A series of charges of twenty timber species were dried employing
solar drying as well as the conventional air drying and steam heated
kiln drying methods. Solar and air drying were continued for
three years during the entire drying seasons. The results suggest
that the climatic conditions of Bangladesh are suitable for operating
greenhouse type solar kilns throughout the year. Even refractory
timbers of higher dimensions can be dried during the rainy season
to a desired lower moisture content. The quality of the solar dried
timber is found to be superior to both air and kiln dried timber.
Solar drying is significantly more efficient than air drying. It is a
simpler and less expensive drying technique than kiln drying. It is
recommended that the solar drying technique be employed in wood
based industries for effectve utilization of Bangladeshi timber.