Product Description
Package K2-33M
The K2-33M package includes the PK in kiln system for monitoring and measuring EMC and moisture content of lumber. PK wood probes and cables reach places that would otherwise be unreachable within a dry kiln. Additionally, the E12 electrode is included for on-the-spot, in-depth measurements to determine the moisture distribution between surface and core. True moisture values can be detected up to 2″ deep, even if the surface of the lumber is wet.
The package K2-33M consists of:
- Lignometer K
- electrode E12
- 1 pair each DA and DZ pins
- 1 BNC cable
- case M
in-kiln parts - 3 pairs of PKB probes
- 3 cables PK-H 12 ft long
- 1 switch box
- 1 station plate
- 1 EMC holder
- pack of EMC wafers
- 15 ft of teflon cable to connect switch box to station plate
The Lignometer K incorporates reliability, calibration accuracy and ease-of-operation with over 150 individual wood species corrections, a wide measuring range 5-99% and built-in wood temperature corrections. Unsurpassed accuracy is guaranteed even in the critical range below 8%. The Lignometer K has proven to perform well in rough mill environments with day-to-day usage.
A BNC connector is installed in the top of the meter for pin electrodes and for in-kiln or extension cables (with Adapter H) is installed in the top of the meter.
PK probes and cables have been used to measure moisture inside dry kilns for over 50 years. PK probes are still used with Lignomat’s dry kiln control systems for small and large, industrial kilns. If multiple probes and cables are used, kiln performance can be checked by distributing the cables in top, bottom, sides and middle sections of the kiln. Cables are standard 12ft long, but can be custom-cut upon request up to 50 ft long .
All probes have a hole in the head for pushing a 4 mm banana plug through. This is a fail-proof connection. The probes have teflon-coated shanks, which insure that the moisture is measured at the depth the probes reach and measurements are not affected by surface moisture. Probes are inserted into pre-drilled holes and are set correctly and removed properly with the Pulling Tool.
All PK probes are made out of stainless steel to withstand the harsh conditions in a kiln. They can be re-used for many drying cycles. Using the pulling tool will help to set and remove probes without any damage.
PK probes can be used in many materials other than wood, such as concrete, brick, tile, roofing. They monitor changes in moisture content at the depth where the tips of the probes are placed.
PKA: measuring depth 1/2″ (1.2cm) 4/4 lumber
PKB: measuring depth 3/4″ (1.9cm) 6/4 lumber
PKC: measuring depth 1″ (2.5cm) 8/4 lumber
PKD: measuring depth 1 1/2″ (3.8cm) 12/4 lumber
PKE: measuring depth 2 3/4″ (7cm)
Measurements from PK probes can be obtained with
– handheld moisture meters (Lignometer K or Ligno-VersaTec)
– MC Tracker data logger
– wireless transmitters
– kiln control systems from Lignomat
Cables: The PK-H cables have 4mm plugs on each end. The plugs fit the PK probes on one end and the adapter H, switch box or angle connector on the other end. 
To connect PK cables with split ends to the moisture meter Lignometer K and Ligno-VersaTec, the adapter H is used.
The cables included in the K2-11M package are 6ft long. Upon request we can supply longer cables, please call customer service at 800-227-2105 for a quote.
EMC (equilibrium moisture content)
Measuring EMC inside a dry kiln is an important addition to the PK probe and cable system. The station plate gives a convenient plug-in for the EMC holder and thus allows the EMC to be obtained at the switch box outside the kiln.
The cellulose wafer inside the EMC holder quickly reaches an equilibrium with the surrounding air wherever it is placed, inside a dry kiln, air drying shed, warehouse, shop, house or office. To obtain EMC measurements, connect the Ligno-VersaTec or the Lignometer K, select the EMC setting and the correct temperature and the meter indicates the EMC value for the relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. The kiln control systems and wireless monitors automatically correct for the EMC setting and the temperature and produce corrected EMC values.
More info on EMC measurement.
