High-temperature drying: A review of fundamental research and development in wood drying

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Abstract

The high-temperature drying method has recently gained significant attention for its ability to dry wood quickly and efficiently while minimizing excessive drying defects and utilizing relatively lower energy consumption. However, defects from inappropriate drying processes can still occur, leading to reduced value and properties of the wood. This review offers a comprehensive overview of high-temperature drying to improve understanding of the process. It includes the historical context and practical applications of high-temperature drying for softwood timber, as well as fundamental research on the influence of wood characteristics on the drying process, equilibrium moisture content (EMC), and moisture movement under elevated temperatures. Additionally, the review covers technological aspects of kiln-drying used in high-temperature drying, including discussions on process optimization, minimizing defects, and reducing energy consumption. It also briefly discusses the impact of high-temperature and low-humidity (HT-LH) pretreatment on the drying properties of softwood boxed-heart timber. This pretreatment is noted for effectively mitigating surface checks and is widely used in Japan. Finally, the review provides recommendations for future research on high-temperature drying to address anticipated changes in wood supply, including variations in species, sizes, and properties due to evolving forest operations.

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