The
drying kiln is a very
important machine
in the process of
manufacture of woodfibre
panels (or woodwool
boards). This was
discussed in the last
two editions of eboard.
Drying
has a important
bearing on the panel’s
dimensional stability.
Consider
a panel supplied
too wet. It will
shrink as it loses
its excess moisture
and hence the panel
will display lower
dimensions at site.
Worse still is the
scenario that wet
panels are installed
and then begin to
show wider/uneven
joint lines as they
shrink. It may even
make the entire
install unstable
and hence a safety
issue.
Now
consider the opposite.
A panel supplied
too dry. It will
gain moisture as
it moves from factory
to warehouse to
project site and
hence exhibit dimensions
other than intended.
Such a dry panels
when installed in
a humid space will
expand and warp
or sag. Dangerous!
Dimensional
stability also stems
from the optimium
ratio of woodfibres
and cement. More
of woodfibres and
the panel loses
strength. It becomes
too flexible and
bends. More of cement,
and the panel becomes
brittle liable to
damages during transit,
installation and
usage.
Anutone’s
Ekcel Lab boasts
of the latest in
digitally controlled
climate chambers
(pictured on the
right) that simulate
harsh weathering
conditions and test
for dimensional
stability so that
you are assured
of consistent quality
in panel, after
panel, after panel!
