Browsing by Author "Stanley E. Corder"

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    Potential for Energy Recovery From Lumber Dry Kilns
    (1980-08) Stanley E. Corder
    Total energy consumed in kiln-drying exceeds 1.4*10 Btu per year, but energy recovery from vent exhausts could reduce the consumption. Energy consumption and recovery from vent exhausts were determined for a conventional kiln, and heat requirements were estimated for two low-temperature (below 120°F) systems: batch and progressive. Calculations showed that passing vent air through a heat exchanger and cooling to 100°, 120°, or 140°F had less effect on energy consumed at 230°F than at 180°F. Efficiency of a recovery system is optimum when all vent air is recovered. The low-temperature recovery kilns, which have longer drying times but lower construction costs, could be used in conjunction with conventional kilns. Depending on production requirements and species, the recovery system could serve as a predryer to reduce total drying time in a conventional kiln.