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Moisture is a key parameter in the production of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Moisture content regulates the overall durability and strength of the board and the board’s appearance and quality are determined by moisture distribution.

Blows (localized delamination) are due in part to the build-up of excessive steam during the hot press process; in some cases, this may cause core separation. The moisture content of the furnish must be completely optimized to save on fuel costs.

Incoming wood species, such as pine, poplar and fir, are stripped of the bark, chipped and screened before being washed and fed into the digester. Resin, wax and, in other cases, urea water are introduced to the softened fiber, which is then flash dried while being pneumatically conveyed to a fiber bin.

Fiber is then fed into a grader and laid out into a mat which is fused together at the forming pre-press. The mat then enters the hot press, where it is transformed into a panel through the application of high pressure and exposure to temperature.

Moisture measurements are generally conducted on the incoming green wood chips, on the refined fiber, and on the pre-formed mat.

Due to the broad range of manufacturing processes, installation locations will vary between plants; the gauge can be mounted above a conveyor, as well as over or on the side of the mat, approximately 8” above the product.

It is also placed so that it is looking into a fiber bin or the underside of a gravity chute via a viewing window. It is recommended to connect the air purge window to a compressed air line to stop the build-up of resin and dust on the viewing window.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by KPM Analytics.

For more information on this source, please visit KPM Analytics.

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