Experiences with new veneer drying method

Abstract

This paper introduces a new type of contact drying method that has been developed at Aalto University in Finland. The paper also presents experimental results from tests with the new drying method. The drying system consists of a hot upper plate, a cold bottom plate, a vacuum inside the drying chamber and a mechanical press. An experimental drying device was built and used in a study to compare the new method with the currently used drying methods. The study includes drying time experiments and tests on veneer quality. The results were compared to veneers which had been dried in a convective dryer. Compared to conventional convective drying, the new method decreased the total drying time significantly, by approximately 50%. The 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.