There are 4 parts (objectives) to the SWI research programme. Detail on the research focus within each objective is provided below - this is constantly changing as work is completed and new priorities established.

Energy Water & Drying

• reduced energy, water usage and emissions in kiln drying of lumber (including residues utilisation options)
• optimisation of existing batch drying processes
• smarter monitoring of kiln conditions and endpoints
• virtually all kiln emissions being trapped (condensed), water & energy reused, & more efficient continuous kilns being developed as ultimate replacements of batch kilns
• work with Windsor Engineering, who are working on the Continuous Kiln development in the USA, will guide the key research questions and targets in this area

Objective Leader: Tony Haslett
Email: tony.haslett@wqi.co.nz

Logs & Stems

• stem and log segregation technologies to get the right log to the right mill and to optimise breakdown for product performance
• next generation internal defect recognition for green logs (beyond X-Ray and acoustics) to detect 3D distribution of resinous defects, compression wood & spiral grain, & therefore log rotation for optimal sawing patterns
• continuation, with Weyerhaeuser US as SWI’s partner, of the development & testing of methods based on log end and log parameter assessment

Objective Leader: Marco Lausberg
Email: marco.lausberg@wqi.co.nz

Appearance and Structural

• more efficient structural lumber manufacturing with higher yields of better performing performance guaranteed products (using less energy and less water)
• green segregation technology for key wood properties to identify poor material and get it out of the manufacturing process early
• the need for on line scanning (600 metres per minute) for delivering warp stable and resin bleed free solid wood products

Objective Leader Appearance: Wayne Miller
Email: wayne.miller@tenon.co.nz

Objective Leader Structural: Andy McNaught
Email: andymax1@optusnet.com.au