Wood is kiln-dried by placing it in a specialized chamber called a kiln, where temperature and humidity are controlled, and warm air circulates to lower its moisture content.
Kiln drying is a precise method for preparing wood by significantly reducing its internal moisture. Unlike the natural process of leaving wood outside to air dry, kiln drying takes place in a carefully managed indoor environment.
The Process Inside the Kiln
The fundamental steps involved in kiln drying wood are centered around the unique conditions created within the drying chamber:
- Placement: The wood is first placed inside a special type of chamber, which is known specifically as a kiln.
- Environment Control: This chamber is designed to be a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment. Operators can set specific parameters to suit the type and thickness of the wood being dried.
- Air Circulation: Within the kiln, warm air circulates around the wood. This circulation helps to evenly distribute heat and carry away released moisture.
- Moisture Reduction: The combined effect of controlled temperature, humidity, and circulating warm air actively brings the wood's moisture content down to a desired level.
Key Differences from Air Drying
As mentioned in the reference, this process is different from air drying, which simply involves leaving wood outdoors to dry naturally over an extended period. Kiln drying offers several advantages, including speed, the ability to reach lower moisture levels consistently, and control over drying defects.
By using a controlled environment with circulating warm air, kiln drying efficiently and effectively prepares wood for various applications where stable, low-moisture material is required.
