Proper Air Flow

[Charles]

I have a small DH kiln ( 200bf) and dry for myself. I have never been able to find out how much air should be moving across the lumber when it is drying. I have my fans on a rheostat and have little flags at the back of the kiln and I turn the fans up and watch the flags till I think they are flappin enough then I leave it. I have never had any trouble or problems with drying and have dried wet and air dried. Can something happen if the air is too slow or can it be too fast??    ??? Have I just been lucky??  :   Could never find that answer :P 
Any help is appreciated

Charles

[Den Socling]

When wood is wet you need around 400 to 600 feet per minute to carry away the water. If you don't have enough, you will get mold. When wood is almost dry, you can save a little electricity by slowing down to around 200 feet per minute.

[jimF]

for oak have the airflow on the low end

[Charles]

Thanks for the info

I think I am running the fans a little too fast. If I slowed the fans down till the flags at the back of the kiln were just flapping, which means a nice easy air flow. Would too slow cause a problem. I guess what I am saying,  Is slower better than faster as long as there is no mold ???
I have always had great results in drying but this air thing is the only thing I don't have a handle on
Thanks
Charles

[Den Socling]

Charles,

Too fast is better than too slow. If the temperature is low and the humidity is high, hurricane Katrina couldn't hurt your wood. But, when the air flow is low, you have a greater chance of 'dead' spots which will give you wet and/or moldy wood.

Den

[old3dogg]

Way, way, way of the subject here but hey Den! Whos the cute little bugger youre holding?

It aint yours is it?? ;D

[Den Socling]

That's my first grandchild - a boy - the new Dude. Just got done giving him another tour of the shop. He LOVES machinery!  8)

[old3dogg]

Thats neat! Congrats!!!

[jimF]

Charles,
What species are you drying?  If oak, beech or sycamore take it easy.   You can easily create surface checks. If almost any other species, get the air moving to avoid discoloration and mold.

[Charles]

Thanks for the replys
It helped

Charles