Luxhammar by Mainostoimisto Groteski

www.luxhammar.com

Thermal Modification Technology

CONTENTS ABOUT US........................................................................................................................... 3 LUXHAMMAR THERMAL MODIFICATION KILNS................................................................... 4 METHODS OF GENERATING HEAT ENERGY AND STEAM..................................................... 6 KILN SIZES........................................................................................................................ 10 KILN LAYOUT..................................................................................................................... 12 ADDITIONAL PROCESS EQUIPMENT................................................................................. 14 HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT BEHIND LUXHAMMAR TECHNOLOGY.................................15 LUXHAMMAR THERMAL MODIFICATION PROCESS........................................................... 18 PROPERTIES OF LUXHAMMAR THERMAL MODIFIED WOOD............................................. 19 APPLICATIONS.................................................................................................................. 24 LUXHAMMAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES........................................................................... 28 CONTACT INFORMATION........................................................................................Last page

ABOUT US Luxhammar is a company specializing in producing thermal modification equipment for woods. Typically, the power plants and cleaners are included in the delivery of treatment plants. Luxhammar delivers complete thermal modification units. Thermal modification is ecological method of protecting woods against basidiomycetes. The treatment is based on natural method which makes wood to protect itself. It combines thousands of years known phenomenon of improvments of woods decay resistances by heating with modern high technology. Luxhammar Kilns can be built on any sizes and for all fuel types. We supply hardware and software for the production of quality products. We carry out the installation, starting the operation as well as perform maintenance and consulting on delivered units. For cost-efficient, unmanned production a remote operation of a plant is possible. The Luxhammar operation is based on enabling the innovations into viable business by intensive, continuous research and devel-

opment work. Extensive experience in producing thermally modified wood gives the basis for producing highly reliable, high quality equipment. Instead of chemically treated wood and tropical hardwoods, modified wood can be used. Luxhammar Oy is limited company registered in Finland. Our office, stock and laboratory are in Mikkeli, Eastern Finland and sales and service organizations are working around Europe, Asia and North-America. Luxhammar was founded by Mr Tero Lallukka to continue in the field of wood thermal modification after his years of research work with thermal modification and kiln business with Stellac Oy. He has been working with wood thermal modification for almost two decades. Today the company is owned and managed by him and his 4 partners.

LUXHAMMAR THERMAL MODIFICATION KILN The Luxhammar Process takes place in an air tight stainless steel kiln chamber, where piled timber on sticks is treated with high temperature up to 250°C (482 °F). This is extremely difficult physiochemical treatment process is easy to control with fully automatic Luxhammar Control system. This PC-based system monitors and controls not only the treatment kiln but all the peripherals as well. Process control equipment ensures that every batch processed, meets the quality requirements in regard to physical and chemical properties as well as final moisture content of the wood material. Stainless steel kiln cars moves the load of piled timber into the kiln and the door will be closed and after the steaming the kiln will be made free from oxygen. During the first stage of the process, the temperature inside the kiln increases up to 100°C (212°F). The second stage of process is preconditioning where all the stress of wood will be relaxed and the wood will be prepared for the heat treatment stage. When the raw material is green, the it can be dried as well during the preconditioning phase. After the preconditioning stage, the actual heat- treatment takes place at a high temperature of up to 250°C (482 °F) just for a few hours. The conditioning stage follows after the heat treatment. During this time the stress in the wood caused by heat treatment will be relaxed and right level of moisture will be added to the wood to ensure proper usability in further processing of the wood material. During the last stage the wood is carefully cooled down before it can be safely and smoothly

removed from the kiln. The whole Luxhammar Process takes approximately 24 hours, depending on dimension of the timber and the wood species. If the raw material is green and must be dried during the process, then the total treatment time is longer. Luxhammar Oy delivers complete heat-treatment units tailored to clients requirements and demands. Units are delivered in different sizes with an annual capacity of 1 000 – 50 000 m3. (0,4 – 21 M fbm). Luxhammar’s standard kiln sizes are 6 m2, 20 m2, 40 m2, 60 m2 and 120 m2 kilns. (2500, 8400, 17000, 25000, and up to 50000 fbm) Luxhammar takes care of the manufacturing, installation, training and starting of the production of each plant. Heat-treatment equipment is suitable for treating both fresh sawn goods or dried timber from 1 mm (0,04”) thin plywood layers to all normal dimensions of sawn goods as well as complete logs for log houses. High temperature drying can also be combined with the heat-treatment process so that drying is an initial phase before the actual heat-treatment. Thus the heat-treatment takes off where the hot trying ends and neither cooling nor handling of the wood is necessary. Luxhammar has developed a PC-based system to monitor and control of both processes in combination or separately. The accurate process control is a way to ensure the high quality product with desirable final moisture content and good quality for every treatment level.

Picture on the top: Luxhammar kiln's walls are designed for optimum air flow. Picture on the right: The Luxhammar thermal modification process take place in an air tight stainless steel kiln chamber, where piled timber on sticks are treated with high temperature up to 250째C (482째F).

METHODS OF GENERATING HEAT ENERGY AND STEAM Heating of Luxhammar Kiln can be done with all types of fuels.

Heating of Luxhammar Kiln can be done with fuel oil, natural gas, solid fuels like waste wood or even with direct electric heating.

HEAT CONVEYANCE METHODS Right type of heating media for every purpose.

Fuel oil Fuel oils are mainly divided into two categories, heavy and light fuel oil. Heavy fuel oil is cheaper than light fuel oil and because of heavy fuel is widely used when need for power is extensive. Investment costs are though greater and maintenance costs higher. A light fuel oil is profitable to use in practice when plant is 1 – 2 MW in size and heavy fuel when over 2 MW in size. A light fuel oil boiler is the most economical option in investment costs for heating a heat-treatment plant. It also works well in a plant with only one Luxhammar kiln due to it’s flexibility of power adjustment.

Liquefied gas and natural gas Both liquefied and natural gas are excellent alternatives for heating a heat-treatment plant because of pure burning and excellent adjustability. Combustion products are only water and carbon dioxide. Very accurate and fast adjustability is achieved with gas compared to other fuels.

