This course has been updated from the traditional classroom workshop that has been offered annually at OSU since 1949.  The course content is presented in online modules, webinars, and discussion assignments.  Attendance requires no travel.  The course is offered in two formats.

WEBINAR FORMAT (Oct 14-Dec 8, 2019)
The webinar format consists of two to three online modules done weekly and four two-hour webinars.  There are also seven discussion assignments designed to have participants reflect on current practices and stimulate online discussion. 

SELF-PACED FORMAT (Always available)
The self-paced format consists of 29 online modules done weekly and seven discussion assignments.

For additional registration information please see:
This course has been updated from the traditional classroom workshop that has been offered annually at OSU since 1949.  The course content is updated and presented in online modules, webinars, and discussion assignments.  Attendance requires no travel.  The course is offered in two formats.

WEBINAR FORMAT
The webinar format consists of two to three online modules done weekly and four two-hour webinars.  There are also seven discussion assignments designed to have participants reflect on current practices and stimulate online discussion. 

SELF-PACED FORMAT
The self-paced format consists of 29 online modules and seven discussion assignments.

For additional registration information please see:
    https://pace.oregonstate.edu/catalog/lumber-drying-online-workshop
or contact
   Department of Wood Science & Engineering
   Tel: 541-737-4210 (leave message)
   Email: mike.milota@oregonstate.edu

Some people think steaming at the beginning of the cycle does exactly what you suggest.  I have never been able to see it or measure the effect.  It does go against drying theory, but let's skip that because drying theory does not account for changes in the cell structure of the wood.

I'm a little confused - the TCS measures multiple boards while the unit is drying in the kiln.  Do you have wet units or some wet boards within the units?  Does the TCS never get below 27% and what do these same units measure at the planer?  Is the calibration of the TCS different for the lumber from the older logs? 

You could probably test this with little cost or risk.  I assume you now keep the vents closed and spray off while coming to temperature. Create some matched pairs of kiln charges (have the lumber as similar as possible between pairs).  Dry one of the pair in the normal way and keep the vents closed an extra 12 hours on the other. Use the normal schedule after that.  Follow each to the planer and compare MC variability (accounting for differences in final MC).  You should know after a few pairs of charges if the steaming is helping.  I'd avoid steam spray during the process, assuming the kiln is tight.

I would not do any of this if the lumber is already surface checked because it may make it worse.  Also, you did not mention species, but stain could be increased.

I'd be very interested in the results.  PM or call me if you want to talk about it.

WE also just installed these new style WB stations.  I have noticed that without the covers they do collect alot of loose debris. 

Yes, I dry a lot of hard maple and try to keep it as white as possible. I try to keep the temp low but during  conditioning the temp rises higher than I want. Maybe someone will chime in soon.

Anybody use  a EMC Mistifyer ( cold water spray ) instead of a steam line to regulate the EMC in your kilns?