Significantly Reduced Downtimes Thanks to Low-Maintenance Sensors

Stacks of cut and dried wooden planks arranged in large piles at a lumber yard, with sunlight shining from above

Mühlböck GmbH specialises consistently and exclusively in the development and production of drying technologies for wood. The company draws on the experience of over 13,000 systems in operation worldwide. All engineering and production steps are performed directly at the Eberschwang site in Austria: from research and development to the production of all system components and the programming of the control software.

Logo Mühlböck Holztrocknungsanlagen GmbH
Mühlböck Holztrocknungsanlagen GmbH

High Demand on Sensor Technology

Wood Drying

Wood drying refers to the process of removing moisture from wood. In this process, humidity is extracted gently and under controlled conditions. With the appropriate sensors, ambient conditions can be monitored precisely, allowing the dryers to operate in an energy-efficient and cost-effective manner. 

The aim of controlled drying processes is to achieve the target moisture content of the wood while simultaneously preventing cracking, warping, fungal growth, and discolouration. Additionally, shorter drying times can result in higher capacities per drying plant. A critical factor for the overall efficiency of a wood drying plant is not only energy consumption but also the quality of the process: the best and most uniform drying results are achieved only if the air distribution and flow within the chamber are optimal. 

Today, fresh air and exhaust air drying systems are among the most proven drying methods. The most important parameter for intelligent climate control in these wood drying chambers is undoubtedly the moisture content of the wood. Depending on the wood species, dimensions, target moisture level, and desired quality, such a drying process can last between two and 90 days. The accuracy of the sensors used to control the various drying programmes is of great importance. In addition, the sensors must be robust, reliable, and low-maintenance. All of this is provided by the moisture and temperature sensors from E+E Elektronik, which Mühlböck GmbH has been using for years.

Methods of Technical Wood Drying
Timber drying kiln with stacked sawn timber in a Mühlböck drying kiln at LOC Holz GmbH in Arbing, Austria.
Impianto di essiccazione del legno ad alta efficienza energetica Mühlböck presso LOC Holz GmbH ad Arbing, in Austria, per l'essiccazione di legname segato di alta qualità.
Martin Schrems | Mühlböck Holztrocknungsanlagen GmbH

The low-maintenance sensors from E+E Elektronik provide consistently reliable and long-term stable measurements, allowing us to minimise downtime and enhance the efficiency of our systems.

The Challange

In addition to the demands for accuracy and long-term stability of the sensors employed, the ease of replacement and maintenance of the measuring devices plays a crucial role. Downtime should be kept to a minimum. This is because high maintenance efforts - and the associated costs - significantly reduce the efficiency of the systems. Therefore, it is essential to rely on sensors that not only ensure high long-term stability even in harsh environments but also incorporate smart maintenance concepts to considerably reduce downtime.

Our Solution

E+E Elektronik’s sensor solutions are designed modularly, allowing probes and components to be replaced quickly and easily, without prolonged downtime. A flexible design that accommodates a variety of installation options facilitates integration into existing systems. Moreover, intelligent protective measures—such as the sensor coating developed in-house by E+E Elektronik—ensure that the sensors continue to operate accurately under even the most adverse conditions, without loss of precision. This guarantees trouble-free operation, engineered for a long service life.

 

E+E Smart Sensor Protection Concepts
Close-up of an E+E sensor with protective coating technology to prevent contamination
E+E sensor with protective coating for long-term performance in harsh wood drying environments.
HTP501 humidity and temperature probe mounted in front of stacked wooden boards for monitoring.
HTP501 sensor for precise humidity and temperature monitoring in timber drying processes.

The Results

The durability and robustness of E+E Elektronik’s sensors ensure largely uninterrupted system operation. Should maintenance be required, the sensors’ easy accessibility and replaceability of components significantly reduce downtime and the associated costs.

More about the product

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Close-up of neatly stacked wooden boards showing visible grain and clean cuts
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