Trouble drying SWP Nyle L200

Kraynes · July 05, 2025, 08:30:37 AM

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.

customsawyer · July 05, 2025, 09:57:43 AM

I've always heard SWP stood for Solid Wood Panel. Please educate me on the type of wood you are drying.

Kraynes · July 05, 2025, 10:29:14 AM

My mistake, meant EWP Eastern White Pine.
Not sure where my mind was to typed "SWP"

doc henderson · July 05, 2025, 11:03:49 AM

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.

Kraynes · July 05, 2025, 12:39:20 PM

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.