KCS Manual

Lignomat
Kiln Control
System
User’s Manual
Lignomat Kiln Control System
Contents
Introduction
On-line Help
Overall Kiln Status
Individual Kiln Status
Kiln Operations
Kiln Schedules
Drying History
Master Controller Operations
Utilities
MP16 Kiln Controller
Appendices
Wood Group and Species Numbers
Error Codes
Glossary of Terms
Version 2.20 - March 2002
1
Introduction
Kiln Control System
The Kiln Control System is a hierarchical system with the following components:
Desktop PC
Master Controller
Kiln Controller
In-Kiln Sensors
Kiln Control Actuators
Operator Interface
The operator interface for the Kiln Control System was specifically designed to use Microsoft
Windows.
This design decision provides a number of advantages which are described in the following
topics:
Variable Display Windows
Windowed Graphical Displays
Multiple Tasks
Lignomat Kiln Control System - 1

Desktop PC
A desktop PC is preferred over a video terminal to interface to the Master Controller for several
reasons. A much more sophisticated and user-friendly interface is available. Drying history data
may be stored on disk for later analysis. The desktop PC with the Kiln Control System software
makes kiln control more flexible and easier to understand than does any other available interface
method.
Master Controller
Lignomat Master Controllers include the MP8 and the MP16. Software which implements the
function of the MP16 on a desktop PC is also available.
Each Master Controller is capable of controlling one or more kiln controllers. Drying schedules
and drying histories are maintained in and implemented by the Master Controller.
In a simple installation the operator interfaces with the Master Controller via a video terminal.
The more sophisticated approach to operator interface uses a desktop PC and a Graphical User
Interface program running under Microsoft Windows.
Kiln Controller
Lignomat produces an extensive and versatile range of Kiln Controllers, including rack-mounted
controllers (LSA and LMC series), modular controllers (PCM and KCM family), and PLC-based
multiple-kiln systems.
The Kiln Controller does the actual control of the kiln. It monitors the in-kiln sensors and controls
the kiln control actuators. Desired values for temperature and EMC are maintained by the Kiln
Controller, and its firmware implements the algorithms for maintaining smooth control of
temperature and EMC.
Some versions of the Kiln Controller may operate as stand-alone controllers with manual front
panel entry of desired values, or they may be controlled by a Master Controller.
Kiln Control Actuators

Actuators for heating, venting, humidifying spray, and air flow are controlled by the Kiln Control
System. All types of actuators, valves, and transducers may be accommodated.
In-Kiln Sensors
In-kiln sensors are used to measure temperature (dry bulb and optionally, wet bulb), EMC, and
actual wood moisture content.

Variable Display Windows
Writing the Kiln Control System software specifically to run under Microsoft Windows enables
each user interface screen (window) to be designed with exactly the right size, shape, and
contents to most effectively communicate the information the user is interested in for any
particular function.
Windowed Graphical Displays

While text displays can display exact values for a large number of control and status variables,
there are some instances where graphical displays provide meaningful information "at a glance."
The Kiln Control System software uses both text and graphical displays to their maximum
advantage, and the user may generally use whichever type of display he prefers for any
particular situation.
Multiple Tasks
Not only are you able to have several windows active within the Kiln Control System program, but
you may also have other Windows or DOS programs running in other windows at the same time.
The number of programs you may run (effectively) at the same time is limited only by inherent
limitations of Microsoft Windows and by the available processing power, memory, and disk
resources of the desktop PC.
The kiln control system includes desktop PCs properly configured to take maximum advantage of
the multitasking capability of Microsoft Windows.

On-line Help
Context-sensitive On-line Help is one of the advanced features of the Kiln Control System. You
can press F1 at any time to get help that is related to the program feature you are currently using.
If you press F1 now, you will get help on using On-line Help. Of course, the best way to learn to
use the On-line Help System is by actually using it.
Help Glossary
When the On-line Help System is active you'll see a button labeled Glossary at the right end of
the Help Button Bar.
Click on the Glossary button or press G for access to an extensive glossary of terms related to
the Kiln Control System and to lumber drying in general.
Help Menu Commands

Contents
How to use Help
LSA Help
LMC Help
About...
The Help | Contents menu command will call up the table of contents for the Kiln Control
System's main help file - the help file you are now reading.
The Help | How to use Help menu command will call up the Windows help file that explains how
to use all Windows help files.
The Help | LSA Help menu command will call up a help file that includes all the information that
is in the printed LSA User's Manual.
You can also call up LSA Help from within this help file by clicking on the LSA button on the help
button bar or pressing A.
The Help | LMC Help menu command will call up a separate help file that includes all the
information that is in the printed LMC User's Manual.
You can also call up LMC Help from within the this help file by clicking on the LMC button on the
help button bar or pressing M.
You will find an About... menu command on the Help Menu for nearly all Windows applications.
An About Box will pop up that gives a brief description of the application, the copyright notice, etc.

Overall Kiln Status (OKS)
When the Kiln Control System program starts up, the first window displayed is the Overall Kiln
Status or OKS window.
To view the status of a individual kiln, either select the desired kiln from the Kilns menu, or click
on its kiln number in the Overall Kiln Status display.
At the top of the OKS window is a standard Windows menu that may be used to open up other
windows. Just under the menu bar the current date and time are displayed.
Status information for individual kilns is arranged in rows by Kiln Number. Following the Kiln
Number are the Charge Number and Schedule Number. Next come the Kiln Charge Start Date
and Kiln Charge Elapsed Time for the current kiln charge. The two following columns show the
current Average MC and the target Final MC. The last column contains the Kiln Charge
Description.
If the kiln is not running all of the items are either missing or grayed out.
OKS Kilns Menu

All the kilns are listed by number and selecting a kiln number from the menu will bring up the
Individual Kiln Status screen for that kiln. You can also bring up the IKS screen for a kiln by
clicking on its number in the OKS screen.
Select Exit to completely close down and exit from the Kiln Control System. You will be asked to
verify that you really want to exit.

Individual Kiln Status (IKS)
To view the status of a individual kiln, either select the desired kiln from the Kilns menu, or click
on its kiln number in the Overall Kiln Status display.
Select Graphic Display from the View menu to view the Individual Kiln Status in the graphic
mode.
Select Graphic Display from the View menu to view the Individual Kiln Status in the graphic
mode.
The first time you display the status for an individual kiln, the Text Display is automatically
selected. You may change to a graphical display, if you prefer, and the next time you display the
status for that kiln, the software will "remember" your display preference and take you back to the
last display you selected.

IKS Text Display
Kiln Charge Information
At the top of the Individual Kiln Status screen (text display) is information similar to that displayed
on a single line for each kiln on the Overall Kiln Status display.
MC Probe Data
Under the Kiln Charge Information on the IKS screen, MC Probe Data is displayed.
Immediately under the probe number for each probe is the species number. The species number
corresponds to a species or wood group listed in the Wood Group and Species Table.
The current MC reading for the probe is displayed under the species number.
If a probe has been deselected, either by the operator or by the Controller, the probe number, the
species number, and the MC reading will all be "grayed out."
The Average MC reading is displayed to the right of the MC reading for the highest numbered
probe. The Average MC is calculated by averaging the readings of all the active MC probes
(those probes not grayed out).
EMC Data
Under the MC Probe data, on the left side of the IKS screen, EMC data is displayed. Active,
inactive, and desired EMC values are all displayed.

