Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosure includes method for optimizing lumber derived from a log. The method may include the steps of debarking the log and cutting the log to provide a plurality of boards. The plurality of boards are then scanned to determine knot properties and/or warp stability for each of the plurality of boards and a lumber upgrade process is selected based on the knot properties and/or warp stability. Finally, one or more of the plurality of boards are planed after being subjected to the lumber upgrade process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are used for drying wood products in one or more kilns with recovered flue gases. In some embodiments, methods for drying wood products include firing a fuel in the one or more combustion devices, thereby producing a heated fluid and a flue gas. The heated fluid is circulated to provide a primary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns. An amount of flue gas is recovered and transferred to provide a secondary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to systems and methods for drying wood products in one or more kilns with recovered flue gases. In some embodiments, methods for drying wood products include firing a fuel in the one or more combustion devices, thereby producing a heated fluid and a flue gas. The heated fluid is circulated to provide a primary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns. An amount of flue gas is recovered and transferred to provide a secondary heat source to the one or more indirect fired kilns.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosure includes method for optimizing lumber derived from a log. The method may include the steps of debarking the log and cutting the log to provide a plurality of boards. The plurality of boards are then scanned to determine knot properties and/or warp stability for each of the plurality of boards and a lumber upgrade process is selected based on the knot properties and/or warp stability. Finally, one or more of the plurality of boards are planed after being subjected to the lumber upgrade process.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing lumber are provided. In an embodiment, boards cut from a log are examined for warp stability and/or knots. This occurs prior to and/or after the planing process. Based on the examination for warp stability and/or knots, the boards can be sent to a lumber upgrade process, such as for example, re-drying, edging, splitting, trimming, chopping, chipping, or the like. Accordingly, the method of the present invention enables more efficient allocation of lumber towards manufacturing needs.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a wood product package comprising a plurality of wood products having a performance attribute. The performance attribute of the wood products is certified in statistical terms based on a degree to at which at least one of a morphology, microstructure, macrostructure or chemical composition property remains substantially symmetrical about a cross-sectional centroid of each of the wood products. Each of the plurality of wood products have a cross-sectional centroid. The plurality of wood products each have a property that is substantially symmetrical about the cross-sectional centroids. The property is related to morphology, microstructure, macrostructure, and chemical composition. Further aspects of the disclosure are directed towards methods for sorting wood products.

Abstract: A warp stable wood product and methods for detecting the same are provided. The wood product may be sorted based on its morphology, microstructure, macrostructure, and/or chemical composition properties being substantially symmetric relative to at least one or more cross-sectional centroids of the wood product, thereby imparting warp stability.

Abstract: Methods for optimizing lumber are provided. In an embodiment, boards cut from a log are examined for warp stability and/or knots. This occurs prior to and/or after the planing process. Based on the examination for warp stability and/or knots, the boards can be sent to a lumber upgrade process, such as for example, re-drying, edging, splitting, trimming, chopping, chipping, or the like. Accordingly, the method of the present invention enables more efficient allocation of lumber towards manufacturing needs.