REGULATOR EQUIPPED WITH A MICROPROCESSOR TO CONTROL THE WOOD STEAMING
STM03

This device allows the operator to control the wood steaming process by measuring the temperature within the kiln and by controlling the steam flow. Moreover, it allows the dumpers, to be opened for the air exchange if need be.

Characteristics and main functions:

- ALL ADJUSTMENTS ARE CONTROLLED BY MEANS OF A MICROPROCESSOR
- FULLY AUTOMATIC STEAMING PROGRAM
- REAL TIME CLOCK WITH DATE AND BACKUP BATTERY
- CAN BE CONNECTED TO A PC
- DIRECT CONNECTION TO 4 TEMPERATURE PROBES
- BACK-LIGHTING ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY
- SIMPLE MENU CONFIGURATION
- HISTORICAL ARCHIVE (MEMORIZATION OF DATA AND ANOMALIES)

The temperature measurement is carried out by means of one or more temperature probes connected to the unit (4 max.), positioned within the kiln or in the wood. It is possible to set the number of probes.

If two or more probes are set the regulator uses the arithmetic average of the temperature values measured as the steaming temperature.

The unit carries out the steaming process according to a well-defined program set down by the user. Such program is subdivided into eight phases.

The following parameters can be set for each steaming program phase:
- Final temperature (or temperature to be attained);
- Max. temperature gradient in °C/hr (or °F/hr);
- Phase duration.
Each phase can be either abled or disabled depending on the user’s requirements.

The temperature is raised (or lowered) starting from the temperature existing in the kiln at the beginning of the phase up to the final temperature value which has been set. Once such temperature is reached it is kept constant until the end of the phase.

The temperature is adjusted so as never exceed or fall below the max. gradient temperature which has been set. The unit traces an ideal line which starts from the temperature at the beginning of the phase with a slope which is equal to the gradient which has been set and thus adjusts the temperature of the kiln using this line as the requested temperature until the final temperature is reached.

The actual duration of the steaming phase depends on the duration which has been programmed and on the timing mode which has been set.

If the timing mode is “from the beginning of the phase”, the regulator begins timing from the beginning of the phase.

If the timing mode is “once set point has been reached”, the regulator begins timing when the programmed final temperature is reached.

The steaming phase can be started from any of the phases which are active. The operator may also suspend, restart and/or interrupt the process at any time.

To ensure the correct execution of the steaming program and to avoid any damage whatsoever to the wood, any irregular condition is identified and signaled to the user by the message which appears on the display and by an alarm relay.

The central unit is equipped with an internal memory capable of memorizing the progress of the steaming process by analyzing the data it has stored in its memory and it is thus possible to check the correct execution of the process. If the central unit is connected to a PC the afore-mentioned data can be transferred, saved and/or displayed directly by the PC.

A lock key with four numbers allows access to the functions of the regulator to be limited solely to authorized personnel and prevents anyone else from voluntarily and/or involuntarily changing important parameters and/or carry out unauthorized operations.

As previously stated the unit can be connected to a PC for remote access, the setting of parameters and/or downloading of the historical data.

A double dedicated communication line is used for the connection. Several STM03 units and/or other wood-drying control devices can be applied on the same line.