Fan Data
Under the EMC data , on the left side of the IKS screen, Fan data are displayed. Fan direction (A
or B), fan speed in percent, (100% is full speed, Off is displayed, if the fans are not running), and
time remaining until next fan reversal are displayed.
Elapsed Times
Under the Fan data, on the left side of the IKS screen, in-kiln elapsed times are displayed. Times
are displayed for the following phases: heating up, warming thru, drying, conditioning, and total
time since the kiln was started.
The current phase is highlighted.
Elapsed times are displayed in days, hours, and minutes.
Temperature Data
Under the MC Probe data, on the right side of the IKS screen, Temperature data are displayed.
Active and inactive temperature are displayed for each temperature zone. Desired temperature
is displayed to the right of the active and inactive values for Zone 1.

Over Temperature Alarm
If an over temperature condition occurs, the over temperature alarm notification window will
appear in the lower right region of the temperature data area.
An over temperature alarm will shut down the kiln, which can be restarted by clicking the Clear
button on the alarm notification window.
Error Messages
If either the Master Controller or Kiln Controller detects an error condition, the appropriate error
message codes will be displayed on a bright red ribbon at the bottom of the IKS screen.
When the error ribbon is displayed you may click on the error ribbon with your mouse or select
Error List from the View menu to see a description of the current errors.

IKS Graphic Display
IKS Graphic Display End View

The screen shot below is the IKS graphic display, end view. The information displayed is the
same as on the IKS text display.

Graphic Display Top View
The screen shot below is the IKS graphical display, top view. The information displayed is the
same as on the IKS text display.

Graphic Display - Menus
On the Graphic View, select the Kiln menu, then select Next Kiln to bring up the graphic view for
the next kiln. Select Overall Kiln Status to return to the OKS screen.
From the View menu you can select Walk In or Walk Out to look at other zones in a multiple
zone kiln. If you're viewing a zone at the end of the kiln, either Walk In or Walk Out will be
grayed out. In a single zone or two zone kiln both of these selections will be grayed out.
Select Alternate View to bring up the Graphic Top View IKS screen.
Select Drying Status to see some of the values that are displayed on the IKS text screen but are
not available on the IKS graphic screens.
Select Text Display to bring up the text IKS screen.
Drying Status Display

The Drying Status display shows some of the values that are displayed on the IKS text screen
but are not available on the graphic screens.

Kiln Operations
Kiln Operations Overview

Starting a Kiln
Changing Setup for a Running Kiln
Reversing Fans
Stopping a Kiln
MC Probe Selection
MC Correction
Wireless Probe Setup
Vent Ratio
Manual Overrides

Kiln Operations Overview
Kiln operations are controlled from the Individual Kiln Status text display. Click Operations on
the menu bar or press Alt-O to activate the operations menu. The operations menu will have
some selections grayed out, if the kiln is not running.
Additional kilns operations are available on some systems. Your Operations menu may include
some of the selections shown below.

Starting a Kiln
Click Operations on the menu bar or press Alt-O to activate the operations menu. If the kiln is
not running, the Start Kiln.... menu selection will be present. Click this selection or press S and
the Start Kiln Dialog Box will appear.

Kiln Charge Number
When the dialog box appears the first item to be filled in is the Charge Number. This is an
identifying number up to eight characters in length. It is optional; that is, it may be left blank.
Press the Tab key after filling in the charge number.
Final Moisture Content

When you press the Tab key after filling in the charge number, the cursor will move to the text
box labeled Final MC (%). This value is required; you will not be able to start the kiln until it is
filled in. Enter the desired final moisture content to the nearest one-tenth of a percent and press
Tab again.
Kiln Charge Description

When you press the Tab key after filling in the final MC, the cursor will move to the text box
labeled Description. You may type in up to 32 characters of text describing the charge. When
you've entered the description, press Tab.
Kiln Schedule
When you press the Tab key after filling in the kiln charge description, the focus will move to the
list box labeled Schedule. Select the desired schedule either by clicking on it or by moving the
highlight with the arrow keys and press Tab again.
Temperature Gain
When you press the Tab key after selecting a schedule, the cursor will move to the text box
labeled Temp. Gain. Temperature Gain is the value, in degrees per hour, that the Kiln Controller
will use to ramp up the temperature from the active value to the desired value. When you've
entered the temperature gain, press Tab.

Drying History Interval
When you press the Tab key after entering the temperature gain, the cursor will move to the text
box labeled History Interval. This value specifies that amount of time that will elapse between
drying history samples. The default is five minutes. When you've entered the history interval,
press Tab.
Drying History Offset

When you press the Tab key after filling in the history interval, the cursor will move to the text box
labeled History Offset. This value specifies that amount of time that will elapse between starting
the kiln and the collection of the first drying history sample. The default is fifteen minutes. The
primary purpose of the history offset is to avoid taking history samples right at fan reversal time.
When you've entered the history offset, press Tab.
Start and Cancel Buttons

When you press the Tab key after filling in the history offset, the cursor will move to the button
labeled Start. At this point you may press Enter or click on the Start button to start the kiln, or
Tab to (or click on) the Cancel button to close the dialog box without starting the kiln. If you
activate the Start button, you'll be required to enter your password before the Kiln Control
System will actually start the kiln.

Changing Setup for a Running Kiln
running, the Change Setup.... menus selection will be available. Click this selection or press E
and the Change Charge Setup dialog box will appear.
You can also bring up the Change Charge Setup dialog box by clicking on one of several "hot
spots" on the IKS text screen. These hot spots are Charge Number, Description, Final MC, and
Schedule Number.
This dialog box is nearly an exact duplicate of the Start Kiln Dialog Box. See Starting a Kiln
for instructions on filling in this dialog box.
When you have finished making changes in the dialog box, click on the Done button or press Alt-
D to implement your changes, or click on the Cancel button or press Alt-C to close the dialog
box without making any changes. If you activate the Done button, you'll be required to enter your
password before the Kiln Control System will actually make the changes.

Reversing Fans
When the kiln is running you may reverse the fan direction at any time by selecting Reverse
Fans from the Operations menu. When this is done the fan direction is reversed and the
Remaining Time is set equal to the Reversal Time, just as if a normally scheduled fan reversal
had occurred.
Stopping a Kiln
running, the Stop Kiln.... menu selection will be present. Click this selection or press S and the
Stop Kiln Dialog Box will appear.
Select Yes to stop the kiln or No to allow the kiln to continue running. If you select Yes, you'll be
required to enter your password before the Kiln Control System will actually stop the kiln.

MC Probe Selection
Click Operations on the menu bar or press Alt-O to activate the operations menu. Click on the
Change Probes.... selection or press P and the MC Probe Selection dialog box will appear.
You can also bring up the MC Probe Selection dialog box by clicking on either the Probe
Number or Species value for the desired probe on the IKS text screen.
You may make changes to one or more MC Probes while this dialog box is active. First select
the Probe Number by clicking on it on the top row of the dialog box.
When you have finished making all desired changes, activate the Done button to save all the
changes you've made, or activate the Cancel button to save none of the changes you've made.
you select Done, you'll be required to enter your password before the changes are made.
If there have been no actual changes made, you will be notified, and no changes will be
transmitted to the kiln controller.

MC Probe Status
MC Probe Status is either active or inactive. Use the Probe Status option box to select the
desired status. An active probe is included in the calculation of Average MC; an inactive probe is
not.
Note that Probe Status may be inactive either because the operator has selected inactive status
for that probe, or because the Kiln Controller has detected a problem with the moisture sensing of
that probe and has made it inactive. If the Kiln Controller makes a probe inactive, it will remain
inactive until made active by the operator even if the sensor failure has been corrected.
MC Probe Species
Use the Probe Species list box to assign a species to the selected probe. Different species may
be assigned to probes as desired. The species value is used to correct the raw MC reading
returned by the sensor.

