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Description:
The first step in the drying of
wood is to get rid of the loosely present water. This is immediately
followed up by the elimination of bound water within a controlled
environment of both the temperature and humidity. It is usually done to
minimize any chances for the occurrence of either the cracks or strains
during subsequent stages of its use. With Solar energy technologies gaining
prominence for meeting a variety of enduse applications, solar timber kilns
are also finding an increasing use. Amongst the customary wood drying
options are the electrically operated and steam based kilns. Wood drying
process passes through several stages, each of which is driven by some
energy need. Thus in case of the solar kiln dryers, solar energy is used for
initial warming up, moisture evaporation and also to overcome the kiln heat
losses. The complete drying process takes place at medium temperatures
ranging between 40-60°C. Interestingly enough, a bare minimum quantum of
energy is consumed to create the forced convection of the dry air. Special
Features
A modular prototype
model with a capacity to dry upto about 2 cu.m. of timber was developed,
which helped to reduce the moisture content from a high value of about 80%
to a nominal value of 12%. Other key features are; Use of freely available
solar energy, Definite scope for conventional fuel savings and Modularity of
the system in tune with the volume to be dried.
Prospective Users:
Those engaged in the timber drying activities, more so in the off-grid
locations will evince a ready interest in this technology use. Keywords:
Solar Drying, Solar
Kiln, Timber, Moisture, Timber seasoning kiln.
Type of Technology:
Process
For further informatiom,
Please contact directly the faculty member/inventor under intimation to Managing
Director, FITT,
sengupta@fitt.iitd.ernet.in.
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