4. Arrange Data

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4. Arrange Data

Arrange Data (Step 4).

Once the information has been collected from a kiln charge, we are ready to make sense of how our changes/adjustments made a difference, both positive and negative. We believe you will find that using analysis programs, such as a spreadsheet, can help you present the data in a way which clarifies how the changes impacted the kiln drying process. We are currently working on features, which will allow you to transfer the data from one of our kiln drying snap-shot reports directly onto a spreadsheet or similar program. It should be noted that the data found in our snap-shot report presents the data in a general way to troubleshoot and optimize the kiln process.

In many cases you will find it most pratical to eliminate several types of data and focus on a few parameters. Let's consider an example where we are trying to reduce the electrical operating cost. In this case, we would probably focus on three key figures with a secondary eye on two more from the snap-shot report plus two newly generated (calculated) figures:

Three key figures:

Average moisture content for each interval.
Main fan speed for each interval (only if you have frequency controls).
Main fan opeation (percent operating time in each period).

Two secondary figures:

Actual temperature in kiln chamber.
Actual relative humidity in kiln chamber (or wet bulb temp.).

New calculated figures:

Average moisture content drop per interval (calculated).
Moisture content drop compensated for fan activity.
(MC drop divided by fan percent value)
(Higher number less energy consumption per MC% drop).

We should generate above numbers/figures (and maybe a graph) from one or several earlier kiln schedules and the new "improved" kiln schedule. Raw numbers can show trends and help you improve the process, but using specifically calculated figures makes it much easier to compare and evaluate the results. As with the example above the last number can become a key figure that you can be used as a benchmark for future improvement and a type of "energy watch dog", which will alarm you when your energy cost exceeds a certain level per one percent moisture drop. By having the ability to set clear goals where none were before, you will have the ability to push further ahead in the right direction without the usual guess work.

Actually, one could take the data one step further, which would allow one to compare the energy performance between individual kilns. If you were to take the last figure (MC drop compensated for fan activity) and compensate this for:

Installed fan capacity (kilowatt or horsepower) and
Loading capacity (cubic meter or boardfoot)

This new benchmark number would allow you to compare the energy performance of kiln 2 against kiln 5 on a certain specie/thickness.

We are certain you can see the possibilities of arranging and manipulating the data from a drying report.

Copyright kiln-direct.com, March 2007.

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