Airflow and Wood stack Configuration in Rubber Wood Kiln Drying A Case Study of Processed Rubber Wood for Furniture

DOI: 10.14416/j.ind.tech.2024.12.009

Abstract

Controlling wind speed is crucial in the process of kiln-drying rubberwood, as excessive wind speed can lead to rapid moisture loss in the wood, resulting in surface cracks. Additionally, the arrangement of wood stacks also affects air distribution within the kiln. Proper stacking can ensure uniform airflow throughout the kiln, facilitating consistent drying. This research aims to study and simulate airflow patterns within rubberwood kilns and investigate the relationship between wind flow and stacking patterns. A simulation was conducted using Autodesk Simulation CFD software in a kiln measuring 6 x 7 x 6 cubic meters, a commonly used size in the rubberwood industry. The wood stacks, each measuring 1.3 x 1.3 x 1.2 cubic meters, were arranged in a configuration of 36 stacks. The simulation revealed that in the original stacking configuration, wind speeds were low within the wood stacks and higher near the walls where the air entered. When altering the stacking pattern to two new configurations, increasing the spacing between stacks and between the stacks and the walls resulted in more uniform airflow within the wood stacks and reduced rotational air movement. This study provides initial simulation-based insights into optimizing wood stacking within rubberwood kilns and underscores the necessity of validating these findings in real-world kiln operations.