Kiln Baffling

[RyanMCL]

We have two kilns, 23 feet wide, that we load 4 units of lumber high, 4 deep, and usually 2 units wide.  I say usually, because the lumber is most often 8 ft long, but sometimes we get 7 and 6 foot units as well.  In order to direct airflow through the units when the width of the units is well under the kiln width, would I want to put a baffle on the side of each of the 4 rows? or just front and back? Having 5-7 feet between units and the wall can't be helping airflow go through the wood.

The same question applies to the top of the units as well.

[ingo wallocha]

Hello Ryan,

All rows should be baffled. That applies to the side and to the top baffles.

Regards,

Ingo

[HencoV]

Hi Ryan,

Ingo is correct.  We have found that bad / insufficient baffling can extend drying times substantially. The net effect of big gaps where the air can short circuit past /over the stack not only effect the true wet bulb reading because of more turbulance, but also contribute to patchy drying

[MichaelM]

I agree with Ingro that it is best to baffle each of the four rows.  If this is not possible, try to put a full row in the front and back with the short units in rows two and three.  Offset the gaps in those rows.  I am assuming that these are package kilns and that the row spacing is small (a few inches). 
Do checks at the planner to see in there is unit-to-unit mc variability.
Mike M