The Forestry Forum

General Forestry => Drying and Processing => Topic started by: JasonRerras on April 17, 2017, 01:57:18 PM

Title: Air drying in Reefer Container?
Post by: JasonRerras on April 17, 2017, 01:57:18 PM
Does anyone have any experience air drying in a Reefer container? Currently sawing a lot of 12/4 slabs, mostly different oaks, and a Cherry, and have them stacked outside, but I also have a 53' Reefer that I could put them in.  Obviously Sun and Wind exposure are eliminated.   Curious if this would be beneficial in any way?
Title: Re: Air drying in Reefer Container?
Post by: Farmerjw on April 17, 2017, 02:17:17 PM
Had a buddy with a sawmill until his divorce.  :o

Anyway, he had two reefer trailers set up with solar fans at the top of the walls of the trailer (two on each side, staggered).  Vents at the bottom of the two doors with sliding door to impede air flow.  Seemed like he was handling wood all the time, but it worked well for him.
Title: Re: Air drying in Reefer Container?
Post by: Den Socling on April 17, 2017, 03:58:54 PM
That sounds like a good idea. It would basically be a predryer if the sun added a little heat during the day and the fans moved enough air and you had that sliding door to regulate airflow and you knew what air flow was in there and it was flowing evenly through out the load and and and......... ;)
Title: Re: Air drying in Reefer Container?
Post by: JasonRerras on April 17, 2017, 05:22:54 PM
Hahaha, yea, it could get complicated real quick!  Need to get a thermometer in there and see what the temperature cycles look like.  The idea right now is to air dry to EMC then go to a Solar or DH kiln.  I figure I have two+ years to come up with a plan or find some investors to buy a Vac Kiln  ;D
Title: Re: Air drying in Reefer Container?
Post by: Farmerjw on April 21, 2017, 12:18:27 PM
Quote from: Den Socling on April 17, 2017, 03:58:54 PM
That sounds like a good idea. It would basically be a predryer if the sun added a little heat during the day and the fans moved enough air and you had that sliding door to regulate airflow and you knew what air flow was in there and it was flowing evenly through out the load and and and......... ;)


Yes, I forgot to add that he had painted them flat back and they were hot inside!
Title: Re: Air drying in Reefer Container?
Post by: Darrel on April 22, 2017, 06:42:57 PM
Reefers function well as kilns but are not the easiest to load and unload.
Title: Re: Air drying in Reefer Container?
Post by: Tree Dan on April 22, 2017, 08:03:38 PM
Quote from: Darrel on April 22, 2017, 06:42:57 PM
Reefers function well as kilns but are not the easiest to load and unload.

Cut the ends out of them and run a rail track through the box.