Moisture content distribution across thickness of kiln dried oak and beech lumber during conditioning phase

Abstract

The research results of measuring and analyzing moisture content distribution across thickness of oak and beech lumber during the conditioning phase are presented. Moisture content difference between the core and the surface layers of wood was reduced during conditioning due to the increase of moisture in the surface layers. It was shown that by means of conditioning it was possible for both species oak and beech to reach the highest drying quality conforming to the European Drying Group (EDG) Recommendation even in shorter times than usually needed for oak, 25 mm thick. The conditioning regimes, using EMC that is lower than final MC, will not give adequate results of conditioning. The drying schedule has a relevant influence on moisture content distribution prior to the conditioning phase. Therefore, the time of conditioning depends on the drying schedule and the required drying quality. Other parameters that influence drying quality (final moisture content, casehardening) should also be considered.