Lumber kilns dry green wood for immediate use, with steam heating being the most common method. Some models use mist systems or directional fans, and renewable energy can be used. Companies invest in wood treatment technology to affect their products and may receive incentives for green practices.
A lumber kiln is a type of kiln used to dry green wood for more immediate use. Different types of kilns process different substances by heating them to specific temperatures. Other popular types of kilns include kilns for firing ceramic, glass, and brick.
The lumber kiln is one of several types of wood treatment kilns. The kiln-dried wood is also used as firewood in some types of operations. Milled logs and kiln-dried lumber are often shipped to building supply stores.
The most common types of lumber kilns are constructed so that forklifts or other pallet-type machines can easily place loads of lumber into the kiln or kiln space. The kiln drying process helps remove moisture from the wooden beams so they provide better materials for building projects. The original wood moisture content in wood can make it difficult to work with.
In common types of lumber kilns, steam is used to heat the wood. Some models have electric heating or other systems, but steam heating is still among the main technologies used for this type of installation. Ventilation typically distributes heat, where much of the job a wood stove does is moving hot air from one place to another. Items called heat exchangers accomplish this efficiently in many models of lumber kilns.
In addition to the above elements, some models use water spray or mist systems to help treat the wood. Others use directional fans to help dry the wood by moving the air more quickly. Some types of lumber kilns also use renewable energy such as solar.
Companies that want to process lumber effectively will look into the cost-to-capacity ratio for a lumber kiln installation. The specific ways a lumber company invests in wood treatment technology will directly affect its products. A lumber kiln can be part of a larger treatment system or contained within its own station.
As governments continue to try incentives for green business practices, companies are likely to re-examine the ways they treat wood in their kilns. New adaptations could reduce the amount of energy needed to dry a certain type of soft or hardwood. Lumber companies that make use of new technologies and methods can realize savings and also become eligible for other incentives. Additionally, these companies can become role models for others who wish to innovate their wood treatment processes to use less energy.
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