WOODSTOCK DE-HUMIDIFYING KILN UNIT

Our kilns have been designed to minimise the problems often associated with kiln-drying of timber:

1. Accurate control of the dehumidifying process to prevent damage or degrade of timber.
2. Accurate stacking of timber to prevent warping and end-splitting.
3. Efficient insulation to maximise energy usage and minimise costs.
4. Efficient stacking and de-stacking system for labour-saving.
5. Portability. Our kilns can be easily dismantled, transported and reassembled.

Reliability, durability and availability of spare parts have all received priority. We have used the best available insulation material, being a polyurethane compound enclosed between sheets of chromadeck. This provides both excellent insulation and a very long-lasting cladding which does not require maintenance. Whereas polystyrene insulation gives off highly toxic fumes/gases in the unfortunate event of a fire, our insulation material is non-toxic and is, in fact, fire-retardant to a high degree. It will melt eventually (after some hours) but will not burn as such, so the danger of fire is radically reduced.

The structures consist of a frame manufactured from tubular and angular mild steel, which is powder-coated with an acid resistant coating. The insulated panels are covered with chroma-deck sheeting, which has also been treated with an acid resistant paint.The structures are also manufactured in such a way that they can be easily dismantled by loosening off the bolts, so they become portable without any great cost of having to get in rigging specialists. Dismantling would take approximately one day and reassembly about 2 days. The units are always supplied "ex works" and can be crated for transportation if this should be necessary. The dismantled panels are approximately 3,50m x 2,50m and are 40mm in thickness.

All components, i.e. fans, humidity sensors, evaporator and condensor coils, compressors, etc. are sourced from established suppliers in order to ensure that spare parts are readily available and reputable warranties are in place.

In this system, the structures MOVE OVER THE STACKS OF TIMBER, thus saving a great deal of time in de-stacking and re-stacking. Because the stacks are packed on the ground and in the open, it is much easier for the stackers to be accurate in the all-important positioning of the stickers to give really top quality results. Whilst the kiln is operating, the next charge is already beginning to air-dry, thus saving even more time. The changeover when the timber is dry takes approximately 45 minutes, as the doors are removed from either end of the structure and it is merely rolled over the next stack. Rails supplied as standard allow for two stacks, i.e. one being dried and one waiting for the kiln. It is possible to have rails to allow for three stacks at a time, depending on the timber to be dried and the air-drying period desired.

The kilns are controlled by a PLC (programmable logic controller) utilising a computer programme which we have originated and tested extensively under load. All timbers have been categorised according to SG and drying capabilities and for the operator it is merely a matter of selecting Group A, B or C and then keying in the relevant thickness of the timber to be dried. That will be the extent of the manual control. Each PLC is backed up by a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) to protect it against spikes in the electrical supply or in case of an interruption in the supply. The UPS should be able to power the program for several hours when fully charged. This ensures that the programme will recommence correctly once the electrical supply is restored.

All electrical wiring has been done to international specifications and a good technician will be able to do all the maintenance on this unit. The kilns require 380V 3phase and Neutral plus Earth, with an amperage rating depending on the size of the unit. We presently manufacture two standard sizes, one which takes approximately 18m3 and one which takes 40m3. However, we are able to custom units for clients' needs and the only limitation would be maximum size to allow for the unit to be moveable on its rails.

Buyers need to provide the following for the kiln:

• Level floor space, approximately 25m in length for the smaller unit and 45m in length for the larger unit.
• Width required is the same for both units, namely 5m.
• Adequate electrical supply.
• Adequate drainage facilities for the disposal of the moisture which, in the case of some timbers, needs to be pumped into holding tanks to protect the environment. There are various companies which offer this service to take care of the waste problem.