About
Radio Frequency Kiln Operating Principles:
Wood is loaded into the kiln chamber and sandwiched between an anode and cathode plate. A hydraulic load is placed on the pack to ensure that there is surface contact between the wood layers and the plates. The wood is then subjected to a steady supply of radio waves under vacuum conditions. These radio waves create an electro-magnetic field which tries to polarize or align the water molecules in the wood. The continuous movement of the water molecules in the ever-changing electro-magnetic field creates heat energy which is then stored in the wood. As the temperature of the wood increases the cell water is converted to steam under low temperature and expelled from the vacuum chamber.
The Radio Frequency drying process heats from the inside out which causes the core of the wood to dry first. This gradual drying from the inside out allows the external surface of the wood to remain wet until the end of the drying cycle. Maintaining a wet outer surface for as long as possible significantly reduces checking and the overall defect of the finished product.
The Radio Frequency drying process heats from the inside out which causes the core of the wood to dry first. This gradual drying from the inside out allows the external surface of the wood to remain wet until the end of the drying cycle. Maintaining a wet outer surface for as long as possible significantly reduces checking and the overall defect of the finished product.
Kiln drying capacity
All of our kilns are self-contained and come complete with vacuum chamber, RF generator, control panel and water cooling system. Specific voltage configurations are available upon request. The units are easily installed and can be relocated if necessary. Equipment footprints are provided with all kiln specification sheets.