
Drying systems for the wood-based materials industry
State-of-the-art technology in other sectors has long been in demand today in the wood-based materials industry: low-emission and energy-efficient belt drying systems for pre- and main drying of fibres, chips and OSB strands in chipboard production.
Efficiency, durability and the highest safety standards are expected from drying plants in the wood-based materials industry. As a leading manufacturer, stela Laxhuber has been intensively involved in residual wood drying for many years and therefore delivers the necessary know-how.
Wood as a material – a success story
Wood is one of the oldest materials used by humans. The possibilities of use have greatly expanded. While sawn timber was the essential material until the 20th century, there are now a variety of products. In particular, the panel products, such as OSB, MDF/HDF, plywood or multiplex panels, are indispensable in the modern world. They offer wide-ranging possibilities for use. Depending on the situation, they have much better properties than sawn timber. This includes, for example, the size/geometry in plate form, homogeneity, stability and flexural strength.
The much more efficient use of fresh wood in panel production and the use of secondary raw materials such as residual wood or waste wood is also crucial. The modern wood-based materials industry can in part enable cascading use or a circular economy.
Drying products from the wood industry
Natural wood is subject to fluctuations in shape, strength, moisture and other properties. To produce a raw material for making challenging end products from fresh wood, it must be homogenised. There are two essential steps – crushing and drying. All types of wood (hardwood, needle, tropical wood) can be dried in different degrees of comminution on our belt drying systems:
- From finest shavings to sawdust
- Sawdust
- Planing shavings
- Fibres
- OSB strands
The right drying as an essential component in the wood industry
Our low-temperature belt dryers can be individually adapted to the drying product and the desired throughput.
- BTL belt dryer (2000 mm – 3000 mm belt width)– Ideal for small to medium capacities.
- BT belt dryer (6200 mm – 8400 mm belt width)– Perfect for high production volumes.
more information:
belt dryer type BTL belt dryer type BT
Drying quality in practice
By using material feeding specially adapted to your drying product through double or overflow screws, we can feed each belt dryer evenly. Unlike other drying processes, there is no material separation and the entire drying process takes place at low temperatures. This allows good regulation of the drying and always full control over the degree of drying achieved. With the help of automatic humidity control, we regulate the desired target humidity of the material to be dried fully automatically.
Energy efficiency to reduce operating costs and emissions
The patented RecuDry® technology also allows latent heat recovery from the exhaust air. In a special module, part of the exhaust air is condensed, and the heat released is used. A specially developed unit for cleaning and condensate treatment ensures that this works smoothly for many years. With this technology, we are tapping into a great energy saving potential.

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Our references
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Contact person
Low temperature, continuous dryer, circulating dryer – not sure what’s the best choice for you? Our experienced colleagues will be happy to help you find the best solution for your product. Please feel free to contact us without obligation.
Telephone +49 8724 899-10
Email sales[at]stela.de