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Determination of Seasoning Schedule of Rain Tree (samanea Saman) Sawn Wood with Different Thickness Using Solar Kiln

Md. Rowson Ali
Research Officer
Seasoning & Timber Physics Division,Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong.

Md. Jahangir Alam
Seasoning & Timber Physics Division,Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong.

U. K. Rokeya
Research Officer
Seasoning & Timber Physics Division,Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A seasoning schedule of rain tree (Samanea saman) sawn wood of different thicknesses was determined in the solar kiln and air dry conditions. It is evident from data that the planks of 2.5 cm thickness sawn wood required 15-18 days to attain 14-16 % Moisture Content (MC %) in the solar kiln and 45-48% MC in air dry condition. The planks of 4.0 cm and 5.0 cm thickness sawn wood required 22-24 days and 35-38 days to attain 15-20 % MC in the solar kiln respectively. The sawn wood of same thickness in the air dry conditions takes 35-40 days to attain 38- 45 % MC level. The results show that with increasing thickness of rain tree wood, reduction in wood moisture decreases by extending its drying time. The sawn wood with slow release of wood moisture in air dry conditions was found to be infected by wood originated fungus. However, decrease in MC of rain tree wood with different thickness in the solar kiln occur 2-3 times faster due to in-built generation of increased and consistent temperature as compared to air dry conditions.

Keywords: Solar kiln, Samanea saman, Moisture content, Thickness

Location: Seasoning & Timber Physics Division,Bangladesh Forest Research Institute, Chittagong.

Start Date: 01-07-2011

End Date: 30-06-2012

Program Area: Postharvest and Agro-processing

Commodity: Rain tree

Objectives:

To determine the seasoning characteristics of different thicknesses of wood.

Methodology:

Three number of rain trees (Samanea saman) trees of 18-22 year old having 4.0-4.05 m height and 1.7-1.8 m diameter was collected from Chasra road side, Jessore, Southern district of Bangladesh. The growing area of the trees generally represents subtropical monsoon climate mostly supported by alluvial soils. From each of the trees three bolts of 1.1 m size above the stump height were selected. Thus the total numbers of bolts from the three trees were nine (3×3). All the bolts were fairly straight and free from natural defects. Five sample planks from each of nine bolts were prepared for experiment representing heart wood. For determination of seasoning properties, 10 sample planks with 122 cm x 30 cm x 2.5cm; 10 sample planks with 122 cm x 30 cm x 4.0 cm and sample planks with 122 cm x 30 cm x 5.08 cm sizes were taken for both solar kiln seasoning and air drying. The planks were arranged by 2.5 cm space in the stack yard both for air drying and inside the solar kiln for seasoning purpose. The initial and the final moisture content were determined using a hammer type wood moisture meter at every 2-3 days. The total drying time from green condition to 12-14% moisture content (MC) of the wood materials was recorded.

Source of Information: Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science 3 (7): 289-293, 2013

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1. Government

Budget: Tk. 1,30,800.00

Total Budget (Tk.) : Tk. 1,30,800.00

Achievement/Findings:

Seasoning characteristics of sawn wood of rain tree were determined using solar kiln and air dry method. Competitive performance of solar kiln shows its superiority in consideration to prevent biodegradation and sustainable end use of wood. Seasoning of sawn wood through solar kiln is simple and easy. It is also low cost and environment friendly. Installation cost of solar kiln is much lower than steam heated kiln as well as super heated kiln. The average cost of solar kiln installation ranges between BDT 50-70 thousand. Once installed, a solar kiln structure may last for more than 20 years through its proper maintenance. The drying cost for sawn wood in the solar kiln ranges 20-30 BDT per cubic feet. Wood traders can easily install a solar kiln and be benefited by adopting these methods for trading.

Knowledge Management: Journal