No Contact In-Kiln Moisture Meter System
Get the most out of your kiln
With no plates and no moving parts, EchoStop™ is the ideal moisture measurement system for both continuous and batch kilns.
The EchoStop™ system measures in real-time the moisture content inside the kiln without touching the lumber. The moisture data integrates with the kiln’s controls to adjust the push rate and drying temperature, shortening drying times, improving lumber quality and consistency, and reducing energy use.
The EchoStop Solution
Traditional in-kiln moisture measurement systems rely on physical contact with the lumber, requiring manual plate insertion or mechanical components inside the kiln.
This increases labor, maintenance, downtime, and safety risks, while limiting how effectively moisture data can be used for real-time control.
EchoStop eliminates the complexity, labor, and maintenance of contact-based measurement systems while enabling real-time, automated kiln control based on actual lumber moisture content.
Reduces drying times through optimized schedules
Lowers energy consumption by eliminating unnecessary kiln hours
Improves grade yield by avoiding over- and under-drying
Enables automated kiln control based on real lumber moisture content
How It Works
The EchoStop system is based on radiofrequency (RF) technology, similar to many inline planer moisture systems.
The EchoStop measures the lumber's moisture at the start and end of the drying process through four (4) sensors located at the entry and exit of the CDK's drying section.
1 / An RF signal is generated by the power box outside the kiln and is transmitted to the four (4) sensors installed inside the kiln via coaxial cables.
2 / The sensors direct the RF signal toward the lumber packs. The lumber absorbs, transmits and reflects portions of the signal based on its moisture content.
3 / The reflected portion of the RF signal (the "Echo") is analyzed and converted into wood moisture data using an analytical model proprietary to Secovac. The moisture content data is then sent to the kiln's PLC.
4 / The kiln’s push rate and/or dry bulb temperature is automatically adjusted based on real-time lumber moisture to optimize drying schedules.
System Features
Dual zone monitoring
EchoStop™ measures moisture at both the entry and exit points of the central drying zone, providing dynamic feedback to adjust the push rate and the dry bulb temperature.
No mechanical maintenance
Unlike traditional capacitance-based systems, EchoStop™ uses RF signals to measure moisture without touching the lumber. This means there are no plates or mechanical arms inside the kiln.
No additional software
EchoStop™ communicates directly with the kiln’s PLC via Ethernet, enabling autonomous operation and real-time control.
Minimal downtime
Installation and system start-up only takes a few hours.
Increased safety
There are no batteries or electronics inside the kiln as the system is powered externally, eliminating the risk of explosions in high-temperature environments.
Feature / Requirement | Traditional In-Kiln Moisture Systems | EchoStop™ |
|---|---|---|
Measurement Method | Capacitance-based, requires physical contact with lumber | RF-based, requires no physical contact with lumber |
Installation | Often requires multiple days of kiln shutdown | Typically half-day shutdown |
Moving Parts | Moving or mechanical components inside the kiln | No moving or mechanical components inside the kiln |
Impact on Operations | Can disrupt stacking or kiln loading | No disruption or interruption to kiln operations |
Maintenance | Higher due to wear and alignment issues | Minimal to maintenance |
Drying Control | Data used mainly for monitoring | Enables automated drying schedule adjustments |
FAQ
Does EchoStop replace hot checks?
Yes. EchoStop provides continuous, in-kiln moisture measurement. Our clients typically stop doing hot checks.
Can it integrate with existing kiln controls?
Yes. EchoStop is designed to work with existing kiln control systems to enable automated schedule adjustments.
How much maintenance is needed?
Minimal to no maintenance. With no moving parts, the system requires only occasional antenna cleaning, typically every 2–6 months based on sap accumulation.