FOGARTY CONDENSING KILN

A Fast and Environmentally Safe Way of Drying Timber

The basic principle of the new condensing kiln is the removal of moisture as condensate rather than venting to atmosphere. This new patented system uses traditional heat plants (hot water, steam or gas fired) rather than slow dehumidifier type technology, meaning that we can achieve drying times the same as conventional kilns. The appearance of the timber is also enhanced with the reduction of kiln brown stain.

Benefits of the new Condensing Kiln:

• Energy Use is Reduced:  Up to 30% of energy is lost by venting and heating reintroduced air into the kiln. A large portion of this energy is saved through this new process, as we do not vent to atmosphere. This leads to significant cost savings and also allows mills with limited boiler capacity to decrease their drying times and improve annual throughput.

• No Pollution:  The kiln is totally enclosed so no emissions and therefore no problems with district or regional councils. If you have existing kilns in built up areas, this will keep your neighbours and local council happy!

• Water Conservation:  The reusing of condensate in the reconditioning trough, boiler system, and other areas of the mill means less water used for the overall drying process. You can also reuse the condensate to heat a pre-drying room.

• Retrofitted to Existing Kilns:  The condensing units can be retrofitted to existing kilns.

• Reduction in Kiln Brown Stain:  As brown stain is caused through an oxidation reaction with the sugars in the timber (Millard reaction), eliminating oxygen through this new patented system significantly reduces this costly problem of kiln brown stain. This new kiln has been developed in conjunction with the University of Canterbury Wood Technology Research Centre.

• Fast Drying Times:  Can dry at up to 100°C, meaning fast drying times and increased annual throughput.

The Condensing Units can be retrofitted to any make of conventional heat and vent timber drying kiln

New Condensing Kiln Installed Top of the North Island, NZ