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1
Training / Events / How to Dry Lumber for Quality and Profit
« Last post by MichaelM on July 26, 2019, 09:06:46 AM »
This course has been updated from the traditional classroom workshop that has been offered annually at OSU since 1949.  The course content is presented in online modules, webinars, and discussion assignments.  Attendance requires no travel.  The course is offered in two formats.

WEBINAR FORMAT (Oct 14-Dec 8, 2019)
The webinar format consists of two to three online modules done weekly and four two-hour webinars.  There are also seven discussion assignments designed to have participants reflect on current practices and stimulate online discussion. 

SELF-PACED FORMAT (Always available)
The self-paced format consists of 29 online modules done weekly and seven discussion assignments.

For additional registration information please see:
This course has been updated from the traditional classroom workshop that has been offered annually at OSU since 1949.  The course content is updated and presented in online modules, webinars, and discussion assignments.  Attendance requires no travel.  The course is offered in two formats.

WEBINAR FORMAT
The webinar format consists of two to three online modules done weekly and four two-hour webinars.  There are also seven discussion assignments designed to have participants reflect on current practices and stimulate online discussion. 

SELF-PACED FORMAT
The self-paced format consists of 29 online modules and seven discussion assignments.

For additional registration information please see:
    https://pace.oregonstate.edu/catalog/lumber-drying-online-workshop
or contact
   Department of Wood Science & Engineering
   Tel: 541-737-4210 (leave message)
   Email: mike.milota@oregonstate.edu


2
General Discussion / Re: EMC Mistifyer
« Last post by MichaelM on July 26, 2019, 08:39:24 AM »
Are you using a cooldown period?   I wrote the procedure at https://wooddrying.org/drying-tips/uncategorized/ .  See also Denig's book "Drying Hardwood Lumber".  It's available on line.

Denig will recommend 170F wet-bulb for conditioning.  He indicates the risk of darkening the wood is low for the short time (6-12 hours) and when the wood is at a low moisture content (6-9%).  Using freshly sawn wood from freshly cut logs also minimizes the risk of darkening.

Other things to prevent the rise in Tdry during conditioning

Desuperheat the steam spray

Shut off the steam heat valves manually if the control valves are leaking.

Reduce the fan speed to the minimum that can be used on your system.   This will put less heat from the work done by the fans and reduce leakage from the kiln (which means you need less spray).  Reduce to 25%, if you can.  You don't need much air circulation during conditioning.

Most of the temperature rise comes from the vapor water entering the wood and becoming bound water in the cell wall.  About 900 to 950 BTUs are given off for each pound of water vapor entering the wood.
3
Dry Kiln Control / Re: Adding moisture to Older logs
« Last post by MichaelM on July 26, 2019, 08:24:09 AM »
Some people think steaming at the beginning of the cycle does exactly what you suggest.  I have never been able to see it or measure the effect.  It does go against drying theory, but let's skip that because drying theory does not account for changes in the cell structure of the wood.

I'm a little confused - the TCS measures multiple boards while the unit is drying in the kiln.  Do you have wet units or some wet boards within the units?  Does the TCS never get below 27% and what do these same units measure at the planer?  Is the calibration of the TCS different for the lumber from the older logs? 

You could probably test this with little cost or risk.  I assume you now keep the vents closed and spray off while coming to temperature. Create some matched pairs of kiln charges (have the lumber as similar as possible between pairs).  Dry one of the pair in the normal way and keep the vents closed an extra 12 hours on the other. Use the normal schedule after that.  Follow each to the planer and compare MC variability (accounting for differences in final MC).  You should know after a few pairs of charges if the steaming is helping.  I'd avoid steam spray during the process, assuming the kiln is tight.

I would not do any of this if the lumber is already surface checked because it may make it worse.  Also, you did not mention species, but stain could be increased.

