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01-01-2012 | Originals Originalarbeiten
Impact of radio frequency heating pre-treatment on the kiln drying characteristics of sub-alpine fir
Published in: European Journal of Wood and Wood Products | Issue 1-3/2012
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Abstract
This study examined the impact of dielectric heating at radio frequencies (RF) as a pre-treatment on the kiln drying characteristics and end-quality of sub-alpine fir that is difficult to dry due to significant amount of wet pockets. Five plus a control group of 51×102 mm sub-alpine fir were RF heated at fixed power density (72 kW/m3), to the same core temperature (100°C) and at five time spans (15, 60, 75, 90, and 120 minutes) before conventional kiln drying was carried out. Air permeability tests were also performed on selected specimens. Results showed relatively higher permeability in almost all treatments. Drying rates above and below the fiber saturation point increased by 18–30% and 21–55%, respectively. All treatments resulted in improved lumber moisture gradients after kiln drying.