Kiln Drying Forum

Wood Drying Topics => Moisture Variability => Topic started by: JMS on September 14, 2012, 09:45:24 AM

Title: Drying Time for Different Thicknesses of the Same Wood Species
Post by: JMS on September 14, 2012, 09:45:24 AM
Is there any rule of thumb method for estimating the drying time for different thicknesses of a species if you know the required time for one thickness?
Title: Re: Drying Time for Different Thicknesses of the Same Wood Species
Post by: MichaelM on September 14, 2012, 10:29:59 AM
Depends on MC.  At high MC, the rate of MC change is proportional to thickness.  At low MC, it is proportional to thickness squared.  Some texts say use the 1.5 power.  So if thickness goes from 1.6" to 2.2" then the time increases by a factor of (2.2/1.6)^1.5 = 1.61 or it takes 61% longer.  I usually think this method overestimates the time a bit.
Title: Re: Drying Time for Different Thicknesses of the Same Wood Species
Post by: JMS on September 17, 2012, 03:22:17 PM
Thanks Mike,
This information is extremely helpful.   
I appreciate the feedback.