Specific features, problems of drying, and great usage of beech wood in production were the most important reasons for studying the influence of 4 different drying procedures on wood quality. 34 mm thick samples were dried from its raw state to the final humidity of 10 %; dried either in the open air, in drying chambers, with a vacuum procedure, and in an electric field of high frequency. Drying procedures were evaluated regarding speed and time of drying, achieved final humidity and humidity gradient, level of bark, and occurence of drying failures. Drying in the electric field of high frequency was the fastest. Also, an average humidity gradient was lower with the high frequency drying than in other drying procedures. The continuing vacuum drying was preferential from the point of view of quality and time of drying. The humidity gradient and the speed of wood drying in continuing vacuum drying were satisfactory, and therefore comparable to the natural procedure of drying.
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