MC Correction
Click Operations on the menu bar or press Alt-O to activate the operations menu. If your kiln
control system allows MC Correction, and if the kiln is running, the MC Correction selection will
be present. If your kiln control system does not allow MC Correction, or if the kiln is not running,
this selection will not be present.
The .MC Correction. feature allows kiln operators to improve the accuracy of MC probe
measurements on wood above fiber saturation. It requires taking ovendry values for the boards
into which the probes are inserted and "correcting" the existing MC calibration curve so that the
MC measured with each probe matches the corresponding ovendry value. This single-point
correction can significantly improve the accuracy of subsequent readings in the range above fiber
saturation.
Procedure
1. At the time the MC probes are being inserted into test boards in the kiln charge, samples are
taken for ovendry measurement. Because the correction method works on a "per probe" basis, a
separate ovendry sample must be taken for each probe which is to be corrected, and the
samples must be labeled so that the results can be applied to the appropriate probe. Determine
the "true" MC values for the samples by your usual ovendry method.
2. Before the corrections can be entered, the kiln must be started and sufficient time allowed for
the MC probe readings to stabilize. When the readings have stabilized, write down the MC
reading for each probe which you intend to correct.
3. To enter the corrections, click on the Operations menu on the Individual Kiln Status text
display, and select MC Correction to display the Manual Overrides dialog box. Note that this
item is only available if the kiln is running.

If you would like the display to include the actual A,B correction values, click on the Options
menu and select A,B Values.
4. For each probe which you wish to correct, enter the observed MC probe reading (from step 2)
into the "MC old" box for that probe, and the correct ovendry reading into the corresponding "MC
new" box. It is not necessary to correct all of the probes if you do not wish to do so.
5. When you have entered the "old" and "new" values, click on the Apply button to apply the
correction to the MC probes.

Wireless Probe Setup
control system uses wireless probes, the Wireless Probe Setup selection will be present. If your
kiln control system does not use wireless probes, this selection will not be present.
Click the Wireless Probe Setup selection to display the Wireless Probe Setup dialog box.
To change a serial number, click on the number and type the new value. When all the values are
correct, click the Save button. To close the dialog box without making any further changes, click
the Close button.

Vent Ratio
control system allows separate control of inlet vents (entering air, side A) and outlet vents (exiting
air, side B), the Vent Ratio selection will be present. If your kiln control system does not allows
separate control of vents, this selection will not be present.
Click the Vent Ratio selection to display the Vent Ratio dialog box.
An Inlet/Outlet Vent Ratio of 100% means that the inlet and outlet vents will open equally. A ratio
of, for example, 80% means that the outlet vents will open only to about 80% of the inlet vent
opening.

Manual Overrides
control system allows manual control from the operator interface, the Manual Overrides
selection will be present. If your kiln control system does not allow manual control from the
operator interface, this selection will not be present.
Click the Manual Overrides selection to display the Manual Overrides dialog box. The number
of items shown will depend on the number of controls actually present on your kiln. The picture
below is a typical Manual Overrides display.
To change the status of a control, click on the desired setting. You will be asked to enter your
password before the change is transmitted to the kiln controller.

Kiln Schedules
Kiln Schedule Overview

Drying Schedules
Equalizing Schedules
Conditioning Schedules

Kiln Schedule Overview
From the Overall Kiln Status screen use the mouse to select Schedules on the menu bar or
press Alt-S. The Schedule Library window will pop up.
The Schedule Library window includes a list box with fifty kiln schedules; a menu with selections
for Schedules, Edit, and Help; and a Close button.
Selecting Help from the menu brings you to the beginning of this topic in the Windows Help
system.
To view or print a schedule first select the schedule of interest using either the mouse or the
arrow keys. Then use the Schedules menu to view or print a schedule.
Note that if you have selected an "undefined schedule", the View and Print selections are grayed
out on the Schedules menu.

Use either the Exit selection on the Schedules menu or the Close button to close the Schedule
Library window.
Use the Edit menu to modify or delete an existing schedule or create a new schedule.
If you've selected an existing schedule you may Modify or Delete it, and if you've selected an
"undefined schedule", you may Create a new schedule.
If you select Modify , you will be warned if the schedule is in use.
If you choose to modify a schedule that is in use, you should be aware that any changes you
make will take place immediately after you Save the modified schedule. You should also be
aware that if the schedule is in use on more than one Master Controller, the modified schedule
will take effect immediately on all the Master Controllers in which it is in use.
If you select Delete, a check is made to make sure that the selected schedule is not the target of
a schedule jump. If it is, you won't be allowed to delete it.
If the selected schedule is not in use, a check is made to make sure that the schedule is not the
target of a schedule jump. If it is, you won’t be allowed to delete it.
For more information about schedule jumps see Schedule Jumps.
If the selected schedule is not in use and is not the target of a schedule jump you'll be asked to
verify that you really want to delete the selected schedule.
Select Yes to delete the schedule or No to return to the Schedule Library window with the
schedule intact. If you select Yes, you'll be required to enter your password before the schedule
is actually deleted.

If you select Create you'll be asked to characterize the new schedule.
Drying and Equalizing schedules may use either Moisture Content or Time schedule control.
Conditioning schedules are restricted to Time control only. You should select temperature units
(Fahrenheit or Centigrade) that correspond to the temperature units set in the Master Controller
that will be using this schedule.
Select OK to continue with the process of filling in the new schedule. Select Cancel to abort the
process and leave the selection undefined. Select Help to arrive at this point in the On-line Help
file.
If you select OK you'll be presented with a blank schedule form.
At the top of the form select the Species and fill in the Description. Species is used for
correcting the MC readings from the moisture probes. The description is used in the list box on
the Schedule Library window so be as descriptive as possible in the available space.
For detailed instructions on filling in the rest of the schedule form see Drying Schedule,
Equalizing Schedule or Conditioning Schedule.

EMC Control
Each schedule segment includes a target EMC. Values from 0% to 25% are allowed. The Kiln
Controller will attempt to maintain the target EMC by controlling the vents and (if available and
enabled for EMC control) the spray system.
If you attempt to enter EMC values less than 0% or greater than 25% the Kiln Control System will
refuse to accept the out-of-range values.
Temperature Control
Each schedule segment includes a target temperature. Values from 0ºC/32ºF to 120ºC/250ºF
are allowed. The Kiln Controller will attempt to maintain the target temperature by controlling the
heat valve(s).
If you attempt to save a schedule with heat values our of range, the Kiln Control System will let
you know.
If you attempt to save a schedule using the incorrect temperature units ( C instead of F or vice-
versa ) the Kiln Control System will let you know.
Hours
Some schedule segments include an Hours entry. Values from 0 to 250 are allowed.
You may also enter H for Hold in the Hours entry. When the drying process reaches this
schedule segment it will go no further without human intervention.
Fan Control
Each schedule segment includes a target fan speed. Fan speed is entered in percent of full
speed. Values from 30% to 100% are allowed.
If a variable speed drive is available the Kiln Controller will vary the fan speed according to the
schedule. If no variable speed drive is available, the target fan speed value is ignored.
Each schedule segment also includes the time the fans are to be run in each direction while in
that segment of the schedule. You may run the fans longer in one direction than the other, and
you may vary reversal time according to where you are in the schedule.
Values from 0:00 to 99:59 are allowed. If the Reversing Time is set to 0:00, the fans will not
reverse.

Schedule Jumps
A situation may occur where it is desirable to use a time controlled drying schedule for the initial
thirty-six hours of drying, a moisture content controlled drying schedule for the remainder of
drying, then a different schedule for equalizing, and a still different schedule for conditioning.
This is easily accomplished in the Kiln Control System by using Schedule Jumps.
In the example defined above you would start with a DT schedule, jump to a DM schedule, from
there jump to an ET or EM schedule, and from there jump to a CS schedule.
A schedule jump is entered by entering J for the target EMC and entering the Schedule Number
to jump to for the target Temperature. When you enter a schedule jump the target schedule must
already be defined. If you enter the number of an undefined schedule, the Kiln Control System
will warn you when you attempt to save the schedule.
It is also not allowed for a schedule to jump to itself, and if you attempt to do this, you will be
warned.

