Custom Kiln System Cuts Drying Time for South African Power Poles

wood dry kiln in South Africa

“The TECH kiln has significantly improved our production efficiency and product quality. The thoughtful design and professional implementation exceeded our expectations!”
Thabo, Operations Manager

A South African utility company needed high-quality eucalyptus poles for electricity and telecom lines. Traditional air drying was slow, inconsistent, and could not meet production deadlines.

Project Requirements

  • Wood Type: Eucalyptus poles

  • Moisture Target: From ~50% to below 20%

  • Drying Method: Kiln drying to prevent cracking and defects

  • Drying Cycle: 8–12 days

Our Solution

  • Customized Kiln: Designed for high-temperature, adjustable humidity

  • Smart Control System: Real-time monitoring of temperature and wood moisture

  • Optimized Airflow & Moisture Removal: Ensures uniform drying and reduces defects

  • Energy-Efficient Design: Optimized heat exchange and circulation to lower operating costs

 

This image depicts a softwood dry kiln, a crucial piece of equipment in the timber industry. The kiln is designed to carefully reduce the moisture content of softwood, ensuring its quality and stability.

Implementation

  1. Design: Tailored kiln dimensions, airflow, and control system based on pole specifications

  2. Manufacturing: Factory fabrication and pre-testing

  3. Shipping & Installation: Safe transport to South Africa, onsite assembly, and commissioning

  4. Training: Onsite training for operation and maintenance

Results

  • Drying cycle reduced from months to 8–12 days

  • Poles meet SANS 754:2010 quality standards

  • Lower energy consumption and reduced manual labor

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