The first of two Windsor Continuous Drying Kilns (CDKs) at the OneFortyOne plant in Mt Gambier commenced production on the 30th of March 2021.

This CDK replaces two older batch kilns that will be demolished shortly. Each Windsor CDK has a drying capacity of 240,000m3/yr and is already exceeding expectations. The CDK is over 80m long and uses 16 barg high pressure steam from two existing biomass boilers.

Noise restrictions gave way to the development of the Windsor Quiet Mode (WQM) addition to the proven Dryspec CDK control system. Due to the local environment further attenuation measures were added to the design to allow the CDK to operate at full production 24/7. Even the site staff have mentioned they can’t hear the kiln when it is running.

Windsor Packet Tracking (WPT) for CDKs was also developed and implemented on this project and is integrated with the SAP stock control system OneFortyOne already have on site. Packet Tracking ensures complete traceability of individual packets of lumber dried.

The installation of a Windsor CDK during a global pandemic hasn’t come without its challenges. It has taken a great amount of help from the OneFortyOne site project team and various contractors to get the kiln completed.

Windsor, Automation and Electronics (A&E) and the site project team commissioned the CDK with minimal delays. Collectively a huge effort, with much appreciation to and from the site team.

Now, we are focusing on the second CDK!

Further details can be found on the OneFortyOne’s website >

“We are thrilled with the efficiencies we have already gained since our 1st CDK commenced operation at the start of April.

The successful start-up of the kiln achieved the guaranteed push rates in the 1st 4 weeks of operation, reinforcing our decision to continue our partnership with Windsor after such successful batch kilns.

The Covid pandemic definitely added a different perspective to what was already quite a challenging project; installing 2 x 80m long CDK’s without interruption to existing production flow. We did have a false start in March 2020, the New Zealand team returned home once we knew international borders were closing. Thankfully they were able to return in November 2020 and didn’t stop work until the job was completed, including working right through Christmas.

The level of commitment shown by the Windsor team, build contractors of Carol & Guy and Dries from A&E as well as Skye was very impressive, they all did an exceptional job in trying circumstances.

The OneFortyOne Jubilee Sawmill team can’t wait to see what the 2nd CDK achieves for our operation – it will be a game changer for us.

Thanks Windsor” – Paul Hartung, General Manager, Jubilee Sawmill Mount Gambier, OneFortyOne

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