EchoStop™: Advanced RF Moisture Measurement for Continuous Dry Kilns (CDKs)
EchoStop™ by Secovac is a cutting-edge, contactless moisture measurement system engineered specifically for Continuous Dry Kilns (CDKs) in the lumber industry. Using proprietary Radio Frequency (RF) technology, EchoStop™ delivers real-time, non-invasive moisture readings that optimize drying performance, reduce energy consumption, and protect lumber quality.
🔍 Why EchoStop™ Stands Out
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Contactless Moisture Sensing
Unlike traditional capacitance-based systems, EchoStop™ uses RF signals to measure moisture without touching the lumber. This eliminates the need for metal plates or mechanical arms inside the kiln. -
Dual-Zone Monitoring
EchoStop™ measures moisture at both the entry and exit points of the central drying zone, providing dynamic feedback to adjust kiln parameters like push rate and dry bulb temperature. -
No Batteries or Electronics Inside the Kiln
The system’s antenna is powered externally, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance and risk of battery explosion in high-temperature environments. -
Seamless PLC Integration
EchoStop™ communicates directly with your kiln’s PLC via Ethernet, enabling autonomous operation and real-time control.
⚙️ Key Benefits
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Up to 10% Productivity Boost
Optimize drying schedules and reduce bottlenecks with precise moisture data. -
Energy Efficiency
Lower fuel consumption and VOC emissions by avoiding overdrying. -
Improved Grade Recovery
Protect lumber from warping and degrade, reducing reprocessing and waste. -
Minimal Maintenance
With no moving parts or internal electronics, EchoStop™ is built for durability and reliability.
📈 Ideal for Modern CDK Operations
Whether you're upgrading an existing kiln or designing a new high-efficiency drying line, EchoStop™ offers a scalable, future-ready solution for moisture control. It’s compatible with most computerized kiln controllers and supports remote monitoring and diagnostics.
How It Works
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An RF (Radio Frequency) box located outside the kiln generates an electromagnetic pulse of known power.
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This pulse is transmitted to an antenna inside the kiln via a high-temperature coaxial cable.
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The antenna directs the pulse toward the wood, which absorbs, transmits, and reflects portions of it.
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The reflected portion is captured by the same antenna and sent back to the RF box through the coaxial cable.
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Inside the RF box, the signal is analyzed and converted into wood moisture data using an analytical model developed by Secovac.
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Wood humidity—both above and below the fiber saturation point—is measured at the beginning and end of the central drying zone of the continuous dry kiln.
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These humidity measurements are used to adjust the dry bulb temperature of the central drying zone and the lumber’s push rate.
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All RF boxes in the kiln are connected via Ethernet cable to the Power box, which supplies both communication and 24 VDC power using PoE (Power Over Ethernet) technology.
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When the kiln PLC signals the end of a push, the EchoStop™ program initiates a humidity reading from each RF box in sequence via the Ethernet network.
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After processing the data, the EchoStop™ program writes the moisture values to the kiln's PLC.
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These values are then displayed in the HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for monitoring and control.
🏆 Valuable Features
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The contactless EchoStop™ system is well-suited for continuous kilns.
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Kiln operators are not required to insert plates into wood packages
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No batteries are present inside the kiln, eliminating the risk of explosion or fire
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The EchoStop™ system contains no moving parts within the kiln.
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Seamlessly integrates with nearly any computerized continuous kiln controller via PLC.
RF Box in Stainless Steel Outside of the Kiln (12"x12"x8")
Protective Stainless Steel around the Antenna Inside the Kiln (12"x12"x10").
Antennas Located at the Beginning and at the End of the Central Drying Zone.
