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Author Topic: Continuous or Counter-flow kilns  (Read 12214 times)

Aaron

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Continuous or Counter-flow kilns
« on: August 14, 2011, 07:15:33 AM »
Continuous, or sometimes called counter-flow kilns are becoming increasingly popular.  Is this because they provide better moisture uniformity in the lumber, or is it energy savings or some of both?
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Offline MichaelM

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Re: Continuous or Counter-flow kilns
« Reply #1 on: August 15, 2011, 04:23:13 PM »
I assume you mean the ones that have been built in the Southern U.S. by several manufacturers (not the European variety). 

It would be great if someone had some hard data to share on these - a side-by-side comparison or a before-to-after comparison.  Are there any liquid run-off issues would be another good question.

As I undertand it, part of the energy savings comes from running the boiler at a steady firing rate. 

I might be wrong, but I don't think we have any of these in the west at the current time.
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Offline TimothyD

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Re: Continuous or Counter-flow kilns
« Reply #2 on: August 31, 2011, 03:28:40 PM »
Quote from: MichaelM on August 15, 2011, 04:23:13 PM
I assume you mean the ones that have been built in the Southern U.S. by several manufacturers (not the European variety). 

It would be great if someone had some hard data to share on these - a side-by-side comparison or a before-to-after comparison.  Are there any liquid run-off issues would be another good question.
...

Hi Mike,
I found this presentation on line; it is very interesting and full of facts and figures; so much so, that I am wary of attempting to make sense of it all :)  It did seem to indicate a higher energy requirement fo rthe continous track kiln, but I assume that must be offset somewhere in the other productivity factors.

http://www.forestprod.org/drying06robertson.pdf

Tim
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Offline Gilman Blackshear,Ga

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Re: Continuous or Counter-flow kilns
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2011, 08:19:10 AM »
From what I have been told concerning the "CDK" you actually use less energy. I will circle back around with some contacts I have that sell and install and I will check with Pollard Lumber (inventor of the continuous kiln) to see what there experience has been. I do know that results have been great with this type of kiln.
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Offline TimothyD

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Re: Continuous or Counter-flow kilns
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2011, 10:27:33 AM »
Thanks for the input Gilman.  I look forward to your update.
Tim
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