Dry air is generated
by using Silica Gel. The Silica Gel by adsorption can collect up to nine times
its weight in water vapor.
Once saturated the water vapor is boiled out
using heat generated by magnetrones.
The latent heat is recovered in a heat exchanger and is
passed into the drying chamber.
Additional heat is supplied by hot water or
electric duct heaters.
The only time, when heat is released from the
system is, when the moisture boiled out of the Silica Gel and is vented
to the outside.
To reduce the energy consumption silmico™ operates at approx. 20 millibars below atmospheric pressure in the drying chamber.
This pressure drop is accomplished by using a high volume fan and a special ductwork system,
that transfers the drying air between the chamber, the Silica Gel, and
the heat exchanger.
Lower pressure means:
::::: lower heat (boiling point of water drops)
::::: shorter drying times (accelerated
dehydration of capillaries)
By using this method a silmico™ kiln saves energy in
comparison to a typical competitor’s kiln. This is a significant
saving in the cost of operation.
The rate at which the lumber in a silmico™ chamber dries
is computer-controlled to minimize or eliminate defects caused by drying, e.g.
discolouring, warping, cracking, splitting and surface checking.
Conventional kiln drying methods are both:
energy-intensive and time consuming (80 % of the energy expended by a
timber processor is used to dry lumber).
A kiln technology that could dry quality lumber
more quickly and energy-efficiently would fill an immediate need in the
worldwide forest industry.
silmico™ has
developed this technology !
