Multi-Directional Forced Convection Kiln Oven Drying System for Bamboo Culms

Abstract

The bamboo industry in the Philippines is at the commencement of its development in terms of co-existing with the current technology. The study aims to develop and improve the processing of bamboo, specifically its drying process. The traditional drying process in the Philippines is sun drying which is a primitive way of drying the bamboo. The drying process presented in this study is the forced convection kiln oven drying. It offers fast drying time and allows the bamboo culm to be enclosed on a system to prevent dirt or other contaminants to accumulate on the culm. The prototype is composed of a blower that would exhibit the forced convection; a base considered to be the system for the bamboo to dry and a heating element that would induce the heat necessary for the drying. The heating source is an electrical component that requires electricity from an AC power source. In order to test the prototype, a fresh bamboo is to be dried inside the system and its moisture content would be monitored with respect to time. The result of the test would provide for the conclusion of the efficiency of the dryer to reduce the moisture content of the bamboo.