Solid fuels A Luxhammar Kiln can be easily heated with any solid fuel such as saw dust, shavings or chips. Ecological energy for ecological products is a good choice for environmental reasons for high volume plants. The fuel of wood waste is cheap, if a company is autarchic with the fuel. The investment costs of the boiler operating with solid fuel are comparatively high as well as in maintenance costs, but solid fuel itself is the most economic choice in long term for high volume plants.

After the heat is produced in the boiler, it must be transported from the boiler to the radiators of the Luxhammar Kiln. The heat conveyance can be done with thermo-oil, direct electric heating, water steam or with combined systems.

Hot oil Heat conveyance oil can be heated in a hot oil boiler even up to 350°C without raising the pressure. Pressure for heating of the Luxhammar Kiln needs to achieve a temperature of 300°C. Highest pressure in hot oil system is the 3.6 bar pressure in the circulating oil pump. Pressure load of pipes, pumps, valves and batteries functioning in Luxhammar Thermo-oil heating is the same as in water central heating systems which operates with temperatures under 100ºC. In principle the only difference between oil and water heating central systems is the higher temperature and the thermo-oil running in the pipes. In thermo-oil heating systems energy isn’t wasted to water treatment, condensation and thermal loss nor to steam blown out. Due to these facts the energy savings can be up to 30% compared with steam heating system. The Luxhammar Thermo-oil system is equipped with a fully automatic alarm and control system which is connected to Luxhammar process control system. It doesn’t need continuous monitoring and can be controlled by remote control of a Luxhammar heat-treatment plant. Thermo-oil is safe to handle, non-toxic and inodorous to use. Need for maintenance of a thermo-oil boiler is little because there are no problems with freezing, corrosion or boiler fur. Hot oil systems

are commonly used in various industrial areas. All international oil suppliers have different solutions for various needs. Prices of heat conveyance oils are moderate and service life several years.

Steam Heat-treatment of wood is done in temperatures over 200°C (392°F) in which the heating batteries have to accomplish tens of decrees higher temperatures. Therefore the heat conveyance medium has to circulate with much higher temperatures at about 300ºC (572°F). Pressure needed to achieve a temperature of 300°C (572°F) in a steam system is 80 bar. High pressure causes the building expenses to rise higher than with thermo-oil system. In some cases a steam system is more economical e.g. if a heat-treatment plant is built nearby of a steam power plant. This enables the use of a cheap, indigenous energy source that needs only transport pipes and heat conveyance equipment to the plant.

Thermal oil heated steam generator with elevated feed water tank

Also steam heating of a Luxhammar Plant is equipped with a fully automatic alarm and control system which is connected to Luxhammar process control system. It doesn’t need continuous monitoring and can be controlled with remote control of a Luxhammar heat-treatment plant. Steam used for steaming of wood can be low-pressure steam with pressure of 2…16 bar. The most economical choice is to use steam with pressure of 8…10 bar.

Direct electric heating Direct electric resistor heating is the easiest way to get the temperature high enough for heat-treatment. Investment costs can be low this way especially in small heat-treatment plants, but also in bigger plants if electric power is available economically. Efficiency of electric resistor heating is due to good electric utility function, accurate controllability of temperatures and uniform distribution of

Thermal oil heated steam generator with floor level feed water tank

Thermal oil heater with combi burner for fuel oil and natural gas

heat. Resistor heating is a durable and reliable technique and the need for maintenance is small. Pipes aren’t needed and cabling is easier to build than a pipe system. Heating boilers aren’t needed but electricity transmission equipment causes some costs. The simpliest and the most economical investment is the plant with electric heating. No boiler plant is needed when steam is produced with an electric steam generator. In a smaller size of plant electric heating is also the most profitable way in the long term when a small boiler plant is relatively more expensive. When the kiln and the steam generator is heated with direct electric heating, the plant can be very compact and easily movable and will be delivered to the building site as compact ready made unit. Only connections for electricity and water are needed. If the kiln is small usually no filter is needed, but a kind of chimney is recommended to output steam. The output steams coming out with the same temperature as the temperature in kiln. So, for safety reasons it should be placed at a safe distance of the chimney. At the same time even the smell of burned wood is not substantial, and if placed away of the chimney, it will not cause inconvenience. Anyway, if the plant will be built in a residential area, the optional filter is recommended.

THe PLanT WiTH seParaTed BoiLers The LuxhammarKiln needs to have heat for the heating radiator and steam for humidification and for shielding gas. Often both energies are produced by separate boilers, heating energy with a thermo-oil boiler and steam with a steam boiler. If the Luxhammar Kiln will be build close for plant where one of those heating medias are already existing, then the most economical way can be to invest only for the needed extra boiler and utilise the existing boiler for supplying the other heating media.

THe PLanT WiTH THerMo-oiL BoiLer and THerMo-oiL-sTeaM-generaTor The steam for Luxhammar Kiln can be easily and economically produced with thermo-oil-steam-generator. Then only one boiler is needed, and steam is produced with thermo-oil heating. In this case the thermo-oil boiler must be designed for bigger power and be big enough to supply the energy also for steam production. Even when the thermo-oil boiler must be bigger, this alternative is most cost efficient as only one boiler is needed. Especially when using solid fuels, this technology reduces investment costs. Later if more Luxhammar Kilns will be built to the same plant, the thermo-oil boiler is able to produce heating for a bigger number of Luxhammar Kilns if at the same time new steam boiler will be build to take care of steam production. In this way this alternative will be the easiest for future and bigger needs.

THe PLanT WiTH a THerMo-oiL BoiLer, -sTeaM-generaTor, WaTer HeaTer and HeaT reCoVerY Usually numbers of existing applications of heating energy make together the most efficient and profitable combination. Possibility to use heat recovery equipment gives better economic efficiency when the scale of heat usage is big enough and the temperature level is suitable for heat recovery. When the temperature level in Luxhammar Kiln is most of the time more that 100°C (212°F) and part of the time more that 200 °C (392°F), it gives the possibility to recover 30…40% of energy used in the Luxhammar Kiln if the need for lower temperature levels like in traditional drying kilns exist in the same plant. Therefore heat recovery systems for Luxhammar

