Optimize Kiln Operations Based on Real-Time Lumber Moisture Content
EchoStop measures lumber MC and automatically adjusts drying schedules—shortening drying time, improving quality and consistency, and reducing energy use.
No plates. No moving parts. Continuous, no-contact in-kiln moisture measurement.
Ideal for continuous drying kilns (CDKs).
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.
Solution
The EchoStop Solution
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.
How It Works
EchoStop uses no-contact RF technology to measure lumber moisture content inside the kiln.
1 / An RF signal is generated outside the kiln and transmitted to the four (4) antennas installed inside the kiln.
2 / The antennas 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 kiln’s push rate and/or temperature is automatically adjusted based on real-time lumber moisture to optimize drying schedules.
Why Kiln Operators Choose EchoStop
Feature / Requirement | Traditional In-Kiln Moisture Systems | EchoStop |
|---|---|---|
Drying Control | Data used mainly for monitoring | Enables automated drying schedule adjustments |
Maintenance | Higher due to wear and alignment issues | Minimal to no maintenance |
Impact on Operations | Can disrupt stacking or kiln loading | No disruption or interruption to kiln operations |
Moving Parts | Moving or mechanical components inside the kiln | No moving or mechanical components inside the kiln |
Installation | Often requires multiple days of kiln shutdown | Typically half-day shutdown |
Measurement Method | Capacitance-based, requires physical contact with lumber | RF-based, requires no physical contact with lumber |
FAQ
Does EchoStop replace hot checks?
Yes. EchoStop provides continuous, in-kiln moisture measurement. Our clients typically stop doing hot checks.
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Can it integrate with existing kiln controls?
Yes. EchoStop is designed to work with existing kiln control systems to enable automated schedule adjustments.
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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.
