8 - 2.4 m/sec. 0 i Wigh-tenperavare Saying out a8 oe ee time faetur —> mainly softwood timber 28 about 4 ~ 6 n/s0e. High air velocity in principle means reduction of drying tine at higher drying temperature, but of course alea increased danger of atying damage. Low air velocities, fon the other hand, are nainly used for ten- perature-sensitive timbers, 1.e. at moderate Grying tenperatures ‘These explanations show that the air velocity 43 a further factor in the drying plant which has an effect on the drying tine. Leitfaden der Schnittholztrocknung Seite 2512.77 *; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes liber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Effect of the dryer design Drying time computations Programme calculator Tromaric * 100 Fed. German patest av, 15:48 598 The DRYING RATE ip indirectly affected by the design or ‘the rechnical faciiitses of eh Gryer as regsrds heating, ventilation and hu midstication’ A prerequisite for au uni form moisture Sxtrection within 3" stack 15 “the'moge even possible ventslation of the” latters AS shee Pesdy. mentioned eariisr. the purpose of the Sir. is tov bring the necessary warmth, to the Eimer and to remove the resulting water var pours An Srreguiay ventilation will therefore Pesuit tn’ sn uneven input of warmth and in an Uneven Fenoval cf mossture The result of this. uneven ventilation are Increases. in drying time which are. dus to a then subsequently necessary equalizing tine In the, above, sections. much has been explai~ fed ‘"apout “the. effects shach. determine ene Srying vate. it, hag. been possible, from the Gata 'descrited. to develon a formula, for cal= culating the drying time which Je sutfaeiently Sccurate to obtain azproximate values for most Commercial embers This formule is besed on ell the influencing Factors mentioned 20 for and is the. "result of Tonge practical experiences ae” weil oe scien- tie Theestisarions Independently of this. BOLLMANN are constantly preparing, in their’ own laboratory and 8x~ Berimentai ingtallacions. optimum drying pro- Brame and “drying tines for unknown. "timber Specie “newly, arriving on” the commercial Since the correct spplication of the matheny Eiest “Pormolae tor’ the. caleulation of the Grying time. is much too complicated and time Gongumitig' for Rast ‘people working, in_timber Evade” SOLLMAMN developed 3 “special computing disc. ‘which Nee been used fora. long time. in Germany” end other cgutries by drying. plant Foremen. Sngineers end technical col legs. With thie, patented programme calculator TAGHaTIE” fog PEhe"drying’ tine. can be easily and quickly determined with the oid of ail the Gnportant variables. wich are” taken into. se= count in the calculator desian. it is” meredy Secegsary’ that “the forlowing, setting Values thickness. timber srecies. (ovenndry density), Srying temperatures and drying gradient The empirically ag yell ag. mathematically based formula for the Grying’time requires. in the range of low arving comper atures, (among others es a result of changes in the diffusion Behavior! a substantial time correction. Thése correction values mist be taken from the Gurve ghoun here (fig26) and apply to values f¥5m°450°C" and lower: These correction yalugs must be multiplied by the drying tines found, which were calculated witn "thee prosram computer” HY 100" or the ‘TROMATIC controller Mel. \ehereas the control Gonputere TROMATIC 310,410,510 manufactured Ffcp (88a Gnvards “already take” These cor Vathtadon ae Sahat thalstrasknunn Cotte 9812.77 ich Nach, kop omit by 8 «{BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN 1 Wissenswertes liber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Stacking of converted timber fin 2 A orerequisite for good drying quality is the faultiles¢ stacking of the timer stacks. It should never be underestimated how much drying danage can be caused by unfavour~ able or wrong stacking alone. Boards up to 40 mm thick should be stacked board to board ~ this not only results in an economical utilization of the stack voluse, but also improves the ventilation within the stack during the drying process. Timber thick nesses above 49 mm, particularly in the case Of stave cross-sections, are stacked with spacings, when the distance should as a rule Of thumb be shout 30-40 ¢ of the stave thick— hess. This also applies to particularly thick Blanks over 60 mn. ‘The stacking sticks must be placed exactly one above the other at the appropriate spacings, making sure that no stick is left ove, The timber ends should be firmly supvdrted, i.e. by a stacking stick. This is necessary because timber becomes thermoplastic during drying and would bend and deform at the temperatures and humidities in question. If such a deformation already exists before drying, asa result of wrong stacking or missing stacking sticks, the boards in question will without fail be bent of twisted also after drying. ‘Thin material is particularly Liable to deform and should be laced in double layers in pairs Glen the "lefe sides* touching (sapwood) , see Fig. 29. Normal boards should be placed with the "right" side upwards (heartwood side), to counteract the tendency of this side to curve upwards (see fig. 29). 