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Author Topic: Kiln Baffling  (Read 6975 times)

Offline RyanMCL

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Kiln Baffling
« on: September 14, 2017, 07:35:33 AM »
We have two kilns, 23 feet wide, that we load 4 units of lumber high, 4 deep, and usually 2 units wide.  I say usually, because the lumber is most often 8 ft long, but sometimes we get 7 and 6 foot units as well.  In order to direct airflow through the units when the width of the units is well under the kiln width, would I want to put a baffle on the side of each of the 4 rows? or just front and back? Having 5-7 feet between units and the wall can't be helping airflow go through the wood.

The same question applies to the top of the units as well.

Offline ingo wallocha

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Re: Kiln Baffling
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2017, 04:13:54 PM »
Hello Ryan,

All rows should be baffled. That applies to the side and to the top baffles.

Regards,

Ingo

Offline HencoV

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Re: Kiln Baffling
« Reply #2 on: September 22, 2017, 07:08:27 AM »
Hi Ryan,

Ingo is correct.  We have found that bad / insufficient baffling can extend drying times substantially. The net effect of big gaps where the air can short circuit past /over the stack not only effect the true wet bulb reading because of more turbulance, but also contribute to patchy drying
Passionate about Timber, Focused on Kiln Drying!!!

Offline MichaelM

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Re: Kiln Baffling
« Reply #3 on: September 22, 2017, 08:52:40 PM »
I agree with Ingro that it is best to baffle each of the four rows.  If this is not possible, try to put a full row in the front and back with the short units in rows two and three.  Offset the gaps in those rows.  I am assuming that these are package kilns and that the row spacing is small (a few inches). 
Do checks at the planner to see in there is unit-to-unit mc variability.
Mike M

 


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