The yield of Eucalyptus regnans logs for lumber production was evaluated. Crack width and length at each log end were measured. Two log-cutting plans were used to obtain sawn lumber. The first plan (PA) considered logs with diameters varying from 28 to 40 cm, and in the second plan (PB), the log diameters ranged from 42 to 56 cm (PB). Lumber yield was determined using two log volume methods: the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) and Smalian’s equation. The deformations of E. regnans lumber were measured. The Australian and Chilean standards were used to classify sawn lumber. The results showed that logs had radial cracks at both log ends. Cracks were classified into two groups, considering the crack length. Regarding the lumber deformations, most boards exhibited level B bows and crooks in both cutting plans. Levels A and B twists were prevalent in PA, whereas in PB, level A significantly outnumbered level B. The lumber yield of E. regnans in PB was higher than in PA. The lumber yield determined by Smalian’s equation was higher than that determined by the JAS method. This research provides insight into the characterization of E. regnans for lumber production, highlighting its relevance in the forestry industry.
This study aimed to develop a model using experimentally obtained convective heat and mass transfer coefficients to predict the effect of temperature, humidity, and drying rate on wood drying. Tangential wood samples of Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) were used in the investigation. The experimental design consisted of two temperature levels (40 °C and 55 °C), two relative humidity levels (55% and 75%), and two air velocity settings (2 m·s−1 and 3 m·s−1). The experiments were conducted under a constant evaporation rate, spanning the maximum and critical moisture content in the wood. A statistical model using multivariate regression was created to predict the convective heat and mass transfer coefficients. The results indicated that the experimental data and empirical correlations exhibited an error margin of 37.77% and 37.86%, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the convective heat transfer coefficient and air velocity, temperature, and relative humidity, while the convective mass transfer coefficient showed a significant positive correlation only with air velocity and temperature. The model predicted the convective heat and mass transfer coefficients with high accuracy and statistical significance. Using the proposed method, we successfully obtained both convective coefficients, which enable accurate description of heat and mass flow during the convective drying of Eucalyptus nitens wood.
UMUniversidad del Bío-Bío Departamento de Ingeniería En Maderas
Universidad del Bío-Bío Departamento de Ingeniería En Maderas
Con la finalidad de lograr un aumento en la rentabilidad de la producción de papel tisú, esta investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar factores que incidan en el grado de refino de la pulpa e índice de tensión del papel tisú al utilizar fibra corta, fibra larga y enzima de refinación Quimizine B. La metodología consideró experimentos en laboratorio, obtención de curvas de refinación, diseño factorial multinivel y diagramas de superficie de respuesta. Los resultados indicaron que el factor común más significativo en el grado de refino de la pulpa e índice de tensión es el consumo específico de energía para ambos tipos de fibra y, que se pueden conocer parámetros óptimos de operación al analizar el grado de refino e índice de tensión en forma independiente y simultánea. Se concluyó que el diseño factorial multinivel permitió identificar factores significativos que influyen en las propiedades del grado de refino y la resistencia del papel tisú cuando se busca un óptimo individual y simultáneo y, que la influencia de la enzima aumentó las propiedades del grado de refino y la resistencia a la tensión del papel al utilizar materia prima de fibra corta y larga de Eucalyptus globulus y Pinus radiata, respectivamente.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of water immersion on the release of growth stresses in 17-year-old Eucalyptus nitens logs. A total of 18 of 90 trees evaluated in the field were selected. The average diameter at the height breast of all the trees was 37 cm. The first section of the tree, from the stump to 2.44 m, was used. Three stress levels (low, medium, and high) were established. Six logs were studied for each level, which was divided into two groups: three for control and three for water immersion. Peripheral longitudinal strains on standing trees, freshly felling, and after the immersion process were determined by an extensometer. The deflection of the sawn timber and log-end splitting before and after air-drying were evaluated. In addition, the distribution of growth stresses was determined. The results showed that deflection, the log-end splitting index, and stress distribution were reduced in the three levels. The water immersion method allowed a reduction of growth stresses in Eucalyptus nitens logs.