Radio-frequency dielectric drying of short lengths of northern red oak

Abstract

Abstract : Northern red oak boards, 1 inch thick by 4 inches wide by 24 inches long, were dried from an initial moisture content of approximately 80 percent of various final moisture contents by radiofrequency electrical energy. Drying occurred rapidly above the fiber saturation point, but slowed down considerably below this moisture content. With the drying system used in this investigation, the average moisture content could be reduced in 15 minutes from 80 to 25 percent. However, the level of degrade in boards dried to 25 percent or below was probably too high for many oak products in which honeycomb is an important defect. The results did suggest that radiofrequency drying has some potential as a predrying process to be followed by lower temperature drying. (Author)