Drying timber temperature, effects

The elements that eontrol the drying rate are the relative humidity of the air, the air temperature, and the airflow aeross the timber surfaees. In a kiln the temperature and (paradoxieally) relative humidity are maintained at higher levels than in the open air, while powerful fans eontrol the air velocity. In air-drying the same elements eannot be controlled or manipulated nearly as effectively. 

Kho PCS, Keey RB and Walker JCF (1989) Effects of minor board irregularities and air flows on the drying rate of softwood timber boards in kilns. Proceedings 2nd lUFRO Wood Drying Symposium, Seattle, Washington, DC, 150-7 Kho PCS (1993) Mass transfer from in-line slabs application to high-temperature kiln drying of softwood timber boards. PhD thesis, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand... 

---