RFV Drying Schedule Development for Thick Western Red Cedar Timbers

Abstract

Radio frequency vacuum drying of timbers could result in internal checking (honeycombing) due to elevated internal temperatures and pressures that is believed to be associated to the level of applied power density, but it might be also related to the way electric power is applied during the drying process. In this exploratory study the relationship between power density and wood damage for thick western red cedar dried in a laboratory RFV dryer was evaluated. Two different types of drying strategies were assessed and the results were used to identify apparent trends and thus recommend the drying schedule that appears to minimize internal and surface checking.

Keywords:

• RADIO FREQUENCY
• VACUUM
• WOOD DRYING
• WESTERN CEDAR
• HONEYCOMBING
• SURFACE CHECKS