A wood drying kiln and airflow controlling process is described in which the kiln
includes an structure with a charge receiving chamber, and a door accessible opening to allow passage of a charge of lumber for drying. Circulating fans in the structure produce airflow that is directed by baffles in a prescribed path through the charge. At least one row of elongated resilient brush bristles within the structure are positioned therein to yieldably engage the charge of lumber placed within the charge receiving chamber. The brush bristles are provided with sufficient density to limit passage of air laterally through the row.
A process for controlling airflow in a wood drying kiln having a charge receiving chamber for receiving a charge of lumber and circulating fans operably mounted to the structure and configured to produce airflow within the charge receiving chamber as defined by claim 21, wherein the step of positioning at least one row of elongated resilient brush bristles having sufficient density to limit passage of air laterally through the row within the chamber to yieldably engage successive charges of lumber placed within the charge receiving chamber is accomplished by mounting two rows of brush bristles on each of the baffles, the rows of brush bristles on each baffle being spaced apart by a distance of less than approximately 1.5 inches or 3.81 centimeters.
A process for controlling airflow in a wood drying kiln having a charge receiving chamber for receiving a charge of lumber and circulating fans operably mounted to the structure and configured to produce airflow within the charge receiving chamber as defined by claim 21, wherein the step of positioning at least one row of elongated resilient brush bristles having sufficient density to limit passage of air laterally through the row within the chamber to yieldably engage successive charges of lumber placed within the charge receiving chamber is accomplished by mounting the row of brush bristles on the baffles at a position to resiliently engage and flex against a charge of lumber within the chamber.
Wood Drying kilns are used at saw mills and treatment plants to lower the moisture content of lumber to a selected desired level. The lumber fed into drying kilns is typically "green" lumber, cut from previously living trees and that typically has high moisture content. The lumber is dried usually by application of heat and airflow directed through and around layers of lumber arranged in stacks forming a charge within the kiln chamber.