Recently loaded 1500 bdft of SWP 2x6x8' into the l200 Nyle 20' container kiln.
Started at the recommended 100° DB and 87° WB.
Average MC was 44.5% on 6/29
MC is down to 39% and DB/WB is increased to 110/96
It seems to be drying super slow, or am I over thinking it?
I'm in Southern WV, ambient RH ~85% and daytime temps in the high 80's.
Kiln vent runs a decent amount in the daytime, is this humid air replacing moisture?
Actual kiln temps- 110° DB and 96.9° WB.
The first few days in the kiln the compressor ran nearly continuous pulling a lot of free water. It has slowed and very seldom kicks on now.
Is there something I'm doing wrong, or something I should be doing different?
I've dried a lot of poplar, white/red oak with no issues.
First time drying Pine and it seems odd to me. Any help is appreciated.
I've always heard SWP stood for Solid Wood Panel. Please educate me on the type of wood you are drying.
My mistake, meant EWP Eastern White Pine.
Not sure where my mind was to typed "SWP"
I would think the wet bulb depression (RH) is all that matters to the wood. it may have the compressor working harder when air is exchanged. It is 2 inches thick. can you check a surface MC. Does it need more heat to get the water to move? If the surface is dry, there is nothing to evaporate. I am not a kiln guy, just basing this on my science background and keen interest in these problems. ffsmiley
It is 2" thick. I lowered the WB from 97 to 95, this seemed to help get water moving a little. If it stalls again I will raise the DB to 115°
Surface appears to be ~ 18%-19%, internal probes are showing 38%.
Seems as though I may be pulling the entrained water now, maybe it just needed a little kickstart. I've had to do similar with Whiteoak, but I figured white pine would've been an easy one to dry.
It is more forgiving. see what this does. got to get the water to the surface.
With my SYP, I dry it as fast as I can. Don't matter if it's green or air dried some. I set my dry bulb at 125 and wet bulb at 68.
Appreciate the help, today I will set like that and dry fast.
In my IDRY, EWP is get it dry and out of the kiln ASAP. Pretty hard to do any damage.
Just go to 120 DB 75 WB and let her go. You won't hurt it. You can do that right from the start.
I've never run a kiln but sounds a lot like smoking Boston Butts when you hit the "stall" ffcheesy