Solar kiln prepared for timber seasoning

19/07/2017           Solar kiln prepared for timber seasoning

 

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Forest Institute (PFI) has prepared a state-of-the-art cost and time efficient solar kiln (SK) which will help promote country’s furniture industry. The experimental facility is climate friendly and would help in drying up different sizes and types of timber, reducing cost and time applied in the traditional mechanisms. PFI Director Forest Products Ghulam Mustafa Nasir told the media that it was like a Kiln Green House (KGH), which was very useful for seasoning lumber of different types and sizes in an efficient way. Keeping in view the immense importance of SK for the industry, he suggested its expansion to the entire country for which PFI was ready to impart practical training. Advertisement Ad Elaborating technical details of its functioning he said, the internal temperature in SK would reach up to 70 degree centigrade in summer, 15 to 20 per cent more from external temperature which would help early drying of the timber. He said Pakistan was blessed with plenty of sunlight available throughout the year and it must be utilised for the benefits of the people. This technology, he said, due to automated system would also help improve the quality of the seasoned wood. Mustafa said solar kilns of different sizes can be prepared as per specific needs and requirements of the small or large industrial units for which his institute was ready to provide any assistance as and when required. Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2017.