|
Kiln theory and knowledge
|
|
|
|
|
Building a kiln, step 4
Fourth step in building a lumber kiln.
|
Main fans and heat units have been installed.
|
Moveable between-deck is being raised into place.
|
Installation of the kiln drying equipment/components.
You can either purchase the individual components or purchase complete component packages where several of the components are pre- installed into larger units for fast and easy installation.
The physical kiln equipment can be divided into six general categories: - Venting system.
- The vent system can be one of several types. The traditional static vent system is normally placed in the roof or near the roof on both sides of the fans. The more modern venting principles are either power venting, power exhaust, or heat recovery units. Either way, you are looking to install some kind of ventilating system through the wall or the roof. It is important that these openings are made to prevent moisture from penetrating into the insulation.
- Main fans for air circulation.
- The main fans are first installed into a main fan header which spans across the width of the kiln. The mounting brackets for the side walls will depend on the building construction type. This main fan header can also be supplied as one unit ready for easy installation.
- Heating system.
- The heating system can use several different metods: hot water, steam, in-direct gas heating, and direct-fired gas heating. On the hot water or the steam heating systems, you will need some kind of boiler/heater which produces the steam or hot water and a pipe system that brings the heated steam or hot water to the heaters/coils in the kiln. The in-direct gas heating system is based on individual heating units with a seperate combustion chamber and an air-to-air heat exchange. These indirect heating units are installed inside the kiln in the same location as the hot water or steam heat units. The direct-fired gas heating system is located in the back wall and consists of a large stainless steel duct with a gas burner.
- Between-deck and baffles.
- It is important to install a moveable between-deck in your kiln so that the air from the main fans does not "short-circuit" without going through the lumber we are trying to dry. There are two principles for between-deck designs:
A between-deck is an important component of any kiln design. The moveable between-deck is our prefered design and believe you will agree.
- Main door system.
- The main kiln door is one of the primary components of any kiln. It must be structurally sound, provide a tight seal, open and close with reasonable ease, be easily maintainable, and financiable affordable. The more complicated a door, the better chance of something going wrong during the installation and future usage. The lift and slide door system is the most common in the industry and the type which we provide component and construction information for.
This step of the kiln installation process can either be done by a local construction company, a traveling installation crew, or on-site personnel depending on which presents you with the most economical option overall. It should be understood that when using on-site personnel, you must make sure that they have the time available for the project. Especially, if you are building it on a tight time schedule.
|
Reinventing ourselves and our kiln designs
|
On-line store
|
Kiln controllers, fans, sensors, vents, heat systems and more
