KILN TYPES, SIZES & CAPACITIES:

A solar kiln type is available for all sizes of operations large and small, and for a broad range of products to be dried. No single kiln type suits all applications because solarkilns are a fully engineered technology that is designed to operate optimally for whichever product and environment it is operating in.

A fast drying kiln for pine species will typically involve larger circulation air fans and venting capacity, and may require “hybrid” supplementary heating options fitted for some climate environments. A range of supplementary heater options are available.

Kilns are available from 8 to 200 cubic metresof lumber capacity. We offer three frame size options and build kilns to any length required to accommodate individual needs. From smallest to largest, our arch shapes are defined as type A, type 1 and type 2. Some relevant details are tabled below and in our “Load Capacity Ratings”web-page.

Methods of calculating kiln rated capacity vary from country to country and from client to client. The most common variations are in the ways lumber is tallied and in the thickness applied. Others assume that the kiln will be always occupied by kiln-length pieces- a rare situation indeed.

There are significant international differences in the way kilns are rated in capacity. Australia rates on 50mm thick stock where there are less racking sticks and more lumber so that the rated capacity depends on the thickness being rated. As highlighted below, a 100 cubic metre capacity kiln based on 50mm thick (2 inch) stock is 14 metres long- while a 17 metre long kiln is required for the same capacity loaded with 25mm thick (1 inch) stock.

TABLE 1; OVER-SIZE STOCK TALLIED AS NOMINAL SIZE.

For quick capacity calculations for various kiln types, refer to “Load Capacity Ratings Page”