Dehumidifier for the Wood Industry: A Comprehensive Solution Against Warping and Cracking
27/03/2024
A high-end wooden furniture product warps and cracks just a few months after being delivered to the customer. A batch of flooring planks shrinks and becomes impossible to install. The silent culprit behind these hundreds of millions of VND in damages is HUMIDITY. In the wood industry, humidity control is not an option; it is a vital factor that determines product quality and business reputation.
This article will delve into the root of the problem—Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)—and introduce technology solutions from DeAir to help you fully master wood quality at every stage.
DeAir explains the importance of humidity control in the wood industry.
1. Wood and Humidity: The "Vital" Relationship & The Concept of Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)
Wood is a hygroscopic material; it acts like a sponge, constantly absorbing or releasing water vapor to reach a state of balance with the surrounding environment's humidity. This state is called Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC). If the air humidity changes, the internal moisture content of the wood will also change to reach a new EMC level.
Failure to control EMC throughout the process, from storage to production and finishing, will lead to serious consequences:
Warping, shrinking, and cracking: Occurs when dried wood reabsorbs moisture or when green wood dries too quickly.
Joint failure and glue delamination: Caused by the sudden dimensional changes of wood parts.
Paint surface defects: Causes blistering, checking, and an uneven surface finish.
Mold growth: When the moisture content of the wood and the air is too high.
2. Comprehensive Humidity Control Solutions for Each Stage in the Wood Industry
To master EMC, it is necessary to strictly control the ambient humidity at each stage. DeAir provides specialized solutions designed to meet the exact requirements of each phase.
2.1. Stage 1: Storing Raw and Finished Wood Products
The Challenge: Kiln-dried wood stored in Vietnam's high-humidity conditions will quickly reabsorb moisture ("regain"), rendering the expensive drying process meaningless.
DeAir's Solution: Use a DeAir.RE industrial dehumidifier to maintain the warehouse humidity at the ideal level. According to technical recommendations, the humidity for storing kiln-dried lumber should be maintained at 40% RH. The DeAir.RE system will ensure the warehouse environment remains stable at this safe threshold, keeping the wood's EMC unchanged.
The DeAir.RE dehumidifier maintains warehouse humidity at 40% RH, effectively preventing moisture regain.
2.2. Stage 2: Wood Drying and Surface Finishing (Painting, PU Coating)
The Challenge: Wood drying kilns or paint rooms require a controlled environment for both temperature and humidity to ensure the drying process is uniform and the paint finish is smooth and flawless.
DeAir's Solution: The DeAir.RE-H heat-resistant dehumidifier series is the perfect choice. This machine can operate efficiently in high-temperature environments. For wood painting rooms, the recommended condition is a temperature of 49-66°C and humidity of 35-50% RH. The DeAir.RE-H helps create and precisely maintain this environment, ensuring the highest quality finish.
2.3. Stage 3: In the Production Workshop (Processing & Assembly)
The Challenge: During machining and while waiting for assembly, especially on humid days, wood parts can reabsorb moisture from the air, causing dimensional inaccuracies and preventing joints from fitting correctly.
DeAir's Solution: Use flexible dehumidifiers like the DeAir.RE-60 to control the general humidity in the production area. With its mobile design and convenient single-phase power, the machine can be easily moved to critical areas, ensuring wood parts remain dimensionally stable right before assembly.
3. Why DeAir is the Trusted Partner for the Wood Industry
Deep Expertise in EMC: We don't just sell machines; we provide solutions based on a deep understanding of wood properties and technical standards.
Diverse Product Portfolio: DeAir offers a full range of specialized machines for each stage: from storage (DeAir.RE) to drying and finishing (DeAir.RE-H).
"Made in Vietnam" Manufacturing Capability: Ensures high-quality products that perform reliably in Vietnam's climate, along with fast and proactive technical support.
Professional Consulting Services: DeAir's team of engineers will help you calculate the moisture load, select the right capacity, and design the most suitable system for your workshop's scale.
ELEVATE YOUR WOOD PRODUCT QUALITY WITH DEAIR
Controlling humidity and mastering EMC is not an option but a mandatory requirement to create high-quality, stable wood products and build a lasting reputation in the market.