Old Gronrth Douglas Fir Green,Rough

Dry With Zero Degrade

Vacutherm, Inc. has a wood drying kiln that combines heat and a vacuum that reportedly pulls moisture from wood three to seven times faster than conventional kiln drying.

The company claims the kiln will dry 8/4 red oak from 7090 to 6s/o moisture content in 15 days. This rapid drying with almost zero degradation reduces energy costs, land requirements for inventories and allows the user the ability to supply high-quality, custom dried lumber in days rather than months.

The primary heat source is steam or hot water from any boiler; it is further heated by steam captured from lumber during drying process, a reported recovery of 5090 of normally wasted energy.

Totally insulated, so it can be located outdoors or in an unheated shed, the dryer is a round cylinder shape which ensures efficient internal air movement and accurate control of pressure levels.

The round, pressurized end door opens to an 8' diameter corrosionresistant steel chamber, where wood can be stacked 43" x78",48" x'14" or 60" x 64". The length of the chamber can vary according to need, though the manufacturer recommends a 37' long chamber to offer the most versatility for 6', 8', 12' and 16' multiples.

Fans and controls built into the chamber walls maintain a constant flow of warm air across the wood, imparting uniform temperature and relative humidity to the lumber.

After heating, the atmospheric pressure is lowered to speed the migration of water to the surface. The moisture is flashed off the wood and removed through a vacuum pump. The cooling due to evaporation is monitored and the lumber is re-heated and the cycle repeats. The process is controlled automatically and will run continuously for long periods, unattended.

The company says the most efficient operation is a tandem set up where two dryers operate off one vacuum pump. The dryers themselves fit on a tractor trailer for relocation.

Our CCA Salt Treating cylinder is one of tne largest in the West. One phone call can put it to work for you. And you'll want to consider our custom treating, combined with computerized inventory control. Save time, money and space. Call: Steve Ryan, General Manager

In California (800) 582-3950

Outside California (805) 833-0429