Fans

Axial fans optimized for operating conditions to ensure maximum efficiency. Diameters range from 1,400 to 1,600 mm, with adjustable or fixed blades. For operating temperatures above 90 °C, motors are equipped with air cooling, supplied by an external cooling fan.

Doors

Rigid door leaves in aluminum or stainless steel, built from the same high-quality elements and joint system as the kiln construction. Insulated with mineral wool and fitted with profiled cover sheets for excellent heat and sound insulation. The elements are held together by an outer frame with sealing strips, and pivot-mounted pins provide effective locking against the door frame. Door lifting with electric vertical winch.

Efficient motors

Valutec continuous kilns are equipped with synchronous reluctance motors as standard. Their efficiency meets the IE5 classification – three steps above the current EU requirement of IE2 – enabling energy savings of up to 25%. Permanently lubricated bearings keep motor temperatures 10–20 °C lower, providing up to four times longer service life compared to IE2 motors, while minimizing CO₂ emissions.

Pressure frames

Pressure frames ensure minimal deformation of the top lumber layer. A stainless steel, stable guided frame allows fixed cylinders and a fully tiltable design without risk of jamming. Provides up to 2 tons of pressure per package. Equipped with stainless steel piston rods with Viton seals and stainless steel tubes with fittings. Also available in a scissor version for integration into existing kilns.

Flaps

Both our own experience and independent research show that sufficient air volume – and thus air velocity – through the lumber packages is crucial for optimal results. This is achieved through good aerodynamics, high-performance fans with sufficient capacity, and efficient sealing devices. To minimize energy loss and unnecessary moisture variation, Valutec offers a well-developed system of sealing flaps around the lumber load:

• Fixed side and roof flaps with EPDM rubber or polyamide cloth
• Adjustable side flaps with manual control mechanism
• Roof flaps integrated with pressure frames

Spraying/steaming system

Designed to minimize checking, ensure controlled moisture distribution and even out moisture gradients.

High-pressure hot water spraying (HTVVB)
Preheated water is pressurized and atomized through separate nozzles. The higher water temperature facilitates evaporation, providing efficient humidification of the circulating air.

Steaming (Relax process)
The system uses steam to create a controlled climate during heating and conditioning. As the steam condenses on the lumber surfaces, it delivers very fast heating.

Safety doors

The kiln is equipped with safety doors. If a door is opened during operation, the system shuts down immediately.

Automatic feeding system

The kiln’s lumber feeding system is fully automated. Lumber is loaded onto wagons that move through the kiln. Entry and exit are equipped with light beams or radar.

Doors

The kiln doors are designed for maximum robustness and are operated by dual motors and gears.

Wet bulb bath

When the wet bulb bath is opened, the air intake is automatically shut off to prevent the risk of burns during cloth replacement.

Manhole

The manhole is equipped with a safety switch. If the hatch is opened during operation, the kiln shuts down immediately. It can be opened both from the inside and outside.

Light beams/radar

Light beams/radar eliminate accident risks by stopping the kiln in case of unauthorized entry. They are easy to use and contribute to a safe working environment.

Heat recovery

Air/air
Valutec’s air-to-air heat exchanger (VÅV) is a counterflow unit that recovers energy from the exhaust air to preheat the intake air. For continuous kilns, energy recovery typically reaches 15–20% within normal temperature ranges. The compact design is virtually maintenance-free. The exhaust fan is placed next to the exchanger, with two standard sizes available depending on air volume.

Air/fluid
Valutec’s air-to-fluid heat exchanger recovers energy from the exhaust air by transferring it to the intake air. The exhaust air passes through a coil where the energy is transferred to a heated glycol circuit, which is pumped to a coil that heats the intake air to the kiln.

The construction is compact, fully stainless steel, and virtually maintenance-free, apart from the power supply to the circulation pump. For normal temperature ranges, energy recovery reaches about 15–20% for continuous kilns and 8–15% for batch kilns, depending on geographic location and lumber type. By transferring recovered energy to other consumers – such as intake air for other kilns, building heating, or ground heating – recovery levels can be significantly increased.

Closed Loop Drying

Valutec has developed the patented-pending solution Closed Loop Drying. By drying in two zones with closed microclimates, the air is reused up to three times. The result is up to 50% lower energy consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions.

Examples of additional options

• Fixed motor lift

• External lubrication

• Silencer