Ongoing projects

Valutec's development efforts in timber drying lay the foundation of growing numbers of people discovering the possibilities of wood as a construction material. With our vision of greater wood use as the basis, this continues to result in innovative solutions that drive the industry forward.

Weighing of packages for greater accuracy in the target moisture content

In collaboration with SP, TCN, Datapolarna, Bergkvist and Norra Kåge, Valutec is conducting a project where the weight of raw timber packages is used as input data to increase the accuracy of the target moisture content. A starting point is that the raw weight provides the current input moisture ratio for the calculation of the optimized drying procedure. This can provide valuable input data that improves both Valmatics and Valusim.

Thermal energy and air velocity in continuous kilns

This development project aims to ensure that added thermal energy with regard to air velocity is utilized as efficiently as possible in continuous kilns. The project aims to both identify strengths in existing designs, sources of leaks and future dimensioning and troubleshooting.


Valutec's simulator technology ValuSim is based on leading Swedish and Finnish expertise and development is conducted in cooperation with the Nordic region's leading wood researchers. ValuSim is based on a mathematical model that builds on numerical calculation of the wood material's internal moisture flow, shrinkage and drying stress. Simulated stress is used to calculate surface cracks using an extensive experimental material. In a user friendly interface, information is entered on the desired end quality together with known basic data. With this as a basis, a process that is very close to reality is simulated.


Valmatics is an adaptive control system that provides the kiln operator the maximum freedom of choice. The system can control most types and makes of air exchange systems for drying. A graphic and intuitively designed interface makes the system very easy to use. The integrated expert system with fact collections on quality parameters generates suggestions on how the drying should be carried out to optimize the process for the drying batch. Critical functions, including the technology to measure temperatures at the actual source and the simulation program, are protected by patents.

Fan speed optimization

Valutec's system for adaptive control of the fan speed enables effective and cost-saving electrical optimization. The method builds on the timber, based on the temperature drop over the timber load, telling the fan what speed is needed. When the timber has reached the fiber saturation point, a frequency converter adaptively turns down the fan's frequency because high air speed is no longer needed. The continued drying process is then regulated using the kiln's temperature.

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