Effect of air velocity on the drying rate of single eastern white pine boards

The qualitative effect of air velocity on drying rate of lumber has long been known. This report provides quantification of the effects of air velocity on drying rate of individual eastern white pine boards. An empirical equation correlating moisture content with time during drying was used to aid in the analysis. The drying rate increased with air velocity for moisture contents above approximately 40% to 50%. The drying rate gradually decreased and tended to level off with air velocities above 3.05 to 3.56 m/s (600 to 700 ft/min) and moisture contents below approximately 80% to 90%. The results provide guidelines for selecting experimental air velocities in full-scale kiln tests.