Engineered Wood Journal - Spring 2009 - (Page 19) of the boards. For example, the difference between a struc-1 grade and regular grade board shows up as an increased amount of red (higher transmission of the THz radiation through the lower density regular grade board). The ability to measure density alone is only part of the key to minimizing materials costs in the OSB process. Sensing of the fibre orientation is also required. This is what we believe is the most powerful measurement capability that THz technology has to offer. It is possible to examine the average fibre orientation through the board at the same time as measuring the density of the boards. An image similar to that used for density can be produced, but showing the deviation from the theoretical target values for the orientation of the wood flake. transparency of wood at these frequencies, the resolution that is possible with the technology, and its sensitivity to internal fibre structure. While there are many applications in the industry that could ultimately benefit from these capabilities, the OSB industry applications are the first target of research efforts presently under way. Proof-ofconcept equipment is under development to tackle the problem of measuring fibre orientation and density on the OSB mat before the press, which is expected to produce significant cost savings to the average OSB plant. ● Dennis Callaghan is strategic planner at Deltech Manufacturing Inc. (www.deltech.ca). He can be reached at dennisc@bidconst.com or 250-570-2405. Matt Reid is an assistant professor of physics at the University of Northern British Columbia. He can be reached at mreid@unbc.ca or 250-960-6622. Next Steps A proof-of-concept device is being developed through the collaboration of the partners mentioned above. An alpha prototype is expected to be operational in the summer of 2009 to demonstrate that density and fibre orientation can be measured on the mat before the press. The current stage in research is to characterize the measurements on an OSB mat, as opposed to the boards themselves, in a manner that is easily integrated by the controls system at an OSB plant. The key to the success of this project will be that the target variables can actually be measured in real-time so that costsavings for the OSB plant can be realized. There is also strong potential in other engineered wood product manufacturing processes that display similar issues to those outlined in the OSB process currently under investigation, such as in log profiling and moisture content measurement. THz imaging is an emerging technology, and it is expected that more work will need to be done to mature the technology to a point where a robust, commercial system can be produced for sale. However, once a viable and working prototype is in use significant changes to wood products scanning and imaging may be on the way. It’s not easy being green Nordic Engineered Wood was built on the ideal of providing the best sustainable wood solutions to the building industry. Nordic’s proprietary process is the direct result of our commitment to the best and highest utilization of our wood fiber. While it’s not easy to process underutilized fiber, Nordic transforms treetips into the key component of its glued laminated product line. is featured in Nordic Lam Beams, Columns, Tall Wall Studs, and our latest innovation, the NI-90x I-Joist Series. TM With over 2 million acres of vital forestland, Nordic is certified under internationally recognized standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and FSC Certification (2008). Nordic’s ongoing commitment to sustainable forestry means investing in advanced manufacturing processes to keep on the cutting edge of technology and product development. NORDIC ENGINEERED WOOD HEAD OFFICE & TECHNICAL SERVICES T. 514.633.9661 F. 514.633.0833 info@nordicewp.com Conclusion New and powerful Terahertz technology is expected to play an important role in sensing and imaging within the forest products industry as a result of its inherent safety, the Engineered Wood Journal • Spring 2009 NORDIC LAMTM NORDIC JOISTTM NORDIC LVL RIM BOARD w w w. n o r d i c e w p . c o m 19 http://www.deltech.ca http://www.nordicewp.com
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.