Theory and Practice of Infrared Heating Tubes for Wood Drying

Drying aims to achieve the physical process of moisture migration in materials, reaching a certain dryness level or moisture content. Drying equipment is indispensable in this process. A good drying system can efficiently and energetically achieve drying goals, which is the ultimate objective of researchers in the drying field. How can we design better, more durable, and energy-efficient drying equipment? We must adhere to this fundamental direction.

Recognizing the importance of drying theory is crucial. In any field’s development, theoretical research serves as a guiding principle to steer the direction of advancement. Drying technology’s progress relies on reform, innovation, and foundational research in drying theory.

From a production application perspective, the scaling and specialization of drying production rely on combined drying and precise, clean drying technologies. Implementing advanced technologies also depends on modern management systems. When designing drying equipment, our aim is to create high-quality, low-energy-consuming systems that operate under conditions of minimal environmental impact and low investment and operational costs.

Current drying methods are transitioning from extensive to intelligent and precise models. This shift moves from viewing drying as a stable-state process under extensive drying models to multi-stage, non-steady-state parameter combinations. In simpler terms, the drying process no longer involves baking at a specific temperature for a set duration but instead sets drying process parameters based on material drying characteristic curves, adjusting temperatures and insulation times at different drying stages.

Both steady-state and non-steady-state drying models have found application and validation in practical work. In laboratory settings, researchers apply complex heat and mass transfer theories and mechanism formulas to practical applications, verifying theory through data collected during practical experiments.

It is crucial to emphasize the process of translating theory into practice, where theory guides practice, and practice validates and refines theory. Laboratory studies have shown that high-humidity wood can self-increase humidity during drying, effectively enhancing drying quality through variable temperature drying (non-steady-state drying models), which conserves energy.

Previous discussions have validated the application of carbon fiber infrared heating tubes in veneer dryers. Here, we share an operational insight: when using infrared drying alongside hot air circulation, tailor the approach according to the material being dried. Inappropriate methods could disrupt the infrared drying environment, potentially reducing overall system efficiency—a scenario where 1+1 may be less than 2 or even equal to zero. Each theory transitioning into practice requires extensive validation as its foundation.

In the field of wood drying, some manufacturers have explored self-increasing humidity methods, eliminating the conventional steam blowing and humidifying process lasting 16 hours. This innovation has reduced drying cycles from 85 hours to 45 hours, decreased unit dehydration electricity consumption from 1.5 kWh to 0.96 kWh, and improved energy utilization efficiency from 49.4% to 77%.

From the above, it is evident that the advancement of drying theory guides the progress and development of the entire field. However, this process is long and arduous, requiring continuous effort and dedication from predecessors to pave the way for future practical applications and improvements.

GlobalQT is at the forefront of advancing infrared heating tube technology, driving innovation in the field of drying equipment. For more information, visit our կայք կամ կապվեք մեզ հետ contact@globalquartztube.com.