ABSTRACT
This study aimed at evaluating the use of a solar kiln for the drying of woods of Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus saligna and Corymbia citriodora, as well as comparing such a methodology to the air seasoning practice. In order to do so, it was built a solar kiln composed basically of wood structures, roofing with a double layer of PVC, sunlight internal collector and hot air circulation systems. The efficiency of the solar kiln was compared to the air seasoning in drying time and wood quality. In the same drying schedule, each species was submitted to the two drying approaches using a load of 55 boards in each method. Results indicated that the solar kiln was more efficient in drying time, around 2 to 5 times faster and final moisture content lower than the air drying. Adequate wood quality was observed in both drying methods, and no defects such as cup or collapse were observed. Furthermore, the correct piling up and drying process provided minimization of defects such as bow. The incidence of crook, end and surface checks were not significantly distinct between solar drying and air seasoning for the three woods studied.
Keywords:
solar drying; wood quality; drying rate; refractory wood