After you acknowledge the warning you'll note that the target schedule number has been
changed to ?. If you attempt to save the schedule without changing the ? to the number of a
defined schedule, you'll get another message.
A schedule can only have one schedule jump since all schedules start at the top and run until
either the end of the schedule is reached, a schedule jump occurs, or the Final MC is reached
and the kiln is shut down.
The implication of the way schedule jumps work is that if you're going to create a sequence of
schedules to be used as in the example above, they will need to be created in reverse order.
That is, create the Conditioning Schedule first. Then create the Equalizing Schedule and end it
with a jump to the conditioning schedule. Then create the Drying Schedule and end it with a
jump to the equalizing schedule.

Drying Schedules
A Drying Schedule consists of fifteen segments: a Heating Up segment; a Warming Thru
segment; twelve Drying segments; and a Conditioning segment.
In any segment if Fan Speed is left blank, the Kiln Control System will set it to 100%.
If you change the time in the very first Reversing (A) segment, the Kiln Control System will offer
to set all the other reversing times to the same value.
The Heating Up segment must be filled in. If the Kiln Controller is able to hold the target EMC,
then the temperature will be ramped up at the rate specified by the Temperature Gain setting. If
the Kiln Controller is unable to hold the target EMC, temperature increase will be inhibited while
the EMC builds up in the kiln. For this reason it is important to select a target EMC for the
Heating Up segment that is reasonable given the condition of the wood in the kiln and the
current weather situation.
The Warming Thru segment may be left blank. If it's left blank, the Kiln Control System will copy
the target EMC and target temperature from the Heating Up segment and set the Hours field to
zero. The Warming Thru segment is normally used to hold the EMC and temperature at a
certain point for a relatively short period of time before actually beginning the "Drying" process.
The target EMC and temperature are maintained for the length of time specified in the Hours
field. If this value is zero, then the Warming Thru segment will be finished as soon as the target
EMC and temperature have been reached.

Drying segments are handled differently in the MC controlled schedule and Time controlled
schedule. See the appropriate section for details.
The Conditioning segment may be left blank. If it is, the Kiln Control System will copy the target
EMC and target temperature from the last Drying segment and set the Hours field to 0. The
Conditioning segment is normally used to hold the wood at a high temperature and humidity at
the end of the schedule. For a more complex conditioning process the schedule should jump to a
Conditioning Schedule.

Drying Schedule General Rules
A drying schedule must have monotonic increasing temperature and monotonic decreasing EMC.
That is, each segment must have a target temperature equal to or greater than the previous
segment, and a target EMC equal to or less than the previous segment. If you attempt to violate
either condition, the Kiln Control System will warn you.

Drying Schedules: Moisture Content Control
A DM Schedule has its drying segments labeled according to Moisture Content. The MC
segments range from 60% to 5% in 5% decrements.
Target EMC and target temperature values should be entered for each drying segment. You can
let the Kiln Control System fill in the last few segments for you, if you know that you'll never dry
lumber with this schedule below a certain MC, say 19%.
Although there are twelve distinct schedule segments the Master Controller will ramp EMC and
temperature smoothly between target values from one segment to the next. There are never
abrupt changes in target values.

Drying Schedules: Time Control
A DT Schedule has its drying segments labeled 1 through 12. The first drying segment must
have a non-zero number of hours.
Target EMC and target temperature values should be entered for each drying segment, as well
as the number of hours to hold the kiln at the desired values. You can let the Kiln Control System
enter the last few segments for you, if you know that you'll never dry lumber with this schedule
beyond a certain number of hours. Better yet, if you enter H (for Hold) in the last active drying
segment the Kiln Control System will never advance to the rest of the schedule.
Although there are twelve distinct schedule segments the Master Controller will ramp EMC and
temperature smoothly between target values from one segment to the next. There are never
abrupt changes in target values.
The total time entered in one schedule cannot exceed 900 hours (nearly 40 days). If you enter
times in schedule segments such that the total exceeds 900 hours, the Kiln Control System will
refuse to save the schedule.

Equalizing Schedules
An Equalizing Schedule removes the monotonic increasing temperature and monotonic
decreasing EMC constraints of the Drying Schedule. That is, each segment may have any value
target temperature and target EMC.
Note that if temperature decreases from one schedule segment to the next, or if EMC increases
from one schedule segment to the next, the Kiln Control System will step, not ramp, to the new
value.
Except for the removal of these constraints Equalizing Schedules look just like Drying Schedules.

Equalizing Schedules: Moisture Content Control
An EM Schedule has its equalizing segments labeled according to Moisture Content. The MC
segments range from 28% to 6% in 2% decrements rather than from 60% to 5% in 5%
decrements as in a Drying Schedule.

Equalizing Schedules: Time Control
An ET Schedule has its equalizing segments labeled 1 through 12. The first equalizing segment
must have a non-zero number of hours.

Conditioning Schedules
A Conditioning Schedule removes the monotonic increasing temperature and monotonic
decreasing EMC constraints of the Drying Schedule. That is, each segment may have any value
target temperature and target EMC.
Note that if temperature decreases from one schedule segment to the next, or if EMC increases
from one schedule segment to the next, the Kiln Control System will step, not ramp, to the new
value.
A CS Schedule has its conditioning segments labeled 1 through 12. The first dying segment
must have a non-zero number of hours.
When a Conditioning Schedule is first entered, the Kiln Control System will run the kiln in cooling
mode (heat off, vents open, spray off) until the target temperature entered in the first Cooling
(Temp) schedule segment is reached. The target EMC entered in this segment is ignored.
The Kiln Control System will then run the kiln in cooling mode for the length of time specified in
the Cooling (Time) schedule segment. Both the target EMC and target Temperature entered in
this segment are ignored.

When the first Conditioning Segment is entered the Kiln Control System will attempt to reach
and hold the target EMC and target Temperature entered in each schedule segment for the
number of hours specified.
When all conditioning segments have been completed, the Kiln Control System will run the kiln in
cooling mode until the target temperature specified in the final Cooling Temp) schedule
segment is reached, then the kiln will be shut down. The target EMC entered in this segment is
ignored.

Drying History
Drying History Overview

Drying History Spreadsheet
Drying History Graph
Kiln Charge Notes

Drying History Overview
You may view drying history data either by activating the Histories menu on the Overall Kiln
Status screen or the View menu on the Individual Kiln Status screen.
From the OKS screen, click Histories on the menu bar or press Alt-I to activate the histories
menu. You may then click Notes or press N to view the Kiln Charge Notes using Windows
Notepad; click Graphs or press G to view the Drying History Graph; or click Text or press T to
view the Drying History Spreadsheet.
When viewing history data from the OKS screen you'll be presented with a dialog box so that you
may select which history file or notes file to view.
The Select Notes File dialog box is identical to the Select History File dialog box except for the
type of files listed (n*.k* rather than h*.k*).
From the IKS screen, click View on the menu bar or press Alt-V to activate the view menu. You
may then click Notes or press N to view the Kiln Charge Notes using Windows Notepad; click
History followed by clicking Graphs (or press H followed by G) to view the Drying History
Graph; or click History followed by clicking Text (or press H followed by T) to view the Drying
History Spreadsheet.
In each case you'll be viewing history data for the current kiln charge.

Drying History Spreadsheet
Nearly all the data that is displayed on the Individual Kiln Status screen is saved at regular
intervals in the Drying History File. The sampling interval is set up when you start the kiln. To
view the raw numbers, view the Drying History Spreadsheet. To view the same data presented
in a graphical format, view the Drying History Graph.

