Seasoning of Timber or Drying of Wood
Wood drying (also seasoning lumber or wood seasoning) reduces the moisture content of wood before its use. When the drying is done in a kiln, the product is known as kiln-dried timber or lumber, whereas air drying is the more traditional method. Seasoning is the process of removing the moisture content from wood to minimize structural problems when used in construction or to provide less smoke and more uniform combustion when used as firewood. There are two main ways of seasoning timber, Natural (Air) and Artificial (Kiln) drying. Both methods require the timber be stacked and separated to allow the full circulation flow of air, etc. around the stack. Air seasoning is the method used with the timber stacked in the open air.
Definition:
The process of removal of moisture content from wood, so as to make it useful for construction and other uses, is called drying of wood or seasoning of wood. This reduces the chances of decay, improves load bearing properties, reduces weight, and exhibits more favourable properties like thermal & electrical insulation, glue adhesive capacity & easy preservative treatment etc. Seasoning of Timber is a process by which moisture content in a freshly cut tree is reduced to a suitable level. By doing so the durability of timber is increased.
 Natural Seasoning of Timber |
 Artificial Kiln Seasoning of Wood |
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Natural Seasoning is the most traditional way of seasoning wood or timber. In this method wood is dried usually by the keeping the wood exposed to air, so that the moisture evaporates and wood is seasoned. This method is very economical in a sense that no operational charges exists but the process is too slow & ..... |
Kiln drying of lumber is perhaps the most effective and economical method available. Drying rates in a kiln can be carefully controlled and defect losses reduced to a minimum. Length of drying time is also greatly reduced and is predictable so that dry lumber inventories can often be reduced. Where staining is a problem, kiln drying is often the only reasonable method that can be used unless chemical dips are employed.... |
 Wood Preservatives |
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All measures that are taken to ensure a long life of wood fall under the definition wood preservation. Preservatives increase the resistance of wood to decay and increase its useful life.... There are 3 main classes of preservatives:
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All measures that are taken to ensure a long life of wood fall under the definition wood preservation.. Preservatives increase the resistance of wood to decay and increase its useful life.... There are 3 main classes of preservatives:
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Advantages of Natural Seasoning of Wood
There are many reasons for drying wood, and improving properties of wood to be used for construction is the main aim. Four main Advantages of Natural Seasoning of Wood include: Increased Stability, durability, Workability and strength while the weight and susceptibility of the wood to decay is reduced, thus, elongating its useful life.
Methods of Natural Seasoning of Wood
The basic principle is to stack the timber so that plenty of air can circulate around each piece. The timber is stacked with wide spaces between each piece horizontally, and with strips of wood between each layer ensuring that there is a vertical separation too. Air can then circulate around and through the stack, to slowly remove moisture. In some cases, weights can be placed
Decay & Preservation of Wood & Timber
The principal destroyers of wood are decay, caused by fungus, and attack by a number of animal organisms of which termites, carpenter ants, grubs of a wide variety of beetles, teredo, and limnoria are the principal offenders. In addition, fire annually causes widespread destruction of wood structures. Decay will not occur if wood is kept well ventilated and air-dry or
Chemical Seasoning and Preservatives of Wood
There are 3 main classes of preservatives Oily substances insoluble in water Water-soluble salts Salts carried in volatile solvent other than water. A) Oily Preservatives Coal-tar is the best known ►most widely used preservative Obtained from bituminous coal Available in many grades ► gives satisfactory results
