Russian sawmill modernization (a case study). Part 1: optimizing processes of low-grade timber debarking and wood chipping

ABSTRACT This paper offers a new technological solution for low-quality log chipping that enables sawmills to produce wood chips efficiently and with less waste. The proposed solution for sorting wood chips helps to solve a number of urgent problems crucial to log processing. Intellectualization of sorting operations not only minimizes wood residues, but also enables the maintenance of equipment. Modifications in the chipping system, namely laser sensors and a microcontroller, help operators detect debarking defects and perform the cutting tool wear monitoring. The results of the study show that a control system intellectualization allows an efficient use of equipment and thereby serves to improve production efficiency. This study primarily concentrates on coniferous logs. The technology developed in this study is applicable to log processing equipment and can be used in debarking machines at other mills.