To select which datasets are displayed in the spreadsheet click on the Dataset menu item or
press Alt-D. The Data Group Selection dialog box will appear.
Select one of the data groups in the Data Group list box. A description of the selected datasets
will be displayed in the Description text box. Select Display to display the selected datasets in
the spreadsheet, or Cancel to return to the spreadsheet without changing the datasets.
You can use the spreadsheet's file menu to Open a different history spreadsheet, Print the
spreadsheet, or Save the spreadsheet data in a text file for later use by some other data analysis
program. Select Exit to close the spreadsheet window and return to the kiln status screen.

Drying History Graph
Nearly all the data that is displayed on the Individual Kiln Status screen is saved at regular
intervals in the Drying History File. The sampling interval is set up when you start the kiln. To
view the raw numbers, view the Drying History Spreadsheet. To view the same data presented
in a graphical format, view the Drying History Graph.
To select which datasets are displayed on the graph click on the Dataset menu item or press Alt-
D. The Graph Selection dialog box will appear.
Select one of the data groups in the Data Group list box. A description of the selected datasets
will be displayed in the Description text box. Select Display to display the selected datasets in
the graph, or Cancel to return to the graph without changing the datasets.
You can use the history graph's file menu to Open a different history graph, or to Print the graph.
Select Exit to close the history graph window and return to the kiln status screen.

Kiln Charge Notes
When you start a kiln, a notes file is created that includes two lines: one line with the notes file
name, the kiln number, and the kiln charge start date; and a second line with the kiln charge
number and kiln charge description. You'll note that the notes file name is constructed from the
kiln charge start date and the kiln number.
You may use Windows Notepad to add anything you like to this file. For more information on
using Windows Notepad see your Microsoft Windows User's Guide or select Help from the
Notepad menu bar.

Master Controller Operations
Master Controller Operations Overview

The Kiln Control System is fully integrated with a user interface designed according to Kiln
Control function without regard to whether the actual function being controlled is specific to the
Desktop PC, the Master Controller, or the Kiln Controller. However, there are certain functions
that are so specific to the Master Controller that they clearly belong in a class by themselves.
These functions include Coding and Steam Priority; they are to be found on the Controller
menu.

Master Controller Coding
Each Master Controller has non-volatile memory for maintaining critical system-specific values.
In older versions of the kiln control system one of these values was a unique code, thus the
traditional phrase "Coding."
Click Controllers on the menu bar to activate the menu. Use either the mouse or the arrow keys
to select Controller Coding for the desired Master Controller. A Controller-Coding dialog box
will pop up.
The first line reports the Master Controller number and the version number.
The next two lines report the dates and times that the Master Controller was coded and last
reset. If the Master Controller has never before been coded, these two lines may report invalid
dates and times.
The next line reports the results of the last Master Controller selftest. It should normally report
Passed. If the Master Controller has never before been coded, the selftest may report errors, but
it should report Passed after coding.
The next line reports the temperature units (ºC or ºF) that the Master Controller has been set up
to use.
Next, up to eight kiln numbers are listed.
At the bottom of the dialog box are displayed the current settings of the clock/calendars in both
the Desktop PC and in the Master Controller.
The Recode button can be used to change the coding of MP8-type Kiln Controllers, but not
MP16-type Controllers. Note that changing the coding of an MP8-type controller will reset all
kilns to "Not running".
Related Topic:
Master Controller Clock/Calendar
Master Controller Internal Clock/Calendar

Both the Desktop PC and the Master Controller have internal clocks and calendars. It is unlikely
that they will stay exactly in synchronization without human intervention. When the Coding
dialog box is visible you can compare the two clock/calendars. If desired, click on the Set Clock
button or press Alt-S to set the Master Controller clock/calendar to the date and time of the
Desktop PC clock/calendar. After you set the Master Controller clock/calendar, the times should
be within a few seconds of one another.

Steam Priority
The Master Controller can allocate steam among the kilns under its control to conserve steam.
Heat to selected kilns can be shut off during periods of high steam demand or whenever the mill
steam pressure falls below a certain limit.
Steam Priority is an option which must be installed. If steam priority is not installed in your
system, the functions described below will be available to you when running the Kiln Control
System , but will have no effect on operation.
Click Controllers on the menu bar to activate the Controller menu. Use either the mouse or the
arrow keys to select Steam Priority for the desired Master Controller. The Steam Priority dialog
box will pop up.
There is a line for each kiln with entries for Shutoff Pressure, Shutoff Period, Fan Control and
Vent Control.
You may click on the Erase button or press Alt-E to clear all entries from the steam priority dialog
box. You may click on the Cancel button or press Alt-C to remove the dialog box from the
screen without making any changes to the existing steam priority setup. You may click on the
Help button or press Alt-H to get to this point in the On-line Help file. Finally, when you have
made the necessary changes for the dialog box to reflect your desired steam priority setup, click
on the Save button or press Alt-S to save the steam priority setup.
When you save the steam priority setup you'll be required to enter your password before any
changes are made permanent.

Shutoff Pressure
You may enter a shutoff pressure or a shutoff period or both. Shutoff pressure is entered in
percent, and must be in the range 0 to 90.
Shutoff Period
You may enter a shutoff pressure or a shutoff period or both. To specify a shutoff period enter
the Start and End times in 24-hour format (hh:mm).
Fan Control
When steam is turned off to a kiln under the control of the steam priority system, the fans may be
turned off or left running. To have them turn off enter Y in the Fans Off? box; to leave them
running, enter N in the Fans Off? box. If you leave the Fans Off? box blank, No is assumed.
Vent Control
When steam is turned off to a kiln under the control of the steam priority system, the vents may
be closed or left under the normal control of the Kiln Controller. To have them close enter Y in
the Vents Closed? box; to leave them under normal control, enter N in the Vents Closed? box.
If you leave the Vents Closed? box blank, No is assumed.

Utilities
The Utilities menu on the Overall Kiln Status provides access to Security (passwords) and the
Activity Log.
Security
The Kiln Control System implements two levels of password security. At installation a Master
Password is assigned that must be entered for any changes to the security system. Each kiln
operator has a password that must be entered any time the Kiln Control System is directed to
perform a sensitive kiln operation.

Master Password
If there is no master password in the system, you will be warned at start-up.
If there is no master password, there will also be no operator passwords, and that, too, will be
announced.
Before you can do any useful work you must have master and operator passwords, so start by
entering the master password.
Write the master password down and keep it in a secure place. The absolute minimum
number of people should know the master password, but don't take a chance on losing it
forever, if your kiln supervisor gets hit by a beer truck.
Click Utility on the menu bar or press Alt-U to activate the utility menu. You may then click
Security or press S to activate the password modification system.
Type in the master password and press Enter. You'll then be asked to verify the password you
just typed in.
If you fail to type the master password exactly the same as before, you'll get a message to that
effect, and you'll have to start over.
If you successfully enter the master password, the Kiln Control System will have to restart with
the new master password in place. Click on OK and the Kiln Control System will restart. Once it
has done so you'll have to enter at least one operator password before you can do any useful
work, and the Kiln Control System will remind you of this any time it starts up without any
operator passwords.

Operator Passwords
Operator passwords may only be assigned or modified by someone who has possession of the
master password.
Click Utility on the menu bar or press Alt-U to activate the utility menu. You may then click
Security or press S to activate the operator password modification system. First you'll be asked
for the master password.
When you've successfully typed in the master password the security dialog box will appear. The
security dialog box is used to add new kiln operators, to change passwords of existing operators,
and to remove names from the operator list.

Adding a Kiln Operator
To add a new kiln operator click on the Add button or press Alt-A. A dialog box will pop up and
ask for the new operator's name.
Type in the operator's name. Duplicate operator names are not allowed.
When you've typed in the operator's name a dialog box will pop up and ask for the new
password.
If you should type in a password already in use the Kiln Control System will tell you so and give
you another chance to type in a unique password

When you've entered a unique password, the Kiln Control System will ask you to type it in again
to verify that you really typed what you meant to (since your keystrokes are never echoed when
typing in a password).
If you don't type in exactly the same password the second time, the Kiln Control System will
reject the password and make you start over.
When you've successfully typed in a password and verified it, the Kiln Control System will once
again ask you for the master password. If you successfully enter the master password, the new
kiln operator name and password will be added to the operator list; if not, no change will be
made.
When you are finished making changes to the operator list click on the Close button or press Alt-
C to close the security dialog box.

Using Operator Passwords
The Kiln Control System will require the entry of a valid operator password before it will
implement any control function that might impact the drying process.
If no operator passwords have been entered into the system you will not be allowed to execute
any of the sensitive functions.
No matter when the Kiln Control System asks for an operator password the sequence of events
is the same.
First a dialog box will pop up asking the user to enter his password.
If you press Esc or press Enter without typing any other characters the Kiln Control System will
inform you that no password has been entered and will return to the function that caused you to
be asked for your password without making any changes.
If you do not enter your password correctly the Kiln Control System will tell you that you've failed
and will return to the function that caused you to be asked for your password without making any
changes.
If you do enter your password correctly the Kiln Control System will execute the function that
caused you to be asked for your password.

Changing a Password
To change the password for a kiln operator first select the operator in the Operator Names list
box in the security dialog box, either by clicking on the operator name or by using the arrow keys
to highlight it, then click on the Modify button or press Alt-M. A dialog box will pop up showing
the selected operator's name.
From this point on the procedure is exactly the same as for Adding a Kiln Operator.
Deleting a Kiln Operator

To remove a kiln operator first select the operator in the Operator Names list box in the security
dialog box, either by clicking on the operator name or by using the arrow keys to highlight it, then
click on the Delete button or press Alt-D. A dialog box will pop up and ask you, if you really want
to remove the operator from the list.
If you click on the Yes button or press Alt-Y you'll be asked to type in the master password. If
you successfully type in the master password, the selected operator will be deleted from the
operator list; if not, no change will be made.

Activity Log
The Kiln Control System maintains a log of significant actions taken while the program is running.
You may view this log by clicking Utility on the menu bar or pressing Alt-U to activate the utility
menu and then clicking Activity Log or pressing A to display the activity log.
Select Close from the control menu or press Alt-F4 to remove the activity log from the screen.

MP16 Kiln Controller
Introduction
The Lignomat MP16 is a software kiln controller running on either a dedicated single-board
computer or a conventional desktop PC. The single-board computer version (MP16A, MP16B
and related models) provides the high reliability of industrial-grade hardware. The PC version
("Control PC" models) allows using commodity Desktop PC hardware where lower reliability is
acceptable.
MP16 Coding
Check with Lignomat technical support before making changes.
Incorrect settings can damage lumber!
Viewing and changing MP16 coding

MP16 control programs version 5.04 and later are configured by means of a "terminal-based"
menu program which can be run on the Host PC through a terminal emulator such as
Hyperterminal.
1. Do NOT halt the MP16 control program; it MUST be running to allow you to access the coding
menus.
2. Stop the Host program on the Host PC. Be sure that all components (e.g., KCLIENT,
KSERVER, and MP8SERVE) are stopped.
3. Run Hyperterminal (or other terminal emulator) on the Host PC.
Usually, Hyperterminal is found in the Start menu under Programs, Accessories,

Hyperterminal. Alternatively, use the Find function to search for HYPERTRM.EXE.
Set up Hyperterminal to use the COM port to which your MP16 or Control PC is connected. If
there is already a connection defined for your COM port, use it. Otherwise, just start
Hyperterminal and it will lead you through defining a "New connection". Enter a convenient name
for your connection, such as "MP16" and hit OK. In the "Connect to" dialog, select "Direct to
Com1" for "Connection using:". In the "Port settings" dialog, select the following:
Bits per second: 9600

Data bits: 8
Parity: None
Stop bits: 1
Flow control: None

4. With Hyperterminal running and connected, press Enter. You should see some odd characters
( usually three "smiley faces" and a heart). Set the CAPS LOCK, press the ESC key, and type
MAINTAIN - you should see the coding menus displayed after a pause of a few seconds. If you
still get "smiley faces", try again.
5. Note the instruction line at the bottom of the menu. Use the Tab key to move from one
highlighted item to the next, and press Enter to select. Each item displays an explanation on the
right of the screen.
6. Make the changes you need, then select the "Exit" item to restart the control program.
7. Close Hyperterminal and restart the Kiln control Host program.

MP16 Interlocks
Check with Lignomat technical support before making changes.
Incorrect settings can damage lumber!
LSA DIP Switches

These "switches" emulate functions of the original Lignomat LSA controller.
LSA Hardware DIP #1

ON: Heat valves may open in conditioning.
OFF: Heat valves stay closed in conditioning.
Default: OFF
LSA Hardware DIP #5

ON: Vents may open if EMC sensor wet (>25%).
OFF: Vents stay closed if EMC sensor wet (>25%).
Default: OFF
LSA Software DIP #1
ON: Vents may open while temperature is too low
OFF: Vents stay closed while temperature is too low.
Default: OFF
'Too low' means: any zone below 30C, or below (Desired Temperature -
(OverTemperatureValue - 2C)) after being below (Desired Temperature -
(OverTemperatureValue + 8C))
LSA Software DIP #2

ON: Internal Desired Temperature may rise if EMC < Internal Desired EMC - 0.7%
OFF: Internal Desired Temperature may NOT rise if EMC < Internal Desired EMC - 0.7%
Default: OFF

LSA Software DIP #5
ON: Vents must stay open if a white species is selected AND Active EMC <= 1.6% OR fans
not running OR bad VSD.
OFF: Vents may close under the above conditions.
Default: OFF
LSA Software DIP #6

ON: Variable OT value.
OFF: Fixed OT value.
Default: OFF
Conditioning Temperature-Rise
Provides the effects of LSA Software DIP #2 during conditioning only:
ON: In conditioning, Internal Desired Temperature may rise if EMC < Internal Desired EMC -
0.7%
OFF: obey LSA SW DIP #2 setting
Default: OFF
E-15 Time Lock

This interlock stops the incrementing of the elapsed running time whenever an E-15 error
(fans not running) occurs. This prevents schedules from advancing in time control
segments if the fans fail to run.
Default: OFF

TIL - Temperature Interlocks
These interlocks keep heat valves closed during specified conditions.
TIL 0
Kiln controller (PCM) on less than 5 minutes OR Process not running OR Fans on less than 5
minutes OR Problem with VSD.
Default: Enabled
TIL 2
Cooling down.
Default: Enabled
TIL 3
Steam conservation.
Default: Enabled
TIL 4
Active temperature of all zones < (Internal Desired Temperature - (OverTemperatureValue -
2C))
Default: Enabled
TIL 5
Active temperature of any zone < (Internal Desired Temperature - (OverTemperatureValue -
2C))
Default: Enabled
TIL 6
Process not running OR Fans on less than 2 minutes
Default: Enabled
TIL 8
In DH kilns only, reversing delay not expired.
Default: Enabled