Chimney

Fuel Electric steam generator

Electric heating

The Kiln with electric heating

Luxhammar Kiln 1 Waste Steam-oil boiler water

Luxhammar Kiln Water Steam 10 bar

Chimney Optional filter

Fuel Chimney Electric steam generator

Electric heating

Waste water Water

Steam-oil Fuelboiler

Water

Fuel

Electric steam Luxhammar Waste generator waterKiln 1

Electric heating

Waste Steam-oil boiler Chimney water

Luxhammar Kiln

Steam 10 bar

Filter

Water Thermo-oil boiler for fuel oil, gas, or for solid fuel Luxhammar

Luxhammar Kiln 2 Thermo-oil 300 °C Luxhammar Thermo-oil 275 °C Kiln 2 Filter Steam boiler Luxhammar Kiln 1 Water

Kiln 1 Waste water

Steam Luxhammar Kiln 2 10 bar

Fuel

Luxhammar Kiln 2

Chimney

Steam generator

Thermo-oil boiler for fuel oil, gas, or for solid fuel

Steam generator

Filter

Steam 10 bar

Steam boiler Filter

Thermo-oil 300 °C Thermo-oil 275 °C

The plant with separated thermo-oil boiler Thermo-oil boiler for fuel Steam oil, gas, or for solid 10 barfuel Water and steam boiler

Steam-oil boiler

Draining KilnsThermo-oil boiler for fuel

Steam-oil boiler

Luxhammar Kiln 2

Draining Luxhammar Kiln 3 Kilns

Filter

Heat recovery O

Office Production

Opt 2

Chimney

Fuel

Waste water

Edge of delivery

oil, gas, or for solid fuel Luxhammar Kiln 1

The Luxhammar plant with separated thermo-oil boiler Kiln 2 boiler and steam Steam boiler

Chimney Heat recovery

Thermo-oil 300 °C Thermo-oil 275 °C

Fuel

Waste water

Fuel

Steam 10 bar

Water

Luxhammar Kiln 1

Stea

Chimney

Steam-oil boiler

Steam-oil Steam 10 bb

Edge of delivery

Waste water Water

Fuel

Luxhammar Kiln 1

Steam generator

Filter Thermo-oil 300 °C Thermo-oil 275 °C

Steam-oil boiler

Edge of delivery

Fuel Chimney

Steam 10 bar

Thermo-oil 300 °C Thermo-oil 275 °C

Luxhammar Kiln 2

Chimney

Steam 10 bar

h electric heating

Luxhammar Steam Kiln 1 generator

Filter

Luxhammar Kiln

Steam-oil boiler

Thermo-oil 300 °C Luxhammar Thermo-oil 275 °C Kiln 2

Opt 2

Optional filter

Waste water

Water heater

Filter

Chimney Office Production

Steam 10 bar

Water

Filter

Opt 1 Steam generator

Heat recovery Draining Kilns

nt with separated thermo-oil boiler am boiler Office Production

Kiln can be paid back in relatively short time if all the energy recovered can be reused. When Luxhammar Treatment takes about the same energy amount as the traditional drying of wood per cubic meter, it can be estimated to pre-dry 30…40% of the raw-material for heat treatment with only recycled energy. If for example 3 Luxhammar Kilns for 50 m2 (21.000 fbm) loads treat totally 12 loads per week (600m2/week) (0,25 M fbm/week), and in the same plant 6 traditional 50 m2 (21.000 fbm) drying kilns will dry totally 6 loads

Water Steam 10 bar

Heat recovery

Draining Kilns Opt 1 - Option for economizer Opt 2 - Option for waste wood boiler or economizer

Water

per week (300m3/week) (0,12 M fbm/week), then 60…80% of the heating energy for those 6 traditional 50 m2 (21.000 fbm) kilns can Office Production 1 - Option for eco be taken from free recovered energy. When Luxhammar kilns areOptnot Opt 2 - Option for was producing, enough waste energy, then there is also no need for full power of a boiler by a LuxhammarKiln and heating energy for drying kilns can be taken from a thermo-oil boiler with a water heater. In this way the boiler can operate all the time with the best possible usage of energy and reach the best possible efficiency coefficient.

44 m

KILN SIZES 3

60 m

120 m

240 m

18 m

28 m

LUXHAMMAR THERMAL MODIFICATION KILNS Model

Load width

Load height

Load length

Load volume

Kiln widht

Kiln height

Kiln lenght

HT-240-15-12

6,4 m (20’-10”)

2,6 m (8’-6”)

26,8 m (88’”)

19.0 m (62'-4")

5.5 m (18'-0")

27.4 m (89'-11")

HT-120-15-12

3,2 m (10’-5”)

2,6 m (8’-6”)

26,8 m (88’)

8.0 m (26'-3")

5.5 m (18'-0")

27.4 m (89'-11")

HT-060-15-12

3,2 m (10’-5”)

2,6 m (8’-6”)

13,4 m (44’)

8.0 m (26'-3")

5.5 m (18'-0")

14.0 m (45'-11")

HT-044-15-12

3,2 m (10’-5”)

2,6 m (8’-6”)

9,5 m (31’-2”)

8.0 m (26'-3")

5.5 m (18'-0")

10.1 m (33'-1")

HT-028-15-12

3,2 m (10’-5”)

2,6 m (8’-6”)

6,2 m (20’8”)

8.0 m (26'-3")

5.5 m (18'-0")

6.8 m (22'-4")

HT-018-11-11

2,4 m (7’-10”)

6,0 m (19’8”)

7.0 m (22'-11")

5.0 m (16'-5")

6.6 m (21'-8")

HT-008-15-15

1,5 m (4’-11”)

6,0 m (19’8”)

240 m (167000 fbm) 3 120 m (88000 fbm) 3 60 m (44000 fbm) 3 44 m (31200 fbm) 3 28 m (20300 fbm) 3 18 m (11000 fbm) 3 8m (5800 fbm)

4.0 m (13'-1")

6.6 m (21'-8")

Sizes for examples only. Others and custom sizes available as well.

KILNS FOR ONE OR TWO PARCELS FIT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

and high temperatures. The kiln is made of stainless steel. Thermal expansion during the years to come is taken into account when designing the kiln.

The kilns for one or two parcels are made for special purposes to offer flexible production. They can be designed for any size based on the customer‘s needs and can also be portable. • Ideal for special needs • Best flexibility for small loads Luxhammar produces kilns with a capacity for one or two wood packages in one load. The kilns are suitable for small capacity and for special needs, loads in sizes of 4 – 6 m3 or 8 – 12 m3 (1700 – 2500 or 3400 - 5000 fbm) with a yearly production capacity of 500 – 2000 m2 (210.000 - 850.000 fbm). These kilns are made for special purposes and they can be designed for any size based on the customer‘s needs, the kiln can also be portable. This size of treatment kilns offers flexible production of heat-treated wood for different applications. The only limit is that in one kiln per one load it is restricted to treat just one thickness, preferably just one dimension to secure a constant quality. Heat energy and vapour needed for the process can be produced electrically with low costs of investments. Heat transmission is also possible with thermo-oil or steam.

