Wood drying kiln for periodic moisture measurements

In hardwood kilns, the conventional wisdom requires that multiple samples which are removed from the wood drying kiln for periodic moisture measurements, be repositioned within the lumber charge in a horizontal orientation, that is parallel to the air stream through the charge. As will be explained in the following, the present invention represents a substantial diversion from conventional thinking and results in a highly accurate measurement apparatus and technique for controlling hardwood kilns
Automatic Control System For Wood Drying Kiln
    System for wood drying kilns wherein the weight of a representative sample positioned remote from the batch of wood to be dried is monitored. The moisture content of the representative sample is calculated from the measured weight continuously and operational parameters with the kiln are automatically adjusted in response to the moisture content of the sample to provide desired drying conditions.
Such a process is time-consuming, is susceptible to error in calculating the moisture content, is likely to effect the environment of the kiln interior as the kiln interior is exposed to ambient conditions during removal of the sample from the kiln and is uncomfortable and potentially dangerous in that the operator must enter the hot kiln. In addition, the sample used to monitor the moisture content is re-positioned within the bulk of the lumber situated within the kiln following each moisture-determining operation. Such a re-positioning of the sample renders it inaccessible for unhindered visual inspection.