70 prevent the "dishing" of thin material par~ ticularly in ‘the upper layers, one often uses conerete slabs which are placed on top of the stacks during drying. These concrete slabs Offer the advantage as compared with the usval Spring clamping arrangenents that their clans ing effect is still the sane even after the material has shrunk to its fall extent. Such Slabs are essential in the case of spizally rained timber, if one is not to find only ‘corkserews" in the uppermost layers of a stack (e.g. in the case of Pinus radiata), See figs. 30 and 31. If dryers are fed with stacks of very long, thin material and If these stacks are carried by means of fork Lift trucks, it can hapoen that, due to the fork support being in the centre, the ends of the stacks are distursed, particalarly if the ground is uneven. End tacking sticks are then lost or displaced with the resule that the stacks are to some extent dried twisted and bent. The stacks are even today still assembled in most plants by hand. Since rising wages make this increasingly expensive, stacking is often carried out as piecework, with the result that this operation often becomes the reason for many arying losses. From a timber conversion quantity of about 15,000 fm per year onwards, automatic stack~ ing is therefore not only be more economical as regards the stacking costs, but also makes it possible to avoid losses through drying danage,1277 +} BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz by Bolinann _Nachévuck. k The stack sizes ~ i.e. the width and the height ~ depend on the local conditions, the carrying capacity of the fork Lift truck and on the stability of several stacks placed one on top of the other. The following stack dimensions are the nost Stack cross - section common in practice: width 1.40 m * height 1.40 Wath ‘1140 m= Ressht 1150 m Width 1150 m » height 1.00 Less common is a size of 1.10 m width = 1.10 height, since with such stacks fewer packs can'be'placea on top of one another. with this stack size 4 often happens chat such stack towers lean over ag a result Of shrink~ age and may even topple over: i ~ sect Tt is expedient and economical to use if Stacking stick eross - section possible only one stacking stick cross-section for drying, since different cross-sections create many problems. For example, several cross-sections could be mixed up when stacking So that stacks are no longer built horizoneal= 1y, ‘which in turn would result in a deforma tlon"of the stacked material. In addition, the Gifferent stick thicknesses must be sorted, and this operation could be avoided. Of course Such a standardization toa specific stacking stick cross-section is not easy, since in many plants both thin and thick material is oro" Gessed at the sane time, in theory, one would feed a separate stick thicknees for every Cross-section, to obtain the necessary free Sross-section for the aix flow in the arying chanber. As a standard stick, the cross-sections 22 % 40 nm or 24 48 nm have proved success fal in practice. It must be remenbered that these cross-sections will shrink in the couree of bse, so that the thicknesses will later be Rear 20 and 22 nm respectively. ‘Thinner sticks - particularly if they are narrow of square ~ are not practical, since they will easily break already after’ being used a few times. If most of the timber hand- led is over 65 mm, stick thicknesses of at Least. 26 to 35 nm should be used. If the pro~ portion of very thick material ig relatively lou, the standard stick of abot 24 mn thickness should be adhered to for reasons of efficiency i Good dryers with adequate air novenent pro- Stick spacings Guce good eying resdits even a this theore~ tically smal sgacing. ‘The distance of the sticks in a stack must be chosen so that tha boards cannot bend chroush (thermoplastic defornation!). ‘This means that closer spacings must be provided with thin naterial than for thick material. Timber with certain structures, e.g. timber with a very spiral grain, also’ requires a Feduction of the stick spacings. The STANDARD SPACINGS as well aa the STICK THICKNESS can be compiled in a table according to the following approximate values: [zee oe [ee comes up go 2S wm fie 30 ToS = 80S up to 65 mm [24 = a3 600 = 1000 over 65mm [35 = 50 800 = 1500 aden dar Sohnitthalrtrastauna on2.77 i i i i Copyright by Botimenn +} BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Stack transport Stacking factor - fs - Stacking sticks are generally made from spruce or fir. Pine sticks may lead to blue staining whereas beech sticks are sometines Lssble to deform considerably and may also break off easily. Sticks made fror light alloy tubes are still only very rarely used, because of their high cost. Always, stacking sticks Should be stored under cover. 