This forum is now closed and archived but the many helpful kiln-related topics are still available to view.
Please feel free to read through the archive or visit www.wagnermeters.com
for more detail about our wide array of moisture measurement solutions.

Author Topic: Kiln Baffling  (Read 19502 times)

Offline RyanMCL

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 1
    • View Profile
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

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 15
    • View Profile
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

  • Kiln Drying Enthusiest
  • **
  • Posts: 50
    • View Profile
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

  • Forum Expert
  • Kiln Drying Enthusiest
  • *****
  • Posts: 98
    • View Profile
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

 


Search


* Forum Experts

MichaelM MichaelM
Forum Expert
TimothyD TimothyD
Forum Expert
PhilM PhilM
Forum Expert
StavrosA StavrosA
Forum Expert

* Subscribe to Newsletter

* Upcoming Events

Sorry! There are no calendar events available at the moment.
\
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal