What is a Log Conditioning Chamber?
A log conditioning chamber is an enclosed chamber that uses low-pressure saturated steam to efficiently heat/condition logs prior to peeling or slicing.
How does it work?
The Log Conditioning chamber contains a steam generator bath that can be heated directly or indirectly. The steam produced by the generator fills the chamber, condenses on the logs, and transfers heat to them, creating a convection cell within. The cooled condensate falls to the sloped floor of the chamber and enters a series of trenches before going to the external sump. From there, it is pumped back into the steaming bath to be turned back into steam.
Why use one?
Steaming the logs before peeling them is a cost-effective method to warm and soften them. This results in improved product quality, reduced glue usage, and decreased wear and tear on the peeling knives. Ultimately, this helps to lower maintenance costs and downtime. Compared to other methods like water baths, steaming has additional benefits, such as reducing the environmental impact by using less processed water and minimizing the presence of grit and contaminants that can damage peeler knives or blades.
