Case Study: RF-Vacuum Kiln and Control System for Drying Lumber

Customer Issue:

• Forest Products Company required the most consistently-dried, stable timber with no shrinking, warping or cracking for high yield
• Customer contracted Nautel to develop an RF-vacuum kiln and control system

Nautel Solution:

• Nautel provided the systems integrator, HF dielectric drying amplifier and matching network
• Participated in the complete development of an RF/vacuum kiln for drying lumber
• Provided RF and high voltage experience for the electrical design of the applicator (electrodes) and vacuum chamber, including the design of high voltage feed-through insulators
• Conducted a dielectric properties analysis of hardwood lumber
• Extensive analysis and computer modeling was completed to determine the matcher impedance range
• Technical staff provided extensive support for system integration and development of PLC based kiln control system
• Provided support during system development and evaluation

Status:

Complete