CT scanning of logs

[Cedarman]

Just read in the paper that a test project is being done at Pike Lumber near Fort Wayne, Indiana by Purdue University.  This project will use a CT scanner to scan the logs for best possible sawing angles for optimum lumber recovery.  If the project works well, they say it could increase log value by 20 to 40 per cent.  (I'm guessing it could decrease value on some logs too).

They say if it works, a portable device could be made to scan trees on the stump.

This might open up the opportunity for someone with this device to go to the landing and check all the high value logs. Then let the bidding begin.  It could be a boon for landowners.  Will be interesting how this plays out.

Small mills may be at a disadvantage if it is costly to put in the equipment and operate.  Only the biggest mills could take advantage.

[Ron Wenrich]

They already have optimizers in the mills.  It scans a log as it is being rolled onto the carriage.  It then positions the log and sets the taper.  They also have optimizers on edgers that will position boards for the best recovery, but I think it is more for volume and not for grade.

To scan trees on the stump will be a bonanza for timber buyers.  It will take high grading to a new level.  To be effectively used on the stump, the better trees should be allowed to grow.

[beenthere]

Cedarman
There has been activity (money spent, hours, hopes, dreams, desires, justification) in Computer Tomography of logs going back at least to 1968.  Using X-ray, ultrasonics, radio waves, microwaves, etc. to locate internal characteristics in wood have all received interest, trials, and tribulations.  And you nailed it, the cost will be big bucks. Optimum recovery would be the end result, with justification that wood grown would end up in its highest utilization.  To some, that is a pig in a poke. To others, it is worthwhile to pursue.

What link to the work at Pike Lumber can you refer to?  Name of someone at Purdue U ?

[sawdust]

Theres a way to find nails!

david

[JV]

The researcher is Assoc. Professor Rado Gazo in Forest Products at Purdue.  Some news

releases online, but I didn't find anything online at Purdue.

[Cedarman]

The following paragraph comes from the 6/10/07 Indiana section of The Courier-Journal , Louisville Ky.
"Gazo, who oversees Purdue's Hardwood Scanning Center that was created three years ago, is working on the project with Sun Joseph Chang, a professor of forestry at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge."

Chang has been working 20 years on CT lumber scanning.  Purdue has received about $1MM bucks from the feds, state and private funds.  Sen Lugar is involved.

Pair the x-ray scanning with the optical scanning to position the log and saw thickness according to this info could make that 20 to 40 % difference.  Since 8/4 is worth more per foot than 4/4 you could know ahead of time whether that 8/4 board would grade FAS, 1C or 2C.  Big bucks here.

This is research where the saw meets the wood.