Abstract: A kiln moisture measurement method and system is provided for measuring the moisture level of a charge of timber in a timber drying kiln. The method includes steps of: transmitting electromagnetic radiation from a transmitter; receiving the electromagnetic radiation at a receiver; wherein the transmitter and receiver are configured such that the electromagnetic radiation passes through at least part of the charge of timber. An electronic data processor determines the gain of the electromagnetic radiation by comparing the intensities of the transmitted and received electromagnetic radiation; and subsequently determines a moisture level of the charge based on the gain of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A kiln moisture measurement method and system is provided for measuring the moisture level of a charge of timber in a timber drying kiln. The method includes steps of: transmitting electromagnetic radiation from a transmitter; receiving the electromagnetic radiation at a receiver; wherein the transmitter and receiver are configured such that the electromagnetic radiation passes through at least part of the charge of timber. An electronic data processor determines the gain of the electromagnetic radiation by comparing the intensities of the transmitted and received electromagnetic radiation; and subsequently determines a moisture level of the charge based on the gain of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A wood steaming apparatus for heating wood (4) within chamber (1). Water within trough (8) is heated to generate “wet steam”. Condensate is collected in collector (10) and pumped by pump (11) back to trough (8). The use of “wet steam” results in relatively uniform heating whilst maintaining relatively consistent moisture content throughout the wood. The closed loop design minimises the production of polluting condensate waste.