EIL - EMC Interlocks
These interlocks keep vents closed during specified conditions.
EIL 0
PCM on less than 5 minutes OR Process not running OR Fans on less than 5 minutes OR
Problem with VSD.
Default: Enabled
EIL 1
Conditioning.
Default: Enabled
EIL 2
Cooling down.
Default: Enabled
EIL 4
Steam conservation OR, in conditioning, Active Temperature of any zone > (Desired
Temperature + (OverTemperatureValue - 2C)) OR, not conditioning, Active Temperature
of any zone > (Internal Desired Temperature + (OverTemperatureValue - 2C))
Default: Enabled
EIL 7
Spraying less than 10 minutes ago.
Default: Enabled
EIL 9
Active Temperature of any zone less than (Internal Desired Temperature -
(OverTemperatureValue-2C))
Default: Enabled

EIL 10
Reversing delay time has not expired.
Default: Enabled
EIL 12
Process not running, or fans on less than 2 minutes
Default: Enabled
EIL 13
Active Temperature of all zones less than (Internal Desired Temperature - 10C)
Default: Enabled
EIL 14
Heating up.
Default: Disabled
EIL 15
Active Temperature > DH Compressor Safe Operating Temperature
Default: Enabled
EIL 16
Spraying more than 10 minutes ago AND Active EMC was < (Internal Desired EMC - 0.7%)
less than 15 minutes ago AND Active EMC < Internal Desired EMC
Default: Enabled

Wood Group and Species Numbers
Wood group and species numbers are used to specify the correct MC probe calibration for a
particular kind of wood.
1 Wood Group 1
2 Wood Group 2
3 Wood Group 3
4 Wood Group 4
5 White Oak
6 Redwood
7 Fir, Pine
8 American Red Oak
9 Walnut
10 Douglas Fir
11 Mahogany
12 Meranti
13 Cherry
14 Eastern White Pine
15 Lauan
16 Maple
17 Ash
18 Ramin
19 Keruing
20 Poplar
21 Hickory
22 Southern Yellow Pine
23 Ponderosa Pine
24 Sugar Pine
25 Lodgepole Pine
26 Alder
27 Cedar
28 Spruce
29 Hemlock
30 Zebrawood
31 Aspen
32 Basswood
33 Beech
34 Teak

Error Codes
Error codes are used to alert the kiln operator of conditions which may require special attention.
Master Controller error codes begin with the letter M.
Kiln Controller and slave controller error codes begin with the letter E.
M-1 No reply from kiln controller

M-2 Steam pressure out of range
M-3 Steam conservation
M-4 Fatal error in schedule
M-5 Loss of Active Temperature or Active EMC values on both sides of kiln
M-6 Corrupted data in controller
M-7 Steam flow out of range
E-00 unused
E-01 unused
E-02 No data received from master
E-03 No data received from slave
E-04 EMC out of range, side A
E-05 EMC out of range, side B
E-06 Temperature out of range, side A, zone 1
E-07 Temperature out of range, side B, zone 1
E-08 Temperature out of range, side A, zone 2
E-09 Temperature out of range, side B, zone 2
E-10 Wet EMC sensor, side A

E-11 Wet EMC sensor, side B
E-12 DH kiln compressor above safe operating temperature
E-13 unused
E-14 unused
E-15 Fans not running
E-16 Fans not off (and they should be)
E-17 Wrong fan direction
E-18 Problem in frequency converter
E-19 unused
E-20 unused
E-21 unused
E-22 unused
E-23 unused
E-24 Temperature variation (active/internal desired) too large, zone 1
E-25 EMC variation (active/internal desired) too large
E-26 Active temperature greatly exceeds internal desired, zone 1 or 2
E-27 Temperature variation (active/internal desired) too large, zone 2
E-28 unused
E-29 unused

E-30 unused
E-31 unused
E-32 unused
E-33 MC 1 out of range

E-49 Inactive temperature higher than active temperature
E-50 Kiln controller ROM or CPU failure

E-51 unused
E-52 unused
E-53 unused
E-54 Kiln controller failure of power-fail-protected RAM
E-55 Kiln controller RAM or CPU failure

Glossary of Terms
Active Value
The value (EMC or Temperature) measured at the point where moving air enters the lumber
stack.
Actuator
A device, usually controlled by voltage or air, that actuates a vent, heat valve, or similar control
component.
Average MC
Average Moisture Content of all the lumber in a kiln. Calculated in the Kiln Control System by
averaging the values of all selected MC probes in a kiln.
CS Schedule
A conditioning schedule using time control.
Casehardening
A condition of stress and set in wood in which the outer fibers are under a compressive stress
and the inner fibers are under a tensile stress, the stresses persisting when the wood is uniformly
dry.
Charge Number
An identifying number or name of up to 8 characters, assigned by the kiln operator when a kiln is
started.
Compression Set
Set occurring during compression, that tends to give the wood a smaller than normal dimension
after drying.

Compressive Stress
Stress found in the interior region of wood during the early stages of drying, caused by the
shrinking of the outer shell; also, stress in the outer layers later in drying caused by the shrinking
of the interior.
Conditioning Phase
Drying phase in which moisture is rapidly added to the lumber at high temperature to remove
tension set, casehardening, or drying stress).
Conditioning Schedule
A kiln schedule with options and constraints specific to conditioning, as opposed to drying or
equalizing.
Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)

A method used by different programs running under Microsoft Windows to communicate with one
another.
DM Schedule
A drying schedule using moisture content control.
DOS
Disk Operating System, usually referring to Microsoft's MS-DOS or IBM's PC-DOS.
DT Schedule
A drying schedule. using time control.

Desired Value
The value (EMC or Temperature) serving as a control target. The controller attempts to maintain
the active value at the desired value. (See also Internal Desired Value.)
Desktop PC
A personal computer designed to be used on a desk or table, as opposed to a computer
designed to be housed in a computer room or in a harsh industrial environment.
Dry Bulb Temperature

Temperature of the kiln air.
Drying History
A list of important kiln data, collected at intervals, that describes what occurred during the drying
of a kiln charge.
Drying Phase
The phase of a drying schedule in which Temperature is ramped up and EMC is ramped down to
remove moisture from the lumber.
Drying Schedule
A kiln schedule with options and constraints specific to drying, as opposed to equalizing or
conditioning.
Drying Stress
An internal force, exerted by either of two adjacent parts of a piece of wood upon the other during
drying, caused by uneven drying and shrinkage, and influenced by set. (See also Compressive
Stress and Tensile Stress.)

EM Schedule
An equalizing schedule using moisture content control.
EPROM
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
ET Schedule
An equalizing schedule using time control.
Equalizing Phase
Controlling Temperature and EMC in the kiln at the end of drying to stop the drying of the driest
boards while allowing the wettest boards to continue drying, thus reducing the moisture range
between boards.
Equalizing Schedule
A kiln schedule with options and constraints specific to equalizing, as opposed to drying or
conditioning.
Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)

The moisture content at which wood neither gains nor loses moisture when surrounded by air at
a given relative humidity and temperature.
Fan
A device for moving air in a kiln.
Fan Direction
The direction of airflow. The Kiln Control System identifies fan direction as A or B, and the
assignment of A and B is specific to each kiln.

Fan Reversal
Changing the fan direction to cause air to flow in the opposite direction through a load of drying
lumber.
Fan Reversal Time

The time between fan reversals. Set from 5 minutes to 24 hours, in 5-minute increments.
Fan Speed
When fans are driven by a variable frequency drive fan, speed is expressed as a percentage of
the 0-10 volt analog control input to the drive. 100% equals 10 volts.
Fiber Saturation Point

The stage in the drying or wetting of wood at which the cell walls are saturated with water and the
cell cavities are free from water. It normally applies to an individual cell or group of cells, not to
whole boards. It is usually taken as approximately 30% MC.
Final MC
The target Average MC at which drying is stopped for a kiln. If Equalization and/or Conditioning
has been selected, it will begin once the Average MC equals the Final MC Final MC is set by the
kiln operator when a kiln is started.
Firmware
Computer software that is stored in an electrically non-volatile in-circuit medium, typically
EPROM.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A computer program and keyboard, mouse, and video system that allows an operator to interface
with a computer using graphic metaphors.

