WOODDRYER SYSTEM specification sheet

Wooddryer Link System.

With the current advances in computer controls throughout the lumber industry, kiln operations have benefitted from new computer technology available at lower costs than ever before. It is the goal of Wooddryer System to offer the lumber industry highly reliable controllers based on modern technology and a design allowing for individual customizing if needed. We also believe the utilization of new technology at reasonable cost must also extent to the network serving these controllers. Wooddryer Link System is based on a standard windows based computer. The software is exclusively designed by Wooddryer System to serve a variety of controllers--including kilns, steam chambers, fan sheds, pre dryers and soon boilers. We have striven to insure that the flexibility of the controllers extended throughout the network computer and the software.

Wooddryer System first began working on the incorporation of computer assisted kiln aupervision in the early 1980's. After several years of experimentation with differing arrangements and controls, a system emerged that offered kiln operators the simple and very user friendly "point and click" window environment together with the utilization of the newest and most reliable network and control technology. We believe we have successfully incorporated the best and most flexible technology into our controls. The system offers an simple environment for the average computer user without complicated and unnecessary procedures.

Top picture: Three kiln controllers
placed over the high voltage cabinets.
Bottom picture: Network computer using
Wooddryer Link software to help the
kiln operator with record keeping and
increased supervision.

Key Features include:

Multi controller network for operating all you drying related controllers (kilns, steam chambers, fan sheds, predryers, etc.).
Extremely user friendly; requiring less of the kiln operators valuable time.
Remote access: control system can be accessed from any computer with a modem and our software.
Lower energy consumption.
Lower drying cost.
Accurate energy cost calculation.
Ability to reduce electrical cost by concentrating electrical consumption in the off-peak hours.
Ability to dry lumber a lower temperatures without losing production time.
Operational Reliable:

Decentralized control system allows each kiln to function by itself while being continuously supervised by the main computer.
Optional secondary safety systems operate independently of the individual kiln control systems; thereby increasing operational security.
Dial-up network either to your phone, cellular, and/or pager when critical conditions are present. This system works directly with the PLC controller(s) outside of the Wooddryer Link Network to provide maximum security.

The heart of this system is comprised of standard windows based computer (most 486 or higher are sufficient). With the installation of the Wooddryer Link software into the computer, the Wooddryer Link System program begins operation as a constant supervisor of from 1 to 32 units (a unit can either be a kiln, steam chamber, fan shed, predryer, boiler). The system is designed to oversee the operation of each kiln . . . 24 hours a day/seven days a week. The addition of the Wooddryer Link System allows the kiln operator the advantage of unifying and collecting all of his drying information for reference, schedule set point changes, operating the internal energy cost savings schedules, etc. From a operational standpoint, the Wooddryer Link System will:

Warn the kiln operator if any of the kiln conditions are incorrect or dangerous (need separate dial-up network).

Calculate the operational energy cost of fan operation, exhaust, and heat based in both length of operation and time of day. The central computer will also collect and correlate energy use information and present it to the kiln operator for cost evaluation.

Post daily entries into a progress report. Entry consists of date, time, relative humidity, temperature, 6 moisture probe measurements, and current settings of the kiln control.

Suggest relative humidity and temperature set points for each kiln control based on collected information. If chosen, it can even make the adjustments automatically.

Probably one of the more over looked advantages of developing you kiln operation and schedules on a kiln controller network, such as Wooddryer Link System, is the safety you gain from having a database of kiln drying information saved into a computer. This data can be easily accessed and utilized by a new kiln operator in case your existing operator are no longer able to perform his duties. In addition, the new operator can also rely on Wooddryer System to provide on-line support and assistance to make the transition as fast as possible, thereby potentially saving valued time and minimize the cost of reduced output until the new operator is familiar and comfortable with the kilns and their operation. The Wooddryer Link System also offers modern drying operations with a kind of low cost insurance policy against loss of critical drying information. Should the kiln operator become unable to preform his duties for any reason, the Wooddryer Link System exists as a fail safe mechanism in the protection of your hard won drying information.