Wide-range tests of the components and materials have been done in laboratory conditions and subsequently in industrial plants to find the best solutions for each application. The size of heat-treatment kiln can be placed almost anywhere. A lightly build building is usually constructed to protect electronic devices and thermal insulation from water and snow. The kiln can be placed either under a roof, outside or can also be accommodated in an existing building or shelter. The space needed in height is approximately 4 * 6 m (13’ * 20’).

SPECIAL KILNS Special size kilns can be designed for special purposes. All the above mentioned kiln sizes are just for recommendations and the kiln and the complete plant can be designed based on the need of the customer and the load of piled timber can be designed to be of the same size as standard piles of the customer. Please feel free to take contact with us to design the kiln according your specials needs.

High quality features of the kiln construction and components ensure a reliable operation during the severe treatment conditions Technical data of small Luxhammar Kilns

Technical data Loading capacity

4…12 m3

1.700…5.000 fbm/year 3

Annual capacity

700..2000 m /a

30.000…85.000 fbm/year

Size of packages

1,2-1,5 m * 1,2-1,5 m * 4,0-5,7 m

4-5’ * 4-5’ * 13-18‘

Processing time

12…90 h

Timber thickness

1…75 mm+ logs

Heating

Thermo-oil, steam or electricity

0,04”…2,95”+ logs

KILN LAYOUT one door KiLns one door kilns are made for industrial purposes and offer flexible production of heat-treated wood for different application. • Flexible production • Compact lay-out

The kiln loading happens with stainless steal kiln-cars, which are 13,5 m (44‘) long in 60 m3 (25.000 fbm) kiln. The total length is 30 or 50 meters (100‘ or 164‘) depending on if the kiln is constructed with one or two doors.

FLoW-THrougH PLanTs

Luxhammar offers one door heat-treatment kilns for industrial purposes with capacity from 2 wood parcels to one lorry load in one heat-treatment load. The kilns are suitable for loads in sizes of 20 m3 to 60 m3 (8.500 to 25.000 fbm) with a yearly production capacity of 3000 – 12.000 m2. (1,3 – 5 M fbm). These kilns are made for industrial purposes and offer flexible production of heat-treated wood for different application. A reasonable number of parcels inside the kiln enables short time to change the load. When one lorry load is about 50-60 m3 of lumber, kiln load size equal to the size of the lorry load is often the most suitable for the marketing and production because it can be filled with one full lorry load, which is often the size the of sales. One 60 m3 kiln can produce ~7 000 -12 000 m3 (3-5 M fbm) heat-treated wood per year. A lightly constructed building to protect all electronic devices and thermal insulation from water and snow is needed. One 20 m3 (8.500 fbm) kiln is usually constructed with one door so the total length of building is about 10 * 7 m (33‘ * 23‘) basic area, 7 meters (23‘) high. The kiln loading happens with stainless steal kiln-cars, which are 6 m (20‘) long. The need for the total length is than about 17 meters (56‘) when the kiln is constructed with one door. One 60 m3 (25.000 fbm) kiln needs a building with 10 * 14 m (33‘ * 46‘) basic area, 7 meters (23‘) high and one 20 m3 (8.500 fbm) kiln needs a building with 10*6 m (33‘ * 20‘) basic area, 6 meters (20‘) high.

one door kilns are made for industrial purposes and offer flexible production of heat-treated wood for different application. • High volume plants • quick to change • Possibility for automatic change Luxhammar offers flow-through kilns for high capacity purposes with a capacity from 4 wood parcels up to two lorry loads in one heat-treatment load. These kilns are suitable for loads in sizes of 40 m3 to 120 m3 (17.000 to 50.000 fbm) with a yearly production capacity of 6.000 – 24.000 m3 (2,5 – 10 M fbm). The kiln can be also bigger, multifold for mentioned size, but a full kiln load must be loaded only with one species and with one thickness, preferably only with one dimension. A bigger plant can reach better flexibility with for example several kilns for 60 to 120 m3 (25.000 to 50.000 fbm) loads. In this way, a plant with few parallel operating 60 m3 ( 25.000 fbm) kilns can offer 50.000 m3 or 100.000 m3 ( 21 – 42 M fbm) annual capacity and at the same time give good flexibility in high volume. When one lorry load is about 50-60 m3 (21.000 – 25.000 fbm) of lumber, the kiln load size is equal to the size of the lorry load and is often the most suitable for the marketing and flexible for production when it can be filled with one full lorry load, which is often the size of sales unit. One 60 m3 (25.000 fbm) kiln can produce ~7 000 12 000 m3 (3-5 M fbm) heat-treated wood per year. Flow-through

Technical data of small Luxhammar Kilns

Technical data Loading capacity Annual capacity

20…60 m

8.500…25.000 fbm 3

3000…12.000 m /a

1,3…5 M fbm 5‘ * 8‘ * 19…44‘

Size of packages

1,5 m * 2,4…2,5 m * 6,0-13,5 m

Processing time

12…90 h

Timber thickness

1…75 mm+ logs

Heating

Thermo-oil, steam or electricity

0,04”…2,95”+ logs

kilns are made for minimising the changing of the load to industrial purposes and to offer high volume production capacity of heat-treated wood. Big number of parcels makes the time of changing the load relatively low and for a big kiln with one door up to 10% of the total time can be needed for changing the load. When the kiln operates with minimum two kiln cars, then one kiln load can be in kiln and running when another one is available for changing the load. The changing of flow-through kiln can be fully automatically and then the kiln can operate fulltime without manned night, day and weekend. Luxhammar Flow-Through-kilns are designed for effective high volume production of woods.