1e method of transporting the stacks to and fom the dryers depends on various factors, the overall situation, ‘number of dryers, fre~ quency. of loading and unloading as well as the sequence of manufacturing processes being decisive in'a timper processing plants In principle, two methods are used: a) track -bound operation by means Of roller beans, stacking trucks OF in-plant. trucks b) trackless operation by means of forklife trucks, pallet pushers or mecha~ nical arrangenents Inside the dryers, a space limited in length, width and height is available for acconmoda~ ting the timber stacks; this space should not. be exceeded, as this would impede the proper operation of the dryer. The better a tinber stack is formed — ive. placed board to barra ~ and the more uniform the timber lengths, the ore effectively will the volune of the stack be utilizes. Theoretically, a stack content of 100 8 is possible. This would assume that the full Stack width and the full timber length are Filled without any empty spaces. flowever, in practice this is hardly possible, so that one Rever achieves an effective stacsing factor fs of 100 8 Full edged timber (edged, squared), which is stacked board to board, with exactly equal timber lengths, has a stacking factor of {5 308. Already if this timber is of Aifferent lengths the stack will only have a stacking factor of ts = 75 ~ 85 8. Unedged, but more or less equally long tinber, stacked guite closely together, has a stacking factor of f§ = 10-80 ts Bent timber or staves of equal lengths, which are placed with intermediate spaces, will only Produce a stacking factor of fg = 55 - 708 If the bent timber or the staves are in addi- ton of different lengths, the stack content is reduced accordingly and one reaches 2 Stacking factor of no more than fg = 45 ~ 60 & Tt is worthwhile to check the method of stack- ing ana the stacking factor in one's own plant and to improve it, since a better utilization Of the stacking capacity increases the drying capacity very considerably. In quite a number of plants, many hidden reserves Still exist in thie way.1277 Machdruck hplern = auch avo ooh by Bolt +; BOLLMANN INFORMATIONEN | Wissenswertes iiber Trocknung, Regelung, Messung, Stapelung, Transport von Holz Drying damage (Drying faults) Discolouration (Oceurrence of spots) A correctly designed timber drying installa- tion with corresponding fully automatic con trol toa large extent prevents drying faulte and conseguent losses in value. The results of open-air drying are never nore favourable, 25 regards drying damage, than those of modern technical drying, provided that this is carried out correctly ‘The purpose of drying is to transform the natural ray tinber, with its vast munber of Sifferent chanical and structural properties fand characteristics, into an improved and Workable material. Already ‘the visible characteristics, such 2s the differences between sapwood and’ hearexocd, Springwood and autunnwood, strength and spiral grain, the varying shrinkage behaviour in the Qigferent directions of the grain (radial and tangential), are sources of innumerable faults To his must be added the different water Der~ meability for the movenent of liquid of the timber substance, which varies from board to board, which means that a certain variation in the distribution of moisture can hardly be prevented. Chemical changes taking place Guring drying may result in discoloration To avoid drying faults as much as possible, one should therefore be familiar with the effects and the nature of these causes. The formation of spots on the surface is only ‘a superficial discolouration, which can gener ally be removed during the subsequent planing. Te is therefore of no importance. The spots occur when sprayed steam or hot condensation evaporates on the surface of the timber. On oak and also on tropical tinber ~ particularly Eimber which contains tannic acid ~ blue/black or brown spots are produced by iron tannic Seid reactions. The latter may also occur when Storing outside in’ wee weather. In the case Of conifers (pine) there is a danger of blue Staining (see blue discolouration). This dis- colouration is caused by a fungus. Various Other species of timber (uhive ine, pinus Strobus, soft pine) tend to form brown spots, which afe caused by enzymes. The danger of blue staining in the case of pine can be prevented by innediate steaning above 70 ~ 75¢c, but the timber must after Steaming be well cooled and must leave the dryer with an absolutely dry surface, to pre~ vent a resurgence of the blue discolouration In the open. To prevent the discolouration through enzynes in the case of white pine and pinus strobus etc. or at least to reduce it, the tinber should before drying be subnerged in a chloro~ phenol solution and excessive air hunidity and foo high a drying temperature should be avoi- ded during érying. In the artificial drying of timber, colour changes may occur with various timber species. These occur mainly in the case of high tinber moisture contents and are caused by excessive Grying temperatures and excessive air humidity values in the drying installation. For example,. line and birch will show grey spots, nut tree and alder will discolour brown, maple will become reddish, beech maho- gany-iike, Jacaranda 1ilac and pine yellow Go brown. th oak with a high moisture content, @iscolouration may occur already at relatively low drying temperatures (35 ~ 40°C), depending T