EMC Charts:
EMC, relative humidity, wet-bulb and dry bulb temperature describe humidity / temperature of air. They are all related and can be converted into one another. Corresponding values for stable conditions of relative humidity / temperature and wood moisture content are listed in the EMC Chart. Conversions are listed in the EMC-RH-WB Charts.
— EMC-Chart up to 120°F (50°C)
— EMC-RH-WB Chart for kiln-dyring up to 210°F (98 °C)
— EMC-RH-WB Graph for kiln-drying up to 260°F
— EMC-RH-WB Graph for kiln-drying up to 120°C
Example:
At a temperature of 70°F and 45% relative humidity, the EMC according to the chart is 8.5 %. That means, wood with a moisture content of 8.5% is stable, it will not absorb or loose any moisture, will not shrink, warp or cup. If wood in the same ambient conditions has a moisture content of 10.5%, it will loose moisture until 8.5% has been reached. This loss in moisture can cause wood movement depending on wood species, wood thickness and time of exposure.
Looking at drying conditions in dry kilns or wood sheds: If the moisture content of wood is 15% and the EMC of the surrounding air independent of the temperature is also 15% no drying will take place. If the moisture content of the wood would be 22%, there is a moisture gradient and the wood will dry. Lignomat has been using EMC measurements from cellulose wafers for over 50 years to control the drying process in kiln control systems.
The station plate is mounted inside a dry kiln and acts as a junction box for 3 (4) sets of PK-H cables and 1 (0) EMC holder. EMC holder plugs directly into the station plate.
Teflon cable 15 ft is included. Cable is long enough for a distance of 3 1/2 ft between switch box outside of kiln and station plate inside of kiln.
The switch box is installed outside the dry kiln and connected to the station plate by wires. The switch box is equipped with a BNC connector for the BNC cable from the Lignometer K and a 4 to 12 position dial to obtain measurements from the station plate.
Large kilns: 3 station plates can be used per switch box for a total of 9 (12) wood probe/cable sets and 3 (0) EMC stations. Call customer service for a quote when more than 1 station plate per kiln is needed.
Electrode E12: The E12 is designed to measure moisture from the surface to 2″ deep (with DB pins). All E12 pins are insulated and measure only at the tip. The slide hammer helps inserting and removing the pins. 
As pins are hammered into the material, consecutive readings show the moisture distribution within the material at every depth level the pins are driven to. The ability to measure a moisture gradient is one of the main reasons for our customers to use the electrode E12.
Wood: Taking numerous readings as pins are inserted, indicate if a moisture gradient exists or if the wood is dry throughout the core. Making sure wood is evenly dried is the best assurance for quality wood products. The thicker the wood, the more important core readings become. When inspecting wood floors, using the E12 gives you a tool to assess moisture distribution through floor planks into the sub floor without having to remove any floor planks. No other tool can achieve the same measuring accuracy at a defined depth.
Lumber: Using the slide-hammer electrode E12 is the industry standard when drying lumber. It is important to be able to measure surface and core moisture at any stage of the drying process to avoid degrade during drying and to find out when the wood is evenly dried at the end of the kiln charge.
The electrode E12 comes with 1 pair each of 1″ pins and 1 pair of 1.5″. The 2″ long pins need to be ordered separately.
E12 pins are teflon coated to only measure at the tip and come in three sizes:
– DZ Pins insulated, measuring depth 1”
– DA Pins insulated, measuring depth 1.5”
– DB Pins insulated, measuring depth 2” (order separately)
BCN cable and Case M are included in the package.
Options:
Add electrode E14-V to easier reach critical areas during restoration work or to measure extremely hard materials.
If you want a pin and pinless meter, choose package V2-11M with the Ligno-VersaTec meter.
For more information please contact Customer Service at 1-800-227-2105.
Lignomat USA Ltd, 14345 NE Morris Ct., Portland OR 97230, USA,
Email: sales@Lignomat.com, www.Lignomat.com