Grayed Out
A standard Microsoft Windows method to indicate an object is unavailable or inactive; the color of
the object is changed to gray.
Hard Copy
Text or graphics printed on paper, as opposed to a computer screen display.
Heating Coil
One or more runs of pipes, the function of which is to heat the air in the kiln.
Heating Up Phase
Drying phase in which kiln temperature and EMC are ramped up from ambient to the desired
value of the first schedule segment.
Hot Spot
A special area on a graphic in Microsoft Windows, used as a "navigational shortcut". When the
mouse cursor is on the hot spot, its shape changes from an arrow to a pointing finger. Clicking
the left mouse button on a hot spot will cause a jump to a different place in the program or help
file with information specific to the item under the hot spot.
Inactive Value
An EMC or Temperature value measured where moving air exits the lumber stack.
Individual Kiln Status (IKS)

A display window showing current values of many important kiln status and control variables.
Both text and graphic IKS displays are available in the Kiln Control System.

Internal Clock/Calendar
Most modern personal computers are equipped with an internal real time clock, powered by a
battery when the PC is off, that maintains the current date and time.
Internal Desired Value

An internal desired value (EMC or Temperature) is an intermediate control target value for the
controller as it attempts to ramp smoothly toward an ultimate desired value.
Kiln
A heated chamber for drying lumber, veneer, and other wood products in which temperature and
relative humidity are controlled.
Kiln Charge Description

A description of up to 32 characters, entered by the kiln operator when a kiln is started.
Kiln Charge Elapsed Time

The total time, in days, hours, and minutes, since the kiln was started for the current kiln charge.
Kiln Charge Start Date

The current date (from the desktop PC's internal clock/calendar) at the time the kiln charge was
started.
Kiln Number
A unique number between 1 and 99, for identifying a specific kiln.

Kiln Schedule
A list of drying segments describing changes in Temperature and EMC desired to effect lumber
drying. Movement from one schedule segment to the next can be based on either elapsed time
or average MC. The Kiln Control System provides schedule formats specific to Drying,
Equalizing, and Conditioning, and provides both MC-based and time-based schedule control.
LMC
The Multi-zone kiln Controller.
LSA
The Lignomat Semi-Automatic kiln controller.
MC Probe
Moisture Content Probe.
MP8
The Lignomat "MicroProcessor 8", a master controller which can control up to 8 kilns.
Microsoft Windows
An operating environment, developed by Microsoft Corp., that provides a graphical multiple
window user interface for desktop PCs.
Moisture Content
Weight of the water contained in piece of lumber, expressed as a percentage of the weight of the
same piece of lumber after oven drying.
Moisture content of lumber is measured by passing a constant current from one electrode to
another through the lumber and measuring the resistance of the lumber, which is then correlated
to moisture content (correcting for species and temperature).

Moisture Content Control Schedule
A kiln schedule wherein movement from one schedule segment to the next is controlled by the
measured average moisture content of the lumber in the kiln.
Multitasking
The capability of an operating system or operating environment to (apparently) run several
programs at the same time, by dividing time among them.
Overall Kiln Status (OKS)

A display window showing key kiln status variables for all kilns under system control.
On-line Help
A system that provides information about using a computer-based system to the user of the
system, while (s)he is using the system.
Oven Dry
Wood is oven dried by holding it a temperature of 214 to 221°F until it no longer loses weight
(due to the loss of moisture).
Over Temperature Alarm

An over temperature alarm occurs, if the active temperature exceeds the internal desired
temperature (except in conditioning where the active temperature is compared with the displayed
desired temperature) by 15°F.
Relative Humidity
Ratio of the amount of water vapor present in the air to that which the air would hold at saturation
at the same temperature.

Schedule Library
The Kiln Control System maintains a schedule library of up to 50 kiln schedules that may be
selected when a kiln is started.
Schedule Number
A number between 1 and 50 that corresponds to a specific schedule in your schedule library.
Screen Shot
Term used to describe a printed or displayed version of a computer video screen or portion
thereof.
Sensor
A device that converts any change in some control variable to an electrical value that can be
interpreted by a kiln controller.
Set
A localized semipermanent deformation in wood caused by internal tensile or compressive
stresses. (See also Compression Set and Tension Set.)
Species Number
A number corresponding to a Wood Group or Species in the Wood Group and Species Table.
The same Species Numbers are used for all related moisture detection and control products.
Spray System
A method for injecting steam or water into a kiln to increase the EMC.

Temperature
Refers to dry bulb temperature, unless specified as wet bulb temperature.
Temperature Zone
An area within the dry kiln where temperature can be controlled independently of other zones.
Tensile Stress
Stress in the outer layers of wood during the early stages of dying when the layers are trying to
shrink but are restrained by the still-wet interior region; also, the stress in the interior layers later
in drying as they try to shrink and are restrained by the set outer shell.
Tension Set
Set introduced while wood is under tension, that tends to give the wood a larger than normal
dimension after drying.
Time Control Schedule

A kiln schedule wherein movement from one schedule segment to the next is controlled by
elapsed time.
Transducer
A device that converts between electrical, mechanical, air, etc. signals.
Vent
An opening in the kiln roof or wall, or in the blower duct work, that can be opened or closed in
order to maintain the desired relative humidity within the kiln.

Video Terminal
A device used to allow communication with a computer. The device itself has limited capability,
generally emulating a "glass teletype".
Warming Thru Phase

Drying phase in which Temperature and EMC are held constant for a scheduled period of time
after the initial desired values have been reached.
Wet Bulb Temperature

Temperature indicated by a sensor, the sensitive element of which is covered by a smooth,
clean, soft, water-saturated cloth.
Wood Group 1
Gonzales Alves, Parana Pine (core), Zebra Wood, Waferboard (with phenolic resin).
Wood Group 2
Abachi, Abura, Afrormosia, Beech, Cedar (all types), Cypress, Dogwood, Iroko, Locust,
Red/White Oak, Poplar, Parana Pine (sap wood), Ramin, Rosewood, Sapeli-Mahogany, Teak,
Wenge, Waferboard (with urea resin), Hardboard.
Wood Group 3
Afzelia, Agba, Alder, Ash, Basswood, Balsa, Birch, Cherry, Chestnut, Cottonwood, Elm, Fir, Gum,
Hemlock, Hickory, Larch, Limba, Macore, Maple, Merbau, Myrtlewood, European Oak, Pecan,
Pine, Redwood, Spruce, Walnut, Willow, Fiberboard.
Wood Group 4
Dibetou, Lauan (white/red), Meranti (dark red), Sipo-Mahogany.

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Lignomat

Version 2.20 - March 2002

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 1

Kiln Control Actuators

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 2

Windowed Graphical Displays

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 3

Help Menu Commands

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 4

OKS Kilns Menu

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 5

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 6

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 7

The current phase is highlighted.

Elapsed times are displayed in days, hours, and minutes.

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 8

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 9

IKS Graphic Display End View

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 10

Lignomat Kiln Control System - 11

Select Text Display to bring up the text IKS screen.

Drying Status Display

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Kiln Operations Overview

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Final Moisture Content

Kiln Charge Description

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Drying History Offset

When you've entered the history offset, press Tab.

Start and Cancel Buttons

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Kiln Schedule Overview

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If you select Modify , you will be warned if the schedule is in use.

For more information about schedule jumps see Schedule Jumps.

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If you select OK you'll be presented with a blank schedule form.

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