DETERMINATION OF THE EVAPORATION OF WATER DURING WOOD DRYING BY MEANS OF HEAT FLUX MEASUREMENT

ABSTRACT

Since the only measured value that is derived from the wood for controlling the kiln drying process is the mean moisture content, it is essential to develop new techniques for the measurement of additional process parameters. When the drying rate, which could be such an additional parameter, is seen in conjunction with other process variables, conclusions on the instantaneous drying behaviour of the wood are possible. A simple and practical way for determining the drying rate is based on the relationship between the drying rate and the heat-flux for evaporation. A measurement of the heat-flux by means of a heat-flux sensor allows the calculation of the drying rate.