A lightly constructed building to protect all electronic devices and thermal insulation from water and snow is needed. One 60 m3 (25.000 fbm) kiln needs a building with 10 * 14 m (33‘ * 46‘) basic area, 7 meters (23‘) high and one 20 m3 (8.500 fbm) kiln needs a building with 10*6 m (33‘ * 20‘) basic area, 6 meters (20‘) high. The kiln loading happens with stainless steel kiln-cars, which are 13,5 m (44‘) long in 60 m3 (25.000 fbm) kiln. The total length is 30 or 50 meters (100‘ or 164‘) depending on if the kiln is constructed with one or two doors.

Technical data of small Luxhammar Kilns

Technical data Loading capacity

40…120 m3

17.000…50.000 fbm

Annual capacity

6000…24.000 m3/a

2,5…10 M fbm

Size of packages

1,5 m * 2,4…3,0 m * 6,0-18 m

5‘ * 5-10‘ * 19…60‘

Processing time

12…90 h

Timber thickness

1…75 mm+ logs

Heating

Thermo-oil, steam or electricity

0,04”…2,95”+ logs

ADDITIONAL PROCESS EQUIPMENT Water treatment For the steam production, the feed water may needed to be filtered and usually needed to be softened. If the water is having some particles like irons, additional water cleaner will be needed.

Water pressure Water pressure for the water spraying of the kiln needed to be minimum 4 bars after the filtering. If necessary to boost the water pressure, the booster pump or the twin booster pumps may be needed. Booster pump may be operated with on and off control when big enough expansion tanks are used to maintain a sustainable start stop break. Alternatively, variable speed pressure control pumps may be used.

Gas cleaning During the heat treatment process and tge smell of burned wood evaporate. Luxhammar has developed a cleaner to reduce the smell of the plant. The cleaner can operate based on filtering, gas washing of gas burning technologies. Depending of the size of the plant, application, peripherals and operating environment, the most efficient way of cleaning can be selected separately in each case. Most common way of gas cleaning is to burn away the process gas in fuel oil, natural gas or boiler/heater. Alternatively, condense or washer type gas cleaner may be used as well. In such case, the hydrocarbon from the process gas will be condensated into the washing water. Also, separated gas burners have been used, but with this method additional fuel is needed for gas burning.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT BEHIND LUXHAMMAR TECHNOLOGY Luxhammar process is a combination of modern high technology and the phenomenon which has been well-known for a long time. The possibility of using heat to improve the durability of wood and enhance surface hardness has been known for thousands of years. The wood constructions embedded in the ground and with high risk of decay, such as the tops of the fencing poles, were burned in the fire by our ancestors. Indians used to burn the tips of the arrows to get stronger hunting equipment. The phenomena has been scientifically investigated since the 1920s. Around the world it has been the tradition of treating the wood and wood-based products with fire, but Finland has been first country where heat treating of sawn goods has been developed in an industrial process. In the beginning of 1990’s there were two different research institutes in Finland, which were doing research in the field of thermal modification of wood. Because of the competition between these two institutes, Finland became the world’s leader in the field of thermal modification. The Institute of Environmental Technology operating in Mikkeli made considerable advances in the thermal modification of wood by managing complicated physiochemical thermal modification process in the mid-1990’s. Because of the interesting results and realising the technology‘s great possibilities by the project manager Tero Lallukka and some of his partners established a company: Luxhammar Oy. Today Mr. Lallukka is the main owner and the present Managing Director of Luxhammar Oy. The company was founded originally to develop the idea of thermal modification of wood on a commercial and industrial basis. LuxhammarProcess is a combination of modern high technology and the phenomenon which was well-known for a long time. After years of research and development work Luxhammar has supplied

complete plants for the wood processing industry and the operation of the company is settled around the thermal modification technology. Year by year the thermal modification of wood is more and more utilised in different fields of application. Luxhammar is a Finnish hi-tech product, which has been commercialised through long term development and research. R & D is still the important part of our company’s activities, both in close co-operation with a number of Finnish and international research institutes and in own laboratory. Luxhammar own laboratory not only participates in equipment developing but also performs a wide range of experimental tests on properties of treated wood in order to improve the process and quality control. Our own laboratory plays an important role in development of the products and enables Luxhammar to offer the customers the best quality and reliable equipment. Luxhammar has steadily enlarged the kiln sizes from 0,1 to 1, 6, 20, 40, 60… and up to 120 m3 of batch load (40, 400, 2500, 8400, 17000, 25000, and up to 50000 fbm). On the basis of experience from smaller kilns Luxhammar has been able to maintain the excellent qualities of thermal modification also in big plants. Nowadays there are no limits for the size of the kiln. The operation of Luxhammar is based on refining the innovations into real business by intensive and continuous research and development. Extensive experience from producing thermally modified wood also gives a basis for producing equipment of high quality. So far Luxhammar has been the only manufacturer of thermal modification kilns in the world, who has been able to reach the durability and dimensional stability without destroying the wood itself and who‘s material quality is saleable, profitable and fulfils the customers’ needs in a wide range of applications.

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2013

LUXHAMMAR THERMAL MODIFICATION PROCESS The Luxhammar Treatment is based on a natural method which makes wood to protect itself and changes the properties of wood permanently. Luxhammar Treatment is an ecological heat-treatment method to protect wood against Bacidiomycetes. The treatment is based on a natural method that makes wood to protect itself. It combines for thousands of years the known phenomenon of improvement the wood’s decay resistance by heating with modern high technology. During Luxhammar Treatment sugars in the wood are being changed into a substance which cannot be eaten by fungus and moulds or digest by digestion of beetle etc. anymore. At the same time natural protective agents in the wood, similar to those found in tar, spread out through the material to protect the entire piece of wood and the wood will be preventing itself from the growth of decay fungi. Everything is based only to the right moisture and temperature. Not any chemical are added into wood. In other words: Luxhammar Treatment improves the resistance to decay and mould by changing the wood’s internal structure to prevent fungus attack. Depending on the treatment level of the wood the resistance to decay is significantly better compared with untreated wood and comparable to tropical hardwoods or chemically protected wood. Using Luxhammar Treatment the highest “Durability Class 1” against wood decaying fungi can be reached. The Luxhammar Process takes place in an air tight stainless steel kiln chamber, where piled timber on sticks is treated with high temperature up to 250°C (482 °F). This is extremely difficult physiochemical treatment process is easy to control with fully automatic Luxhammar Control system. This PCbased system monitors and controls not only the treatment kiln but all the peripherals as well. Process control equipment ensures that every batch processed, meets the quality requirements in regard to physical and chemical properties as well as final moisture content of the wood material. Stainless steel kiln car moves the load of piled timber into the kiln and the door will be closed and the kiln will be made free from oxygen. During the first stage of the process, the temperature inside the kiln increases up to 100° C (212 °F) . The second stage of process is preconditioning where all the stress of wood will be relaxed and the wood will be prepared for

