Kiln Drying Forum

Wood Drying Topics => Dry Kiln Control => Topic started by: lumbrins on May 01, 2012, 06:23:21 AM

Title: Fan speed reduction
Post by: lumbrins on May 01, 2012, 06:23:21 AM

I have a question reguarding fan speed reduction late in the schedules. I read an article years ago that in most kiln schedules, fan speed could be reduced late in the schedule to reduce costs. I can't find the article, who wrote it or any of the specifics. We are running pondersa pine shop, commons and dimension and white fir dimension. Fan speed is 100% fan speed thru all the schedules and velocity is 700 ft/min. Can we reduce fan speed and when can this be accomplished in the schedules? Thanks.

Title: Re: Fan speed reduction
Post by: Kevin Bethel on May 01, 2012, 09:04:50 AM

we run those same products and do reduce fan speed most of the information I've read suggests that reducing fan speed after FSP has no effect on the wood you should be able to go to your kiln manufaturer's web site and find information on when and the cost benefits of this

Title: Re: Fan speed reduction
Post by: fbushaw on May 02, 2012, 06:36:45 AM

We also reduce fan speed at the end of our schedules on all species. I am told it saves not only energy, but it can help lengthen the life of your fan motors!!!

Title: Re: Fan speed reduction
Post by: Craig Jensen on May 04, 2012, 09:09:31 AM

So does this result in longer drying times for DF or WF?  How do you determine when to reduce the fan speeds?

Craig