Drying of timber in progressive kilns: Simulation, quality, energy consumption and drying cost considerations

Progressive (semi-continuous) kilns for softwood drying are very common in Finland and Sweden and are used in some other countries too. A simulation program has been developed that covers all three types of this kiln. The program calculates the climate in the length direction of the kiln and moisture content, moisture profile, wood temperature, slicing test gap and stress development. Energy consumption and drying costs may also be determined. The temperature level is the most important parameter regarding kiln efficiency. Two-zone progressive kilns are found to be more efficient than single-zone kilns. Progressive kilns have lower energy consumption and drying costs than batch kilns. Experimental full-scale tests show that the timber quality from a progressive kiln is comparable to, or in some cases even better than, timber dried in batch kilns.