I'd be very interested in the results.  PM or call me if you want to talk about it.
4
General Discussion / hydraulic lift door hanger or carrier
« Last post by Craig Jensen on July 19, 2019, 02:13:08 PM »
anyone have experience with these?  we have very tight clearance between our outfeed and our kiln door, and have heard these take less space.  Any one have any input good bad or indifferent with hydraulic lift kiln door carriers?  Hoping to find pictures, video, etc.
5
Dry Kiln Control / Re: New float style wet bulbs
« Last post by Clarkstonkilnguy on June 26, 2019, 06:20:05 AM »
WE also just installed these new style WB stations.  I have noticed that without the covers they do collect alot of loose debris. 
6
Dry Kiln Control / Adding moisture to Older logs
« Last post by Clarkstonkilnguy on June 26, 2019, 06:17:30 AM »
We have been having an issue with older logs pruducing lumber that peaks on the TCS system at 27% moisture.  Would there be a way to run a conditioning at the beginning of a run to relax the cells of the wood, and allow it to release some of the moisture at the core?
7
General Discussion / Re: EMC Mistifyer
« Last post by Dean on May 14, 2019, 04:50:35 AM »
Yes, I dry a lot of hard maple and try to keep it as white as possible. I try to keep the temp low but during  conditioning the temp rises higher than I want. Maybe someone will chime in soon.
8
General Discussion / Re: EMC Mistifyer
« Last post by MichaelM on May 14, 2019, 04:20:43 AM »
Dean,

I have no experience with the Mistifyer.  I built a spray system for the 2500 bf OSU dry kiln and it worked great for conditioning.  The kiln could reach narrow wet-bulb depressions, even with dry lumber in the kiln.

I have heard that water sprays work well, but need regular maintenance.  They are more common in the hardwood industry where conditioning is vital to the product.

Mike
9
General Discussion / EMC Mistifyer
« Last post by Dean on May 13, 2019, 08:28:04 AM »
Anybody use  a EMC Mistifyer ( cold water spray ) instead of a steam line to regulate the EMC in your kilns?
10
Job Postings / G2 Boiler Operator I
« Last post by admin on May 09, 2019, 09:20:18 AM »
Description

Your Accountabilities:

  • Utilize your knowledge of steam, instrumentation and controls to efficiently and safely operate our high pressure wood fired boilers.
  • Load and change kiln charges and operate them with our controls.
  • Understand environmental compliance related to operating and repair boilers.
  • Perform repairs and maintenance to boilers and related equipment as needed.
  • Proactively communicate with all departments to understand implications associated with boiler operations and build and maintain working relationships to achieve department and plant goals.
  • Identify and suggest new approaches or best known methods to foster our continuous improvement mentality
  • Maintain adequate moisture content throughout each charge to maximize quality.
  • Check with Planer personnel daily to ensure moisture content is consistent.
  • Assist with equipment maintenance, including washing, greasing and other minor maintenance functions
  • Proactively communicate across departments
  • Able to fill in for other positions (where qualified) when needed

Your Qualifications:
  • A minimum of 1 year experience operating a high-pressure wood fired boiler
  • Proven experience or expertise in the following technical areas:
            Boiler instrumentation and controls
            Kiln operations
            Mechanical skills and some welding skills.
            Steam and opacity reading (preferred)
  • An understanding of environmental compliance related to boiler and kiln operation.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Team player and highly self-motivated individual.
  • Ability to adapt to, and work in, continuously changing environments and situations.
  • Ability to operate rolling stock, including:
            936 and 966 Cat loader
            All sizes of forklifts
            Bobcat
  • Mechanically inclined with an interest to further develop technical skills
  • Flexible as the schedule can vary from day-to-day, including weekends and off-shifts, and may include overtime
  • Willing to work outside where you may be exposed to weather elements (rain, snow, wind) in the course of normal duties.
  • Strong computer skills with the ability to use or learn multiple different software applications.
  • Ability to understand and analyze operational data in order to improve our operation.

Who is Stimson Lumber:
    Stimson Lumber has been a recognized leader in the forest products and natural resources industry with our commitment to quality, customer service and continuous improvement mentality for decades. With over 600 employees and several locations across Idaho, Oregon and Washington.  We are progressive, forward thinking culture with a focus on developing our people.  Our employees are given the tools and opportunities to maximize their talent and achieve professional and personal goals.

Why work here:
    We are hiring people that are passionate about what they do every day, have a desire to make a difference and thrive in a team environment.  We reward our employees through outstanding compensation, benefits and a great place to work!

Benefits Summary:
  • Medical / Dental / Vision Options
  • 401(k) with a 6% company match- vested IMMEDIATELY!
  • Company Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time off & 9 Paid Holidays
  • Wellness Program with reward incentives
  • Employee Referral program; earn a $500-$1000 bonus for a successful referral
  • Tuition Reimbursement, Apprenticeships, Career Development
  • Access to company owned land for recreation, including special tag draws
  • And much more!

For more information or to apply click here

NOTE: Job postings on Kilndrying.org are provided as a free service. We do our best to keep all postings current. However, if you discover a job listed on our forum is no longer available, please send us a message to that effect and we will remove from the board. Thank you.

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