Continuous or Counter-flow kilns

[Aaron]

Continuous, or sometimes called counter-flow kilns are becoming increasingly popular.  Is this because they provide better moisture uniformity in the lumber, or is it energy savings or some of both?

[MichaelM]

I assume you mean the ones that have been built in the Southern U.S. by several manufacturers (not the European variety). 

It would be great if someone had some hard data to share on these - a side-by-side comparison or a before-to-after comparison.  Are there any liquid run-off issues would be another good question.

As I undertand it, part of the energy savings comes from running the boiler at a steady firing rate. 

I might be wrong, but I don't think we have any of these in the west at the current time.

[TimothyD]

I assume you mean the ones that have been built in the Southern U.S. by several manufacturers (not the European variety). 

It would be great if someone had some hard data to share on these - a side-by-side comparison or a before-to-after comparison.  Are there any liquid run-off issues would be another good question.
...

Hi Mike,
I found this presentation on line; it is very interesting and full of facts and figures; so much so, that I am wary of attempting to make sense of it all   It did seem to indicate a higher energy requirement fo rthe continous track kiln, but I assume that must be offset somewhere in the other productivity factors.

http://www.forestprod.org/drying06robertson.pdf

Tim

[Gilman Blackshear,Ga]

From what I have been told concerning the "CDK" you actually use less energy. I will circle back around with some contacts I have that sell and install and I will check with Pollard Lumber (inventor of the continuous kiln) to see what there experience has been. I do know that results have been great with this type of kiln.

[TimothyD]

Thanks for the input Gilman.  I look forward to your update.
Tim