Unidirectional multi-path lumber kilns
AssigneeUsnr, LLC
InventorChristopher W. Blomquist
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments provide a unidirectional multi-path kiln with two or more chambers and generally parallel flow paths extending through the kiln, on opposite sides, from charge entry portals at a first end of the kiln to charge exit portals at a second end of the kiln. Moist heated air flowing from the second heated chamber is received in the first chamber and circulated around the lumber charges with one or more fans. The lumber charges proceed in the same direction on the flow paths through the heated second chamber, which may be an existing kiln. Charge exit portals at the distal end of the kiln and/or intermediate charge portals between the second chamber and a third chamber may be provided with insulating members configured to reduce airflow from the second chamber through the charge exit portals.
Claims22
A method of heat treating lumber using an elongated enclosure comprising a first chamber, a second chamber, first and second charge entry portals at a proximal end of the elongated enclosure, first and second charge exit portals at an opposite distal end of the elongated enclosure, a first flow path extending through a first side of the elongated enclosure from the first charge entry portal to the first charge exit portal, and a second flow path extending through an opposite second side of the elongated enclosure from the second charge entry portal to the second charge exit portal, the method comprising:
- moving a first plurality of lumber charges along the first flow path in a first direction of travel and a second plurality of lumber charges along the second flow path in said first direction of travel, such that at least some of the lumber charges are positioned within the first chamber while others of the lumber charges are positioned within the second chamber;
- supplying heated air to the interior of the second chamber, wherein supplying the heated air causes a pressure differential between the second chamber and the first chamber;
- recirculating heated air received from the second chamber across the first and second flow paths within the first chamber;
- and
- reducing airflow through the first and second charge exit portals from the second chamber.
An apparatus for drying lumber charges, comprising:
- an elongated enclosure having first and second opposite ends connected by side walls and an upper wall, the elongated enclosure defining a first chamber, a second chamber, and a longitudinal axis;
- first and second charge entry portals disposed at the first end of the elongated enclosure between the first chamber and the second chamber;
- first and second charge exit portals disposed at the opposite second end of the elongated enclosure;
- a first guide member extending through a first side of the elongated enclosure from the first charge entry portal to the first charge exit portal, the first guide member defining a first flow path;
- a second guide member extending through an opposite second side of the elongated enclosure from the second charge entry portal to the second charge exit portal, the second guide member defining a second flow path generally parallel to the first flow path, the first and second guide members disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and having parallel directions of lumber charge travel through the elongated enclosure from the first end to the second opposite end;
- a heat source operatively coupled to the second chamber;
- and
- one or more fans disposed in the first chamber and positioned to circulate heated air received from the second chamber across the first and second flow paths in the first chamber.
A method for converting an existing kiln to a unidirectional multi-path kiln, the method comprising:
- coupling a first chamber to one end of the existing kiln to form an elongated enclosure with a first end having a first and a second charge entry portal and an opposite second end having a first and a second charge exit portal, the elongated enclosure having first and second sides defined by a longitudinal axis of the existing kiln;
- installing first and second guide members within the elongated enclosure such that the first guide member extends through the first side of the elongated enclosure from the first charge entry portal to the first charge exit portal and the second guide member extends through the second side of the elongated enclosure from the second charge entry portal to the second charge exit portal;
- coupling a first movable support member to the first guide member;
- and
- coupling a second movable support member to the second guide member, the first and second movable support members configured to convey corresponding first and second lumber charges along the corresponding first and second guide members in a first direction of flow.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.