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DRYKILNS EDITOR’S NOTE: The following companies supplied these editorial profiles and images to complement their advertisements elsewhere in this issue. All statements and claims are attributable to the companies.
American Wood Dryers ThermoVent by American Wood Dryers— manufacturer of single pass continuous track and package kilns—is a powered flat-plate air-to-air heat exchanger that harvests the heat energy in the hot, wet venting air (usually wasted energy) to preheat the entering cold, dry ambient air (by up to 70°F) to keep the air temperature inside the dry kiln very nearly constant. The simple modular design enables easy installation that can be used on all types of kiln roofs such as peaked, sloped or flat. The ThermoVent is controlled by the wet bulb temperature (or EMC) just as your vents are now. Duct American Wood Dryers ThermoVent heat exchanger mounted powered intake and exhaust fans are reversible and controlled by the kiln schedule. Vent fan speed is controlled to accommodate different air densities (hot moist air is lighter than cold dry air, so the fans run at variable speeds). Benefits include: l Air-to-air heat exchangers are more efficient than thermal fluid types and are simpler systems to operate without pumps and plumbing. l Shorter drying time; up to 15% less than without ThermoVents. l Much shorter heat-up time; half or less than without ThermoVents l Improved product uniformity. l Energy savings of up to 20%. Recent installations have been showing a ROI even when there is the option of selling energy back to a utility as the lumber quality and energy savings are significant.
A.W. Stiles Contractors At A. W. Stiles Contractors, we have done everything imaginable when it comes to hardwood and softwood dry kilns. From new greenfield construction to minor repairs, control upgrades and steam piping, we cover all the bases. With new custom kiln builds we keep our customers involved in the process to make sure they are getting exactly what they need and want out of their new kiln. On the repair side we offer kiln reskins, roof replacements, steam piping, new custom heating coils, controls, competitive kiln part pricing, protective kiln coatings and scheduled kiln maintenance. A couple of the most requested kiln repairs are kiln reskins and roof replacements. A kiln reskin consists of removing the existing wall sheeting and insulation, repairing any structural damage, then replacing with new wall sheeting and insulation. With older kilns there may be some damaged areas in existing wall sheeting from everyday use. These damaged areas can cause the insulation to basically act like a sponge with A.W. Stiles Contractors specializes in kiln modifications, including reskin and roof replacement. the moisture in the kiln. Once the insulation becomes water logged over time it will start to sink in the panels. This will cause your kiln efficiency to decrease. Over time it can add hours to drying a kiln charge. We all know how important it is to be as efficient as possible in the business. Kiln roofs are not only a big part of kiln efficiency but also a huge safety concern. If a kiln roof has been leaking for a while there could be extensive damage to the kiln structure. This damage is not always visible from inside the kiln. This can be extremely dangerous if any employee has to access the roof of the kiln. If you have a few minor leaks or major roof issues, let us help. If not attended to properly a minor leak can turn in to a major one over a short period of time. Our customers are like family and they do the most advertising for us because, let’s face it, we all know one another in the industry. Let us help you and your company with all your kiln drying process needs. 26
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NOVEMBER 2020
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