2018 International Forest Industries IFI June July 2018 Digital | Page 38

Wood Drying
Technology
The energy-saving
capacity of the
Hildebrand kilns are
exceptional
Europe-based
technology
developer is
partnering with
tertiary institutions
to deliver next-
generation kilns for
the world
34 International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2018
L
ocated in Hanover, Germany
Hildebrand has been serving
the International wood
industry with drying kilns for more
than 50 years, first throughout its
home market of Europe and then
delivering parts and services for
North America through Brunner
Hildebrand Lumber Dry Kiln Co, in
Nashville.
The company’s dry kiln
solutions are based on decades
of experience in the highly
demanding lumber drying market
of the sawmill industry worldwide.
This experience and expertise
ensures that customers are able to
receive individual dry kiln solutions
tailored to the needs of each
sawmill.
Hildebrand manufactures
a complete line of dry kilns:
conventional kilns (forklift and
track loaded for softwood and
hardwood); continuous kilns,
steamers; heat-treating; pre-
dryers; vacuum dryers; and various
types of kiln controls with on-line
service.
“Each year, we invest a
significant percentage of our turn-
over in research and development,
in cooperation with the University
of Hanover to improve and develop
drying technologies that will assist
mills who are on the look-out for
new ideas and opportunities for
a better bottom line,” Andreas
Mueller, Global Sales Lead, said.
This also applies to one
of Hildebrand’s most recent
developments, the Alternating
Climate, which Mueller describes
as a “great way of saving large
amounts of energy in the kiln
drying process”.
“With our special feature
Alternating Climate, lumber is
variantly exposed to harsh – but
still uncritical – drying conditions
followed by mild climate and
reduced or even switched off air