Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for drying
- Review and check work order.
- Locate required type and quantity of hardwood that has been through the conversion process and requires drying.
- Select equipment and check for operational effectiveness.
- Select oven sections and sample boards and cut boards following standard operating procedures.
- Plan drying process.
- Load kiln and control kiln conditions
- Visually assess racks to be dried for consistent drying characteristics.
- Measure and check moisture content of hardwood for drying.
- Conduct pre start-up checks according to site requirements.
- Follow emergency shutdown procedures when alarm is triggered.
- Load kiln with racks selected for processing.
- Weigh sample boards during drying and check results against standard operating procedures.
- Position baffles and blankets.
- Check and adjust kiln control settings are to meet drying schedules.
- Unload kiln and process hardwood
- Identify end point of drying and make kiln safe for entry.
- Check hardwood for compliance with target moisture content
- Follow site procedures for removal of moisture probes and baffles.
- Monitor kiln charge and recondition or conduct high humidity treatment as appropriate
- Move and store hardwood for processing.
- Identify sub-standard material and recommend lower value product uses.
- Clean work area according to site requirements.
- Record drying process and report any equipment faults.