Control type Differentiation

Both systems rely on and enjoy high level data collection for process optimisation, quality assurance and general reliability of operation. Generation 4 especially takes control and reporting to new levels.

Pictorial Control Differentiation:

The following tables, graphs and displays highlight the fundamental differences between both levels of technology

Above- Generation 4 Main Kiln Operator Screen:

Critical performance details easily visible.

• Return button to drying schedule details. (next photo)
• Energy consumption details (last 15 minutes and load-to-date clearly visible)
• Sun is out (top right)- d-phase daylight drying conditions apply.
• RH Venting active from rear of kiln (downstream to forward airflow)

ABOVE- GEN 4 MAIN OPERATOR CONTROL- DRYING SCHEDULE PARAMETER SCREEN

All step- phase and other operation settings made on this screen.

• D-base file of schedules may be simply recalled from an on-site library.
• License holders will have access to fully optimised drying schedules after our current major University of Sydney R&D project is completed.
  • We then believe we will be able to dry much faster than conventional kilns for the same or better quality outcome. Although we are world leaders, we are not ashamed to admit that even we have much to learn and share about the wonders of cyclic drying!
• Note fan phase speeds and heater burn rates for high and low fire activation are set at bottom left of screen.
• Note current control settings relate to step 3, having operated for 3 hrs- visible on screen.
• See step 5, mode 1. This setting allows the operator to set and automatically implement solar-only conditions in stages (in lieu of hybrid-heat supplemented mode 3) during other steps of the process.
• Note D (Drying) & E (Equalisation) -phase settings automatically deploy at sun-up and sundown, consistent with the solar energy cycle. No stress, no worries- all automatic!
• Note “priority venting selector switch” on right bottom side of panel. Tells the kiln that kiln the minimum temperature setting and condition takes priority over humidityventing. This ensures that temperature at core level is maintained during periods of low solar activity- so that the risk of case hardening is overcome.

Above- Gen-4 Solar banking in action and highly visible!

• Kiln temperature allowed to increase to 30 degc- 5 degrees above control set-point. Temperature flattens out around midday-supplementary heater switches off at 30 degrees to store some heat for the cloudy day that is well overdue.
• After a long cold night, kiln temperature at daylight is 26 degrees- only 12 degrees outside.......”Hard to believe that 3 sheets of plastic and a clever automated control system can achieve this”.  

Gen 4- Instant Detailed electrical resistance type moisture meter and d-logging. (M’Meter optional for mini-pro, prokiln and gen 4)

• Individual sample case and core readings may be displayed.
• Senses 4 sets of samples placed at will around the timber stack.
• Highlights stack-wide effect of case resaturation during fan reversals; yet another clear pointer as to when and if drying rate may be too slow- and control settings may require fine tuning.
• Most importantly, highlights case mc levels and the all-important case-core differentials that give rise to drying stress, wood failure and loss of profit.
• By positioning the cursor on the top left arrow, keeping an eye on the screen and clicking the mouse quickly through previous history graphs, drying rate and a quick assessment of how much more money you are making than your competitors is easy to see.
  • Especially when you do the same with your gas consumption log records.