Features Maintenance Sawmilling
Autolog adapting Saptek for West

Nov. 28, 2014 – Following the success Autolog has experienced with the first generation of its Saptek drying optimizer in Eastern Canada, the company is now adapting its second generation to fit the Western market. The Autolog Saptek Drying Optimizer provides an automatic method of sorting spruce and fir lumber: taking into account both the species and the moisture content of the lumber. The overall results mean more-uniform packages in terms of drying characteristics. Therefore, kilns will be easier to operate and moisture content after drying will be more uniform.

The Autolog Saptek Drying Optimizer utilizes an alcohol-based chemical reagent that is sprayed on the end of the lumber. A vision system analyzes the color of the chemical reaction to determine whether the piece of lumber belongs to the group requiring longer drying time (fir) or the group requiring shorter drying time (spruce and pine). The end result is a sorting accuracy above 96 per cent, a reduction in lumber downgrading and simplification of kiln operations.

The optimizer is positioned at the sawmill, between the trimmer and the sorter.  The reactive product is ethanol based.  Other characteristics include: non-contact detection system; vision system linked to a computer; long lasting and stable LED lights; reliable, tried and proven detection system; new interface generation.

Autolog is one of the companies featured in the Timber Processing and Energy Expo trade show update in the November/December issue of Canadian Forest Industries. See the article, "Booming business" on page 41 for more information.

November 28, 2014  By  Amie Silverwood

The Autolog Saptek Drying Optimizer provides an automatic method of sorting spruce and fir lumber.