ALU/SS steam chamber.

Kiln theory and knowledge

Why dry lumber?
Kiln Drying Associations
Proper loading of Lumber kiln
How does a standard kiln w...
Understanding the Extended...
Power venting.
Fixed vs. moveable between...
Heat unit versus coils.
Learn how to build your ow...
Steaming lumber.

All subjects

Shop online easy

ALU/SS steam chamber.

Pre-fabricated Aluminum or stainless steel kiln construction.

The stainless steel pre-fabricated kiln construction is the "Rolls-Royce" option and is seldomly the economical choice when looking at payback time. The more economical and reasonable route is a complete small lumber kiln that has been converted into a steam chamber with optional inside stainless steel sheeting. This complete small steam chamber comes completely assemble and full width bi-fold door for easy loading and unloading.

This does not mean that a pre-fabricated construction does not have its place in the market. Actually, in cases where the kiln drying climate is excessively hostile, such as steam chambers and high temperature kilns, this is probably the best solution. Before this stainless steel design existed, we normally suggested solid concrete buildings for steam chambers. The stainless steel chamber, however, is better insulated and uses less steam to achieve the same results.

Why stainless steel and not aluminum?

First and foremost, stainless steel is a much more durable material both in tensile strength and in resistance to corrosive environments. Stainless steel has several additional qualities we prefer and hope you find interesting:

Stainless steel's heat transfer ability is 3-4 times lower than aluminum. This means that a piece of aluminum will transfer 3-4 times as much energy though a wall profile than stainless steel. This is the reason aluminum is favored in heat transfer applications, such as heaters and heat recovery units. In addition, the greater strength of stainless steel allow us to use a little smaller profile, further distancing the heat transfer advantage over aluminum.
Stainless steel is easy to work with for local contractors, since its welding properties are similar to regular steel. The only difference is the rods. This will reduce the installation cost, since more installers will be able to quote the job.
Repairing a stainless steel building or structure is also easier and less costly, since it is easier to work with.

Although stainless steel is a superiour material it is also far more expensive to purchase and equally costly is the time requirements to work and construct a chamber in this material. Therefore, the small complete steam chamber seems to be the best option economically.

General specifications for our small steam chamber:

All walls and roofs are insulated with 4-5" close cell (non-moisture absorbing) spray in place foam giving the kiln a R-32 to R-36 insulation factor.
All posts are based on 3mm or 11 ga aluminum structures with our own corner flanges for tightest possible seal between post and inside stainless steel sheeting.
All inside sheeting is 0.5mm aluminum (or optional 0.6mm or 22ga stainless steel). Stainless steel inside probably among the strongest inside lining of pre-fabricated kiln designs. This is however, not the most important advantage. When designing this building system, we made certain that future maintenance and repairs could be done locally (anywhere in the world). A damaged aluminum or stainless steel wall sheet can be removed without having to disassemble other components and easily install a new sheet.

In all, a top of the line design which can either be used for both wall and roof or only as a roof system on a masonry building.

Small aluminum steam chamber with inside
stainless steel sheeting and bi-fold door.
This chamber loads about 10-12 mbf.

This all stainless steel steam chamber.
(ourside sheeting is alunum) is rarely
an economical choice,

Reinventing ourselves and our kiln designs

Serving you, your company and the industry better by reinventing ourselves. Find out about our new kiln designs and why you should buy from us. Sign up for a newsletter or request additional information about our latest innovations.

On-line store

Kiln controllers, fans, sensors, vents, heat systems and more