Accelerating the kiln drying of oak

Reducing kiln-drying time for oak lumber can reduce energy requirements as well as reduce lumber inventories. In this work, 1-inch northern red oak and white oak were kiln-dried from green by a combination of individual accelerating techniques--presurfacing, presteaming, accelerated and smooth schedule, and high-temperature drying below 18 percent moisture content. Results were compared with those achieved by conventional kiln drying. Drying time in the combined techniques procedure was reduced by more than 50 percent. The results for quality of the lumber were mixed. In most of the material, the quality was acceptable, but enough honeycomb was present to be of concern. (Author)