Steam is widely used in the production of wood products and has been a player in the industry for decades.
Steam is needed from the outset in the production of plywood and particleboard. The logs used for plywood production enter a hot bath or steam vault where the logs steam for 12 to 30 hours. This softens the wood and breaks down the fibers before the log goes to the peeler lathe, where it is turned into veneer sheets, which are later glued and pressed into plywood. Steam can also be used in the hot press where the adhesive is heated, and the veneer sheets are pressed hard to form the plywood sheets. Particleboard has a similar process, but the material is formed from wood chips before entering a steam injection press.
Good quality lumber is kiln dried to remove the moisture before shipping out. By removing the moisture in a kiln, the lumber will not develop mold nor warp before it is used in construction. Steam can be used to provide heat energy, through steam to air heat exchangers to heat the kiln room. Depending on the type of wood, the kiln drying process can take several days, and will require precise temperature and moisture control throughout.
The Clayton Stean Generator is an ideal choice for the production of wood products. With an industry leading efficiency and precise levels of temperature and moisture control, Clayton’s products are here to improve your facility’s bottom line.