Science & Technology

The technique for real-time assessment of internal stress in lumber during and after kiln drying  was successfully invented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nirundorn Matan, head of the Center of Research Excellence in Wood Science and Biomaterials, and his team. This innovation solves lumber cracking, thereby reducing production costs and increasing lumber quality. As there is currently no proper technique or equipment for lumber drying, this first patent to WU is positioned to dramatically benefit the lumber drying industry.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nirundorn Matan outlines the most significant challenges for lumber drying researchers around the world, identifying them as how to both quickly dry wood without damaging it and significantly reduce costs associated with the thermal energy and electric power used in production.

The main reason for lumber cracking is uneven shrinkage of each part of the lumber during drying. Surface cracking is caused by high tensile stress, and internal cracking is caused by the tensile stress of the inner layer of the wood. To solve these problems, the research team measured and controlled internal stress during drying and developed new equipment for real-time assessment of internal stress in lumber during and after kiln drying. These techniques have the added advantage of being applicable to all types of wood.

This technique is also suitable for use with difficult lumber drying, such as with 3-4 inches thick lumber and easily broken lumber. The invented equipment automatically controls and adjusts the wood drying conditions, especially internal stress, to avoid cracking. Currently, this equipment has been tested at 2 rubber wood factories and has produced satisfactory results, being able to quickly identify the appropriate drying conditions.

The research was funded by Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) and Thai Nakorn Parawood Co., Ltd., Nakhon Si Thammarat Province and registered its patent with the Department of Intellectual Property. This invention has been used with “DryWooD,” a product of WU’s Center of Research Excellence in Wood Science and Biomaterials. “DryWood” is already in use in the rubber wood drying industry.

The Center of Research Excellence in Wood Science and Biomaterials, Walailak University aims to conduct comprehensive research with practical results for lumber industry development.  Launched technologies include “DryWooD” automatic lumber drying control system, “ImPregWooD” concentration control system for wood drying solution, and “StressWooD” real-time assessment of internal stress in lumber equipment. Additionally, there are technologies in development, such as “MoistWooD” lumber moisture measurement system and “SawWooD” sawn wood surface analysis system, as well as plans for establishing an analysis and testing center for lumber and industrial standard composite wood for industrial factories.

Source: https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/19180

Rewritten from Thai by Uraiwan Angkanawisut