Time Series Analysis and Control of a Dry Kiln

Authors

  • Neelesh Gattani
  • Enrique del Castillo
  • Charles D. Ray
  • Paul R. Blankenhorn

Keywords:

Kiln control, wood drying process, statistical process control

Abstract

This paper presents an application of Engineering Process Control (EPC) techniques, specifically, time series control techniques, to reduce the variability in the drying rate of lumber in commercial dry kilns. The main research objective of this paper is to evaluate the optimality of the drying schedules used in industry by comparing with various feedback control strategies available in the statistical literature. The analysis of the drying process is done by building a single-input-single-output (SISO) Box-Jenkins transfer function model and deriving feedback control strategies based on such a model. The comparisons of the simulations of the drying process, both using kiln schedule-control and the suggested feedback control, show significant reduction in drying rate variability and drying time if the feedback control methods are adopted.

References

Box, G., G. Jenkins, and G. Reinsel. 1994: Time series analysis. Forecasting and control. 3rd ed. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.nClarke, D., and P. Gawthrop, 1975. Self Tuning Controller. Proc. Inst Electrical Eng. 122(9): 277-298.nDel Castillo, E. 2002. Statistical process adjustment for quality control. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York, NY. 357 pp.nSimpson, W.T. ed. 1991. Dry Kiln Operator's Manual. Agricultural Handbook No. 188. USDA, Forest Serv. Madison, WI. 274 pp.n

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Published

2007-06-05

Issue

Number 3 / July 2005

Section

Research Contributions

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