i work at a stave mill...we kiln dry white oak products...after a few runs...we get a white slimy fungi in the kilns...not sure what it is...why we get it...we used to use chlorine bleach to kill it...but was informed we are not supposed to use chlorine based products to kill it off...i am wondering what that fungi is...& why it comes back
From contributor Ge
Does it develop on the lumber or on the kiln walls and floor? If on the lumber, it is resulting from excessively slow drying...possibly low air flow with high RH, in some combination. This fungus also grows best at cooler temperatures, so are you also at 100 F? It is possible that your kiln controls are out of calibration, so the settings or recording of conditions is in error. To check calibration, you need an instrument that will check to at least 1/2 degree accuracy and preferably 0.1 degree. Typically, we are dealing with a 4 or 5 degree difference between DB and WB, so most auxiliary equipment for measuring temperature will not be accurate enough.
As a first step, take the wick off the wet-bulb and then, after a few minutes, see of it reads identical to the DB. (The air flow must go across the dry WB before the air enters the load.)
From contributor Ja
Mostly in the drain pan and on radiator
From contributor Ge
In addition to moisture and warmth, the fungus also need food to grow. They do not eat metal, but live on dust, dirt, wood debris, etc. So, it sound like you have some dust issues (maybe the lumber was sawn on a small mill that left a lot of dust on the surface). But if you can clean off the various surfaces between each load, you will be OK. High pressure might damage things, so be careful with a power washer...maybe just a hose and spray nozzle without too much pressure.
