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N. K Upreti , M. C. Kukreti , Chetan Swaroop , V. S. Kishan Kumar

Abstract

Solar drying of wood of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Acacia nilotica and Dalbergia sissoo has been tried in a single glasswalJed solar kiln. Of the three species studied, the moderately refractory wood of D. sissoo dried much faster than wood of E. tereticorllis and A. nilotica. All the three species dried at the rate of 2-3% per day below their respective fiber saturation points. No visible case hardeningcouJd be de tected after soiardryingin any of the species.

Keywords

Acacia Nilotica, Dalbergiasissoo, Drying Rate, Eucalypltus Lereticornis, Solar Kiln Drying, Fibre Saturation Point

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N.K. Upreti , M.C. Kukreti , R.P. Kandpal , Chetan Swaroop

Abstract

The technology of vacuum drying of timber has been commercialized in few developed nations. Presently the vacuum kiln is costly process for Indian entrepreneurs due to absence of indigenous equipment in the country. Vacuum drying of timber is very useful in terms of drying cost and drying period. A vacuum kiln of 60 cft capacity has been developed indigenously for fast and efficient drying of Indian timbers including plantation timbers with a view to reduce drying time as well as drying cost as compared to traditional steam based drying. It is based on convection drying. The present paper deals with its features and performance based on vacuum drying of timber of Pinus roxburghii.

Keywords

Convection Heating, Moisture Content, Seasoning Kiln, Timber Drying, Vacuum Drying, Pinus Roxburghii.

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