The Difference Between Kiln Drying and Heat Treatment

Although often confused, heat treatment and kiln drying serve distinct purposes. The one is used to sterilize wood while the other lowers its moisture content.

Both involve heat and sound the same, but kiln drying is different from heat treatment. Both heat and kiln drying are used to dry lumber or wood packaging such as pallets. However, heat treatment is sterilized while kiln-drying reduces wood’s moisture content. Wooden Pallet Johor Bahru can help you learn more about heat treatment or kiln drying and how they might benefit your business. The following are some of the differences between heat treatment and kiln drying:

Kiln drying:

  • It is a lengthy process that can take several days.
  • Reduce moisture content to a specific level
  • Dry lumber has some advantages
  • It is usually performed at lower temperatures than heat treatments

Heat Treatment

  • It takes only a few hours
  • It is done at high temperatures
  • Sterilizes wood to eliminate pests

Heat Treatment

Heat treatment is more common than either kiln drying or heat treatment. Heat treatment ensures compliance with ISPM15 certified, a rule that ensures all wood packaging materials are sanitized before used in international export or import. Check out our blog on the detailed and certified MYPALLETMARKET heat treatment process.

The material is heated treated by heating it in a kiln. For 30 minutes, expose to high heat until wood temperature reaches 133@F. Heat treatment is not a sterilization process. It does not alter wood packaging the same way as kiln drying. While insects, pathogens, and other living organisms may be killed, the wood remains largely unchanged. The heat treatment process does not alter the lumber’s moisture content, density, mold resistance or pest resistance.

Kiln drying

Kiln drying takes longer and is more precise than heat treatment. Kiln drying, like heat treatment, is performed in a kiln. However, the temperature is lower and it remains in the kiln for a longer time. The drying process aims to reduce the moisture content of the lumber to 19% or lower without warping or bending. The client’s requirements and the application will determine the target moisture level.

Multiple things can happen when wood is exposed to excess moisture during drying. The lumber gets lighter and denser. Because there is less water in wood fibers, it will be easier to keep your hands clean. Mold resistance can be increased and maintained. Because there is less moisture in the lumber, mold growth can be reduced if it is kept dry. Kiln drying provides some resistance to pests. Because insects can burrow into denser lumber, it is more difficult to find places to nest. It is important to remember that even after kiln drying, there is still a chance of mold and bugs. Additionally, the storage environment and pallet use can still cause mold and insects.

Both kiln drying and heat treating are unique methods for treating lumber. Heat treatment heats up wood and makes it legal for export and import. Kiln drying is a process that uses less heat and lasts for longer periods to dry lumber. Contact MYPALLETMARKET to get the best wood pallet price malaysia and learn more about heat treatment and kiln drying, and how they can help your application.

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