the heat-treatment stage. When the raw material is green, it can be dried as well during the preconditioning phase. After the preconditioning stage, the actual heat-treatment takes place at a high temperature of up to 250°C (482 °F). just for few hours. The conditioning stage follows after the heat-treatment. During this time the stress in the wood caused by heat-treatment will be relaxed and right level of moisture will be added to the wood to ensure proper usability in further processing of the wood material. During the last stage the wood is carefully cooled down before it can be safely and smoothly removed from the kiln. The whole Luxhammar Process takes approximately 24 hours, depending on dimension of the timber and the wood species. If the raw material is green and must be dried during the process, then the total treatment time is longer. Luxhammar Process is suitable for all types of timber and different dimensions of both fresh sawn goods and air-dried or kiln-dried timber. Units or combinations of units are available in different sizes. The whole Luxhammar Process takes approximately 24 hours, depending on dimension of the timber and the wood species. 1. Initial heating - Temperature raised to 100°C 2. Preconditioning and drying 3. Heat-treatment 4. Conditioning - Restoration of moisture 5. Cooling - Adequate cooling of wood before kiln cars removed from kiln

Initial Heating

Preconditioning and Drying

Temperature raised to 100°C (212 °F) Duration:

24–48 hours drying and thermal modification

Cooling Adequate cooling of wood before removing kiln car from the kiln

Thermal Modification 190-250°C (374-482°F) 2-4 hours

Conditioning Restoration of moisture

PROPERTIES OF LUXHAMMAR THERMAL MODIFIED WOODS Luxhammar Treatment enhances the natural beauty of wood and adds many excellent properties to the products. Heat-treatment changes the properties of wood permanently.. It improves resistance to decay and to weather, reduces moisture deformations and increases dimensional stability. Furthermore heat-treatment results in improved heat insulation and a darker shade of colour. Heat-treatment is suitable for all timber species. No impregnating agents are used in the process. Luxhammar Wood is an optimal material to bu used in various applications. The excellent resistance to decay and good dimensional stability, characteristics of Luxhammar treated wood makes it the ideal environmental friendly alternative in outdoor applications where wood is exposed to high levels of moisture, wetting and changing weather conditions. With Luxhammar Treatment you can enhance the natural beauty of wood and add many excellent properties to your products.

resisTanCe To deCaY Heat-treatment improves the resistance to decay which results from changes in the woods internal structure. Depending on the treatment level resistance to decay of Luxhammar Wood is many times better compared with untreated wood. Decay resistance of Luxhammar Wood is determined both with exposure test according to European standard EN 113 and with soil container test according to European standard ENV 807. The durability of Luxhammar Wood is uniform throughout the whole piece of wood.

Luxhammar wood Treatment level

Durability class

Durability classes according to the standard EN 350-1

1 Very durable

2 Durable

3 Moderately durable

≈4

4 Slightly durable

≈5

5 Not durable

TreaTMenT LeVeLs Five different treatment levels of Luxhammar Wood result in different properties, which make it possible to use Luxhammar Wood for all kind of applications. The higher treatment levels are denoted with the letter D (durability), which particularly describe improved durability and the durability class reached according to standard EN 350-1. These treatment levels are recommended for applications requiring good durability typically in exterior use. The milder treatment levels are denoted with letter T (treatment). These treatment levels are intended to improve primarily other properties besides the durability. They are suitable especially for interior applications where a certain colour shade is important and both low water absorption speed and reduced moisture deformation is required. For example pine sapwood is originally “Durability Class 5” but after D2 treatment it is exactly “Durability class 2”. T4 treatment will be about Durability Class 4. But if the raw material with natural “Durability Class 3” is treated with D2 treatment, the durability after treatment is exactly “Durability class 2”. After T4 treatment it still stay on the level Durability Class 3.

TreaTMenT LeVeL d1 For conditions where wood requires excellent decay resistance as in case of extremely hard moisture or weather conditions. Using the treatment level D1 the highest durability Class 1 according to standard EN 350-1 is achieved. Compared with untreated wood decay resistance is many times better.

What happens to wood? Increased surface hardness Equilibrium moisture 10–50% smaller than in untreated wood

Darker colour

Resins dry out or evaporate

Improved resistance to decay depending on the level of treatment Less absorption of moisture Reduced moulding

The classification of durability of solid wood is defined in the standard en 350-1. durability of wood to fungal attack is classified within a five grades in this standard. The treatment levels of Luxhammar Wood are comparable according the table.

Bending strenght changes -15% – +20 Splitting strenght reduced by 0–50%

Improved weather resistance Moisture deformation reduced by 30–90% compared to normal wood

Treatment level D2 For conditions where wood requires good decay resistance. The treatment level D2 meets the durability requirements of Class 2 according to standard EN 350-1. The resistance to decay is sufficient for most applications outdoors.

Treatment level D3 First experience

For conditions where wood requires fair decay resistance as in light exposure of weather stress. Treatment level D3 is intended to achieve the best possible decay resistance without reducing the strength properties and ensuring the best quality of surface finishing. Even D3 results in a low equilibrium moisture content of wood. In relative humidity 95 % equilibrium moisture content is max 15…18% (untreated 25…28%) which is low enough to protect the wood against fungus. Funguses need to have min 22…24% to damage wood material. At the same time durability reached by D3 is better than CCA-impregnated spruce or heart wood of pine or untreated larch. D3 is also suitable for joinery purposes as well as sufficient for most applications outdoors when it is now exposed to ground contact.

Treatment level T4 For conditions where wood requires excellent strength properties (such as surface hardness) and where both low absorption of liquids and reduced moisture deformation as well as certain colour shade are important. Knowledge of tension

Treatment level T5 Treatment level T5 is suitable for interior applications with a desirable colour shade. There are no significant changes to the physical properties of the wood but the colour is darker and the shade has become more brown, red or yellow. Recommended to similar use as untreated wood.

