8 minute read
Industry Insight
Did you know that airflow can AFFECT the readings in your kiln?
by Henco Viljoen, Dry Kiln Specialist at Nyle Dry Kilns
When conducting an experiment on the effect of airflow speed over the wet bulb recently, I came across some interesting findings.
Ensuring constant airflow over a wet bulb in both Fans Forward and Reverse directions.
EXPERIMENT: I installed three wet bulbs and one dry bulb inside an insulated drying chamber 3' deep x 7' wide x 6' high. All of the wet bulbs were set up at precisely ¾" above the water level. I then installed fans to simulate airflow over two of the wet bulbs. The first wet bulb (#1) had 500fpm airflow over it, the second wet bulb (#2) had 200fpm, and the third wet bulb (#3) had zero fpm. The chamber was heated to 160oF, at which time the chamber's circulating fans and heater were turned off. The dry and wet bulb temperatures were measured and logged until the dry bulb temperature reached 100oF.
Test station wet bulb fan
FINDINGS: It was interesting to see that at 160oF dry bulb, the wet bulb with zero airflow (#3) showed an average of 6oF higher than wet bulb #2 (200fpm), and 9oF higher than wet bulb #1 (500fpm). The difference decreased the lower the dry bulb dropped being 3oF for wet bulb #2 and 4.5oF for wet bulb #1 when the dry bulb got down to 100oF.
I can only conclude that the higher the temperature inside your drying chamber, the more crucial adequate airflow over the wet bulb becomes.
How will this affect how the kiln runs? If the airflow is too low, a higher wet bulb reading will force vents open or more open if vents modulate. So the EMC / RH reading calculated based on perceived dry & wet bulb readings will be higher than actual . . . meaning conditions are harsher than what you think it is. In a kiln equipped with fans that reverse direction every few hours (with only one wet bulb), results are often high airflow over the wet bulb in one direction, and low airflow in the other. To put in terms of control elements: more venting in one direction than the other!
The net result: uneven drying, more energy usage, longer drying times, longer conditioning times, and more drying defects.
CONCLUSION: ensure that your wet bulb has at least 200-250fpm constant airflow over it at all times, or make use of more than one wet bulb.
Register for classes at www.nhla.com/Education. NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE
AUGUST 10-21
Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN
Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters.
JULY
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.
27-29
Venue: Franklin Industrial Commercial Development Authority - Emerging Technology Center Franklin, PA Instructor: Tom Byers, NHLA National Inspector
JULY
27-31
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.
Venue: Rowan County Courthouse Morehead, KY Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector
AUGUST 17-20
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.
AUGUST 24-26
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.
Venue: Yoder Lumber Company, Inc. Millersburg, OH Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector
Venue: Northwest Hardwoods - Marion Branch Marion, NC Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector
COVID-19 IMPACT: At the time of publication, these educational courses are being offered. However, due to the unknowns of the COVID-19 pandemic please visit nhla.com for the latest information or call NHLA headquarters at 901-377-1818 to confirm that these courses are taking place.
SEPTEMBER 1-Nov. 20
Inspector Training School 193rd Class Traditional 12-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.
Venue: NHLA Headquarters Memphis, TN
SEPTEMBER 14-17
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.
Venue: WV Wood Technology Center Elkins, WV Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector
SEPTEMBER 14-18
Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.
Venue: Wood-Mizer, LLC Indianapolis, IN Instructor: Kevin Evilsizer, NHLA National Inspector
AUGUST 24-Sept. 4
Inspector Training School Online Training Program MODULE 1 Two weeks of hands-on training. Venue: Northwest Hardwoods - Marion Branch Marion, NC Instructor: Mark Depp, NHLA National Inspector
Module 2: Online study Module 3: Three weeks handson training and final testing at NHLA headquarters.
Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.
LUMBER INSPECTOR
Church and Church Lumber Company is seeking a NHLA trained lumber inspector. Primary duties and responsibilities include consistent and accurate grading of hardwood green lumber. The individual must be highly dependable.
Skills & Experience Required NHLA Certified
Salary & Benefits Excellent pay. Retirement Plan. Insurance Paid. Vacation. Great work environment.
How to Apply Please send resume and application to office@churchandchurchlumber.com.
Church and Church Lumber Company 863 New Browns Ford Road | Wilkesboro, North Carolina Phone: 336-973-5700 | www.northcarolinalumber.com
LUMBER INSPECTOR
Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods is looking for a Lumber Inspector to work in Huntland, TN. Please call for additional information.
Skills & Experience Required NHLA Inspector Training School Graduate.
Salary & Benefits Benefits Package Includes: - Health Insurance - Dental Insurance - Vision Insurance - Employer Paid and Voluntary Life Insurance and AD&D - Voluntary Long Term Disability - Voluntary Short Term Disability - 401K with Employer Match – PTO
How to Apply Please send resume and application to abbie@thompsonappalachian.com.
Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, Inc. 100 Harless Drive | Huntland, TN 37345 Phone: 931-469-7272 | www.thompsonappalachian.com
LUMBER INSPECTOR
Collins Company is seeking a lumber inspector. This is an hourly, nonexempt position reporting to the Operation Supervisor. Graders will rotate work load between sawmill, green line, and shipping dry line as assigned by supervisor. May be required at times to sub as grader in other areas of the business.
Other Duties include: Accept and follow instruction from the supervisor. Read and understand service and technical manuals. Advise the supervisor/ lead of mechanical problems. Make minor repairs as needed in the grading area including but limited to Trimmer, lug chains, saw belts and cylinders. Ability to stand for 8-10 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week. Coordinate with the pulline and leadman to maintain required production rates. Follow all company, state, and federal safety rules to perform job duties. Work cooperatively with other employees. Be able to grade with 95% accuracy at the production rate assigned by the supervisor. Must be a team player. Work cooperatively with NHLA Regional Lumber Inspector when on site. EEO Employer M/V/D
Skills & Experience Required NHLA Inspector Training School Graduate preferred. (or the equivalent training and experience.)
Ability to comprehend and apply grading rules for soft maple, hard maple, ash, cherry, red oak, and birch
Salary & Benefits Excellent pay. Medical, dental, vision and 401k
How to Apply Please send resume and application to rcunnington@collinsco.com.
Collins Company 95 Hardwood Drive | Kane, PA 16735 Phone: 502-826-5223 | www.collinsco.com
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How accurate? In the field, the difference between TallyExpress and a hand tally by tape measure is less than 1%. It also “learns” as it’s used, making it even more accurate with time. And the app is so easy to use, you get accurate measurements fast - no matter who is tallying. “One day we were backed up with 12 bundles on our line. Normally, it would have taken a very stressful 30 minutes to get those tallied and moved. With TallyExpress, we did all 12 bundles in about ten minutes and it was a stress-free experience.” – Granite Hardwoods, Inc.
Not only can TallyExpress be taught in minutes, it is less physically-demanding than having to measure each board. Easy
“In the past, you had to find the right tally person who was detailed and patient. With TallyExpress, we get the same, accurate results regardless of who does the work.” -Brownlee Lumber Co. “The training is almost nothing. People take pictures with their smartphones every day. It’s very familiar technology. Basically, you show someone how to use it on one bundle and they’re ready to go. It really does only take a couple of minutes to train someone.” – Allegheny Wood Products
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