A new type of contact drying method has been developed by Aalto University in Finland, the research was reported in the International Wood Products Journal. Source: Ingentaconnect
The paper by Aalto University presents experimental results from tests with the new drying method, which consists of a hot upper plate, a cold bottom plate, a vacuum inside the drying chamber and a mechanical press.
The study includes drying time experiments and tests on veneer quality. The results were compared with veneers that had been dried in a convective dryer. Compared with conventional convective drying, the new method decreased the total drying time by approximately half.
Preliminary tests show that the quality of the veneer was not compromised in the drying process. The new method could be used in the plywood and LVL manufacturing process, as well as in special drying applications.
The results showed that the new system was a viable drying method and there is potential for improvements in the veneer manufacturing process.
