MULTI-PASS LUMBER KILNS

摘要

Embodiments provide a multi-pass kiln with two or more chambers, an entrance and an exit at a proximal end of the kiln, and a reciprocal flow path extending through the kiln from the entrance to the exit. Lumber charges traveling along the reciprocal flow path may travel in a first direction along one side of the heated second chamber before traveling in a substantially opposite second direction along the opposite side of the second chamber. The distal end of the kiln may be substantially sealed, and a pressure differential between the distal end and the proximal end may draw moist heated air from the heated chamber toward the exit and entry to preheat and/or condition lumber charges traveling through the first chamber.

主权项

1. A method of heat treating lumber using an elongated kiln comprising a first chamber, a second chamber, a charge entry portal and a charge exit portal, and a reciprocal flow path that extends continuously through the kiln from the charge entry portal to the charge exit portal, wherein the reciprocal flow path includes parallel first and second portions disposed on opposite sides of the kiln and a connector portion between the first portion and the second portion, the method comprising:
moving a plurality of lumber charges along said reciprocal flow path such that a first one of the lumber charges is positioned along the first portion of the reciprocal flow path while a last one of the lumber charges is positioned along the second portion of the reciprocal flow path, the first and second portions defining opposite first and second directions of lumber charge travel; supplying heated air to the interior of the second chamber; and recirculating the heated air across the first and second portions of the reciprocal flow path,wherein the charge entry portal and the charge exit portal are positioned at a first end of the kiln between the first chamber and the second chamber, an opposite second end of the kiln being devoid of charge portals, andwherein the lumber charges of the plurality travel in a first direction along the first portion of the reciprocal flow path and in an opposite second direction along the second portion of the reciprocal flow path.