Continuous process wood veneer dryer

Abstract

To study the effects and relations of parameters to the drying rate of veneer to be dried by continuous dryer and also to study the advantages of continuous dryer over the conventional drying room. The study was focused on veneer drying used in the furniture making industry. The model of dryer used in this research was 60 cm. wide, 50 cm. high and 163 cm. long, fabricated from steel plates and profiled steel bars using metallic belt to convey the veneers to the dryer. The conveyor was driven by electrical motor. Heat source used to evaporate moisture from veneer was from the combustion of LPG gas transferred to circulating air. The veneer used in this research were Para wood 1.5 and 2.0 mm. thick respectively with moisture content registered at an average of 85.034% (dry basis) and the required final moisture content after drying was about 8-10%, This moisture content is the most suitable for making furniture. The temperature of hot air was varied from 60 to 100 deg. C. while the velocity of hot air was varied from 1.5 to 2.5 m/s. with resident time ranging form 1.0 to 2.0 minutes per one pass of drying. From the experiments, it was found that the parameters affecting the rate of drying were thickness of veneer, hot air temperature, velocity of hot air flowing over surface of veneer and relative humidity of hot air in dryer. The results also showed the advantages of continuous dryer compared to conventional drying room. A better quality veneers have been obtained where waviness and cracks are minimized. Shorter drying time to arrive at veneers’ required moisture content are obtained. In addition, less manpower is required as a result of using this continuous process dryer.