SECOVAC Kiln Control Software
Multi-Zone Kiln Control Software For Batch Kilns
Intelligent kiln control built for real-world drying
Secovac’s Multi-Zone Kiln Control System transforms lumber drying from reactive adjustments to data-driven precision.
Leveraging the temperature drop across the load (TDAL) logic, lumber moisture content and flexible segment-based drying strategies, operators can run faster schedules, improve moisture uniformity, and reduce energy consumption without increasing risk.
Trusted in +50 industrial kilns across Eastern Canada, Secovac control systems are engineered for reliability, retrofit flexibility, and long-term performance.
SECOVAC Kiln Control Software
Secovac’s Multi-Zone Control System is a fully automated kiln control platform built around the Temperature Drop Across the Load (TDAL) principle. By continuously monitoring the true drying conditions across the lumber charge, it provides actionable information throughout the entire drying cycle — and automatically shuts the kiln down when the target moisture content is reached.
When paired with AccuStop™ or EchoStop™, Secovac’s in-kiln moisture measurement system, the control platform can accurately detect the lumber’s Fiber Saturation Point (FSP). This critical transition point allows operators to safely accelerate the drying schedule at the optimal moment, reducing total drying time without increasing the risk of casehardening, internal stress, or degrade.
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 TDAL and real lumber moisture content when paired with AccuStop™ or EchoStop™
How It Works
Secovac’s Multi-Zone Control System does not rely on time-based schedules or generalized kiln averages like most control systems do.
Instead, it continuously interprets real drying activity inside the kiln and adjusts the kiln's conditions and drying schedules accordingly.
1 / Measure drying intensity across the load
The system continuously monitors Temperature Drop Across the Load (TDAL), that is he temperature difference between entering and exiting air.
This measurement reflects the true drying activity occurring inside the lumber charge as opposed to time-based schedules or generalized kiln averages (A).
2 / Apply segment-based control logic
Each stage of the drying schedule operates under a predefined control philosophy. Rather than running a static schedule, the system applies distinct strategies as the lumber transitions through different moisture states (B).
Based on TDAL and temperature conditions, the system automatically adjusts dry bulb, wet bulb, and venting parameters with respect to the active segment. Operators can increase or decrease drying aggressiveness at any stage without rebuilding the entire schedule.
3 / Integrate real-time moisture data when paired with AccuStop™ or EchoStop™
When integrated with AccuStop™ or EchoStop™, the system monitors true in-kiln moisture content and can accurately detect the Fiber Saturation Point (FSP). This allows the schedule to safely accelerate at precisely the right time without introducing internal stress, casehardening, or degrade.
4/ Automatically advance or hold the schedule
The system continuously evaluates TDAL trends, temperature stability, and moisture data to determine whether to:
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Maintain conditions
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Advance the schedule
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Modify drying intensity
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Terminate the cycle
This reduces operator guesswork and improves repeatability.
5/ Shut down at target moisture content
When the lumber reaches the defined endpoint, the system automatically terminates the drying cycle. This prevents overdrying, saves energy, and improves consistency from charge to charge (C).
(A) This screen displays the kiln's Cross Section view with vent and valve openings.
(B) The drying schedule automatically advances through each drying segment once the lumber in the kiln reaches a given target MC - when integrated with AccuStop or EchoStop.
(C) The Graph Screen shows in real-time the lumber MC, temperatures, vent and valve openings and pressures.
System Features
Fully Automated Schedule Progression and Kiln Shut-Down
Advances drying schedules automatically based on real-time kiln conditions and shuts the kiln off when the target moisture content is achieved, reducing operator intervention and variability and preventing overdrying.
Multi-Zone TDAL Control
Uses Temperature Drop Across the Load (TDAL) to monitor true drying intensity across the charge, not just average kiln air conditions.
Easy and Comprehensive Kiln Operations Reporting
Provides detailed drying reports, including start and end times, segment durations, alarm counts, monthly kiln running time, etc.
Flexible Temperature Control Points
Control dry and wet bulb temperatures at entering air, exiting air, or average conditions; configurable per drying segment.
Integrated Moisture Data (AccuStop™ Compatible)
Seamlessly integrates real-time in-kiln moisture measurement to detect Fiber Saturation Point (FSP) and optimize schedule acceleration.
Sensor Calibration & Drift Correction
Built-in RTD and thermocouple calibration minimizes temperature noise and eliminates “sawtooth” effects for stable control.
Retrofit & New Installation Ready
Designed for integration with existing kiln infrastructure, PLC systems, and industrial panels.