Dimesional stability Deformations caused by condition changes are reduced by 30-90 % in Luxhammar Wood compared with untreated wood. This results from a reduction both in the maximum shrinkage of the wood and its equilibrium moisture as well as from slower moisture absorption. This property is useful in many applications; floors made of wood do not split and window and door frames remain stable and easy to use. Thanks to great dimensional stability Luxhammar Wood is very suitable for applications exposed to this kind of exceptional conditions. Optimization of tension

Strength properties The strength of wood refers to its ability to resist applied forces that could lead to change of the dimensions or the shape of the

piece. Strength properties are of practical importance in applications where wood is under mechanical stress, such as in beams and pillars. Strength properties are also required when processing wood. The strength properties of Luxhammar Wood are nearly comparable to untreated wood. The lower treatment levels might however result in improved strength properties, Treatment level D3 is comparable to untreated wood and strength properties in treatment level D1 and D2 are slightly reduced, anyhow compression strength of Luxhammar Wood seems to be increased and spitting strength seems to be reduced compared to untreated wood for every treatment levels. In constructional structures these matters must be taken into account.

Colour In heat-treatment timber acquires a darker attractive shade of colour, which is uniform throughout the boards. Desired shade of colour is obtained by choosing the right treatment level. Different types of wood darken to a different extent during the process depending on their natural properties. Luxhammar Wood is a beautiful material also for interior applications, such as material of floors and walls. Thanks to the cosmetically attractive appearance of Luxhammar Wood it is also an alternative for naturally dark-coloured timber species.

Strength properties The strength of wood refers to its ability to resist applied forces that could lead to change of the dimensions or the shape of the piece. Strength properties are of practical importance in applications where wood is under mechanical stress, such as in beams and pillars. Strength properties are also required when processing wood. The strength properties of Luxhammar Wood are nearly comparable to untreated wood. The lower treatment levels might however result in improved strength properties, Treatment level D3 is comparable to untreated wood and strength properties in treatment level D1 and D2 are slightly reduced, anyhow compression strength of Luxhammar Wood seems to be increased and spitting strength seems to be reduced compared to untreated wood for every treatment levels. In constructional structures these matters must be taken into account.

Workability Of Luxhammar Wood

Gluing

Ordinary woodworking tools and machines are suitable to work on Luxhammar Wood. The workability of Luxhammar Wood is improved due to the reduced equilibrium moisture content as well as the removal of resin and other extractives during heat-treatment.

Gluing of Luxhammar Wood can be done in a similar way as it is done for untreated wood. The surface of heat-treated wood absorbs water slower that untreated wood. The open time and pressing time could be shortened by diluting the glue less in order to make the viscosity of water based glue higher and by using a faster hardener. In using high-frequency, heat harden glues or other than water based glues, need no much longer pressing and open time.

The sawing of Luxhammar Wood is easy. The sawing properties of heat-treated wood have improved, because the wood is drier and the removal of resin reduces friction between wood and blade. A good sawing surface is obtained quickly both in cutting and split sawing. The blades of the saw should be sharp to ensure the good finishing quality. The planing properties of Luxhammar Wood are good and the surface after planing is beautiful plain and smooth, better than for untreatet wood. An important factor affecting the finishing quality of the planing is the quality of the raw material used to manufacture. The sanding surface of Luxhammar Wood is excellent and smooth surface is easy to obtain.

Coating Because the heat-treatment removes the resin from Luxhammar Wood, it is a solid and uniform base for coating. The coating of Luxhammar Wood is not necessary in regard of resistance to decay, but the coating of constructions outdoor prevents the woodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colour from fading caused by UV-radiation and from becoming grey caused by moisture and weather. The coating increases also the life of wood, reduces splitting and makes the surface more attractive.

Fixing Constructions made of heat-treated wood will last outdoors and in other extremely hard moisture conditions for decades. Fastenings, such as nails and screws as well as all connectors, should be chosen considering the long time requirements. Hot galvanized nails and stainless steel screws are recommended.

Waste disposal and handling of remains of working Heat-treated wood is a purely natural product. The disposal or preferable recycling of heat-treated wood or products made of it can be used as a firewood like untreated wood or disposed of in the way as ordinary harmless wood waste is disposed.

YOUR notes:

APPLICATIONS Luxhammar Wood is a natural product for all kind of applications thanks to the many excellent properties. Ecological, durable and dimensional stable Luxhammar wood is widely used as material for different applications as a result of its excellent properties. Luxhammar wood can be used instead of chemically treated wood and tropical hardwoods. The treatment level can be chosen according to the requirements of the particular end use. The most common applications for Luxhammar wood are exterior constructions such as wall claddings and prefabricated wall elements, terrace floors, garden furniture, window frames, doors, playground, noise barriers and various jetties. Also indoors thermally modified wood can be used for a great number of various purposes such as parquets, wall panels, kitchen cupboards and sauna interiors. The thermally modified wood is also suited for furniture, various accessories and decorative goods. Musical instruments and boats are also being made of the thermally modified wood. Luxhammar wood offers plenty of cosmetic alternatives for exterior claddings. The claddings give a characteristic feature for each building. In addition to architectural items of the facade, it tells about the use, meaning, age and construction of the building. The beautiful colour shade of Luxhammar wood can be kept unchanged or the surface can also be coated according to special wishes. Luxhammar wood is particularly suitable for use as cladding material also in combination with other materials, for instance with bricks, stone or metal faces. In many applications Luxhammar wood is combined with other building materials such as metal, bricks and stone.

Doors and Windows Luxhammar wood is an excellent material for doors and windows, when good durability and dimensional stability under changing conditions is very important. The clearance between the door or window and their frames do not greatly vary with changing condition, which offers easy usage of windows and doors during all the seasons of year. The resins dry out during the process therefore Luxhammar wood is a solid and uniform base for painting.

an excellent base for coatings and paint because resin has dried out of the wood.

Daily use, gifts and decorative articles Luxhammar Wood makes a good material for a great variety of different kinds of small goods or articles thanks to the great dimensional stability and beautiness of the material. Good stability makes the utilization of wood possible for the products, which could not have been made earlier. Thus Luxhammar Wood has created new possibilities for carpentry industry. Furthermore the beautiful shade of colour stands out finely in any size goods and articles. Luxhammar Wood is suitable for many kinds of implements used in kitchens, such as for cutting boards, and roasting turners. Luxhammar Wood has also found applications in handles of doors and pulls of boxes.

