Why Heat
Balance?
The volume of air from the top fans per
second and the volume of air coming from the heat duct openings per second changes
through the course of a year from many varying factors. The following is a list of a few.
- Condition
of the kiln structure and panels.
- Condition
and efficiency of baffles.
- Variations
in air velocity.
- Reliability
of utilities (electricity, fuel).
- Preventive
maintenance and emergency repairs.
Note: Heat Balancing should be done once a year
for maximum efficiency.
What does Heat
Balancing do for the drying process?
A properly balanced dry kiln will improve
drying quality. The heat will be evenly dispersed throughout the dry
kiln providing better final moisture content distribution from end to
end. It takes an equal amount of
energy too dry two pieces of wood equal in dimension and MC down to the
same MC. Energy cannot be created or
destroyed it can only be transformed.
In order to dry lumber evenly along the length of a Kiln the heat
duct openings must release an equal amount of energy in the form of
heat. This heat can be measured in
degrees. Heat balancing
scientifically makes the energy down the length of the Kiln equal with in
reason. Having an equal amount of
energy along the length of a charge obviously evens out the drying.
Heat Balancing
Process
·
The Kiln must start with a wet charge. A total of 60 digital temperature devices
are placed on the sides of a charge from one end to the other. 20 on Side 1, Side 2, and the
Center.
The following 6 steps are repeated when the Kiln is at
low temperature (below 80 F) as many times as it takes to balance the kiln
usually 3 or 4 times.
·
The blower, heat fan, and burner are started
manually.
·
The kiln fans are started manually in
forward.
·
Temperatures in the kiln are read in with
the laptop.
·
The kiln fans are stopped and then started
in reverse.
·
Temperatures in the kiln are read in with
the laptop.
·
Readings
of both fan directions are graphed and adjustments to the ducts are done
accordingly.
·
The kiln is then fired up in auto mode to
dry the lumber.
·
More readings are taken to monitor the Kiln
at high temperature.
·
Fine-tuning of the kiln is done if needed.
·
Finally if no more adjustments are needed a
report and set of graphs are made for the customer.
Note: Sometimes this entire process is repeated
if the Kiln shows at high temperature that it needs major adjusting.
How
Adjustments Are Determined?
The temperatures in the kiln are graphed using Excel
allowing us to find the hot and cool spots in the Kiln. The graph shows the temperature of the
Kiln on both Sides and the Center from one End to the other. Knowing the location of the temperature
devices the heat duct audemars piguet replica openings are open or closed to balance out the
temperatures from one end to the other.
When balancing it is important to not only look at the temperatures
on the sides. The center gives the
best reading of the pressure in the heat duct from end to end.
Frank Controls will heat balance all gas-fired kilns
regardless of the type of kiln control drying your lumber. We have got heat balancing down to an
art. What are you waiting for
improve your lumber quality and save money today. Contact us at sales@frankcontrols.com or
1-250-765-2900.
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