Mühlböck progressive kiln Delco / North America / Canada

Cutting-edge technology: from 50 to 100 MMBF with the same boiler output

The commissioning of the first Mühlböck progressive kiln in North America was successfully completed. The system was installed at the end of last year at a Delco Forest plant in New Brunswick, Canada. "This system doubles our drying capacity while simultaneously reducing energy consumption," say representatives from Delco, expressing their satisfaction with the new investment.

Consistent drying quality

According to Renaud Durelle, Managing Director of Delco, the reason why Delco Forest Products opted for a progressive kiln from Mühlböck is obvious. After comparing all the different manufacturers of drying systems and visiting several systems in operation during a tour of Europe, it quickly became clear that Mühlböck had the most innovative solution for Delco.
The biggest advantage of the Mühlböck drying systems they visited, according to Durelle, was the excellent drying quality. "We were looking for quality sawn timber and Mühlböck is known for its high level of expertise and the perfect drying quality from its plants. What was remarkable was the low moisture dispersion in systems that we had visited in Austria and the Baltic states, among others.

Doubled drying capacity

From the very first meeting, the two family-run companies worked together as partners. "After just a few conversations and viewing a few Mühlböck dryer models, we knew we had the perfect solution for Delco's needs," says Peter Driessen from Mühlböck North America. "There were many factors at play, from technical aspects and storage location logistics to available thermal and electrical energy capacities and operating and investment costs. By designing our progressive kiln with the 1003 heat recovery system, we were able to offer Delco all the aspects they were looking for:

• Doubling its drying capacity from up to 50 MMBF to over 100 MMBF per year
• Improved wood quality and low moisture dispersion
• No need to invest in a new boiler
• Capacity planning to avoid loading and unloading operations at night

"To ensure that other interested parties no longer have to make the long journey to Europe to see this cutting-edge technology up close, this 1003 PREMIUM Progressive Kiln is both a milestone for timber drying in North America and a reference project for other interested parties," says Delco, offering other interested parties the opportunity to view the kiln. "We would like to once again thank Delco Products for the partnership and the trust they have placed in Mühlböck," concludes Driessen.

Great success across the board

After an intensive year with the increase of the sawmill capacity to 100 MMBF and thus the drying capacity from 50 MMBF to 100 MMBF, Renaud Durelle is delighted with the Mühlböck 1003 PREMIUM Progressive Kiln and the state-of-the-art drying system that it represents.
"We are very satisfied with the results. The consistent quality of the wood coming out of the dryer exceeds expectations. Thanks to the consistently high output, we can run two shifts in the planing mill. And as promised, our boiler is running smoothly: Thanks to Mühlböck's innovative heat recovery system, we did not have to invest in additional boiler capacity. I think this is the future of wood drying. Everyone is interested in the latest technology, but doesn't dare to take the first step. I am glad that we took this step and opted for a Mühlböck progressive kiln because it is the best thing for our future," summarises Durelle.