Musical Instruments Traditionally musical instruments have been made of very old timber. Heat-treatment changes the structure of the wood as if the treated wood is remarkably older. This phenomenon can be utilised in making musical instruments. Luxhammar Wood produces a beautiful tone immediately after the instrument has completed. Waiting for hundreds of years is not necessary in order to reach the sound. Luxhammar Wood is also an aesthetically pleasing material for making musical instruments. Thermally modifiedwood can be used for instance in pianos, organs, guitars, violins and in traditional Finnish harps. Luxhammar Wood creates new atmosphere to the office environment. Musical instruments made of thermally modifiedwood sound bewitchig because the stress inside the wood is relaxed. Drawer made of Luxhammar Wood

Luxhammar wood also is a better thermal insulating material than untreated wood and significantly better than aluminium.

Garden furniture and structures

Good durability and dimensional stability under changing conditions is very important in choosing right window materials. It is also

Numerous different garden or balcony furniture, such as tables, chairs, benches and swings as well as other playground furniture,

has been manufactured from Luxhammar Wood. Also various roofs or shelters for instance designed for grill or garbage containers are suitable applications. Luxhammar Wood is conveniently warm and beautiful for outdoor decking, such as for balcony and terrace and table floors. Luxhammar Wood also is good material for fences and gates, not only for yard fences or other visual obstruction, but also barriers against of the wind, snow or noise. Luxhammar Wood’s remarkable advantage is that it is durable also for applications requiring excellent decay resistance, such as for crate and borders of flowers and other arrangements. Also structures embedded into the ground, such as fence posts and holding stakes of plants, can be made of Luxhammar Wood. Most common applications in Europe for Luxhammar Wood have been different outdoor applications, such as garden furniture because of wood’s significantly improved resistance to decay.

Jetties and Pontoons Luxhammar Wood is weather proofed material for exterior constructions. This water intake dock is designed for 60 tons (kg) load. These garden table floors have been laying in ground contact already five years and are still like new, without cracks and decay. The colour has just turned into attractive grey.

Sauna interior Saunas are almost without exception lined with wood for walls and ceiling as well as benches. Luxhammar Wood is excellent material for panels and benches in a sauna, where the conditions in regard of wood durability are demanding. This is emphasised in public saunas, which might be warmed up even daily for hours. Heat treatment reduced the heat conductivity of wood and thus the surface temperature of sauna bench feel cooler. Luxhammar Wood lining is durable in addition to saunas also in other rooms where moisture conditions vary remarkably or stay continuously high. These kind of rooms are for instance bathrooms and swimming halls. Thermally modifiedaspen is a good choice for walls and benches in saunas. Thermally modifiedaspen is pleasant to sit on because of it’s low heat conductivity.

Luxhammar Wood is widely used material for sauna interiors, where the conditions in regard of wood durability are demanding.

Boats Fine sailing boats have been produced from Luxhammar Wood, which gain advantage from minor swelling and shrinking of thermally modifiedwood.

Parquetry and Wood flooring Luxhammar Wood is an optimal material to use in wood flooring and parquets. The excellent dimensional stability and increased surface hardness makes it an ideal environmental friendly alternative to be used for wooden floorings. As a flooring material Luxhammar Wood’s essential properties besides darkened colour shade are changes in moisture deformation properties. The appearance and colour shades of floor made of Luxhammar Wood are beautiful, lively and majestic looking. Dimensional stability of Luxhammar Wood is of great advantage, which considerably improves the quality of the floor. No splits or cracks will develop into the floor due to periodic changes of climate. Low equilibrium moisture content and reduced water absorption speed together with minimised maximum shrinking and swelling gives excellent properties for flooring. Also floors with underfloor heating rooms remain unchanged.

Ceilings, Walls and Moldings Luxhammar Wood can be indoor used for different linings, such as panels and half-panels and ceilings. The good dimensional stability and increased surface hardness makes Luxhammar Wood an ideal environmental friendly alternative to be used for wooden floorings. Because of the minor swelling and shrinking of thermally modifiedwood, it is perfect material to use in boats. This beautiful 40' yacht was completely built from thermally modifiedaspen. Living boat built from Luxhammar Wood in the Netherlands.

LUXHAMMAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES Preventive maintenance for industrial production equipment together with regular calibrations of measuring and control equipment ensures reliable operation and high quality of final product month after month and year after year.

Calibrations Measuring and control devices under high temperature, high humidity and acidic conditions require regular maintenance and periodic calibrations for reliable operations.

Spare parts in stock We have a variety of spare parts for heat treatment kilns, boilers, heaters and steam generators to insure the rapid availability in emergency situations.

ratory we are able to test and develope new recipes with laboratory size kilns to ensure perfect quality of modified wood products from the first production patch.

Consultancy Are you planning to invest for a heat treatment kilns / thermal modification kiln? Are bankers requesting an update for your business plan? Need to apply building and environmental license? Need information for applying subsidies? Or do you just need to prepare profit and cost calculation, choice which kind of boiler/heating you need and design the lay-out of the new factory? We have experience of over 15 years for designing wood processing and heat treatment plants for wood industry, preparing business plans and work as advisor for preparing profit and cost as well as financial calculations.

Training for kiln operators Updates for control units Components of industrial parts are designed for a long time use. However, due to extended use, some parts may not be available any longer on the market. Therefore, some updates may be needed for control units to guarantee the availability of spare parts.

Recipes for new wood New wood species, new dimensions and improvement of existing recipes are easiest to develope in laboratory scale. In our R&D labo-

Are you recruiting new staff to run your kilns? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry! We could provide training for the new operators of your treatment plant.

24/7 Hotline With continuous 24/7 Hotline, we provide expert support via telephone and remote access any time when needed.

YOUR notes:

Headquarter Luxhammar Oy Tullikatu 2 50100 Mikkeli FINLAND Tel: +358 (0)15 336 790 Fax: +358 (0)15 336 793 Mobile: +358 (0)400 491 754 Email: sales@luxhammar.com Website: www.luxhammar.com Labrotary and warehouse Kinnarinkatu 5 50170 Mikkeli FINLAND Tel: Fax:

+358 (0)15 336 792 +358 (0)15 336 793

Branch office Luxhammar Coropration 990 Lakes Parkway, Suite B Lawrenceville, GA 30043 USA Tel.:

+1 678 400 0070