Production
FROM LOG TO
READY-TO-SHIP SAWN TIMBER
FROM LOG TO
READY-TO-SHIP SAWN TIMBER
The production cycle at Sortavala Timber Mill combines raw-material sorting, optimised sawing, kiln drying and finished-product quality control. Every stage is designed to meet order specifications and ensure consistent sawn timber quality.
PRODUCTION SYSTEM |
- SAWLOG SORTINGScanning and sorting sawlogs by technical parameters.1
- DEBARKING AND SAWMILLINGSelecting cutting patterns and processing logs on the sawline.2
- GREEN TIMBER SORTINGMeasuring sawn timber and assembling kiln packs.3
- KILN DRYINGReducing moisture content under controlled conditions to the required level.4
- FINAL GRADINGRemoving defects, assessing quality and assigning grades.5
- PACKAGING AND DISPATCHAssembling, storing and preparing finished packs for dispatch.6
STAGE 01 |
ЭТАП 02 |
STAGE 03 |
STAGE 04 |
STAGE 05 |
STAGE 06 |
COMPREHENSIVE
UTILISATION OF WOOD
UTILISATION OF WOOD
Processing sawlogs produces not only sawn timber, but also several other wood-based materials. Each production stream is separated and directed for further use.
Wood chips are screened on two vibrating screens and supplied to RK-Grand, the Basalt Group’s pulp mill.
Bark and fuel chips are used in the mill’s two boiler plants. The heat generated supports the operation of the drying kilns and heats the production buildings.
Sawdust is separated from the wood chips and forms a separate product line.
Wood chips are screened on two vibrating screens and supplied to RK-Grand, the Basalt Group’s pulp mill.
Bark and fuel chips are used in the mill’s two boiler plants. The heat generated supports the operation of the drying kilns and heats the production buildings.
Sawdust is separated from the wood chips and forms a separate product line.
PRODUCTION IN FIGURES
- 240,000 m³/year
Log-processing capacity - Approx.
100,000 m³/year
Sawn timber output - Up to 10,000 m³
Finished-product warehouse capacity - 2,380 m³
Simultaneous
kiln-loading capacity
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STAGE 01
SAWLOG SORTING
HOW SORTING WORKS
Sawlogs arriving at the mill undergo automated inspection on the sorting line. Each log is measured individually and then directed to the appropriate sorting bin.
3D SCANNING
The 3D scanner determines the diameter, length and volume of each log and also measures its curvature. Logs with curvature exceeding the permitted limits are not directed to the sawline.
METAL DETECTION
The metal detector identifies logs containing embedded metal. This reduces the risk of damage to production equipment and improves the safety of the sawing process.
CONTROLLED PARAMETERS
Species · Diameter · Length · Volume · Curvature · Metal inclusions
STAGE RESULT
The sorting process creates uniform stacks of logs. Each stack contains logs of the same species, length and diameter. This makes it possible to calculate the optimal cutting pattern and prepare the raw material for efficient sawing.
Sawlogs arriving at the mill undergo automated inspection on the sorting line. Each log is measured individually and then directed to the appropriate sorting bin.
3D SCANNING
The 3D scanner determines the diameter, length and volume of each log and also measures its curvature. Logs with curvature exceeding the permitted limits are not directed to the sawline.
METAL DETECTION
The metal detector identifies logs containing embedded metal. This reduces the risk of damage to production equipment and improves the safety of the sawing process.
CONTROLLED PARAMETERS
Species · Diameter · Length · Volume · Curvature · Metal inclusions
STAGE RESULT
The sorting process creates uniform stacks of logs. Each stack contains logs of the same species, length and diameter. This makes it possible to calculate the optimal cutting pattern and prepare the raw material for efficient sawing.
STAGE 02
DEBARKING AND SAWMILLING
CUTTING PATTERN PREPARATION
Before processing begins, the process engineer and production manager determine the optimal cutting pattern—the arrangement of the saws and the sequence in which the log is cut.
The cutting pattern is calculated for a specific log diameter and the required sawn timber dimensions. This approach makes more efficient use of the wood and produces the required volume of sawn timber in the specified cross-sections.
RAW-MATERIAL FEED
A front-end loader places the prepared logs on the infeed table. The logs then enter the sawline individually, ensuring consistent and stable operation of the equipment.
DEBARKING
The first processing unit on the line is the Cambio 800 debarker. It removes the bark from the surface of each log before further processing.
The separated bark is conveyed out of the production building and used as fuel in the mill’s own boiler plants.
SAWMILLING
After debarking, each log passes sequentially through canters, circular-saw equipment and multi-rip saws. This produces sawn timber in various cross-sections and lengths.
Pulp chips are generated during cantering and sawing. They are conveyed to two vibrating screens, where the sawdust is separated and the required chip fraction is produced.
EQUIPMENT
Cambio 800 debarker · Canters · Circular-saw equipment · Multi-rip saws · Conveyor system · Two vibrating screens
STAGE RESULT
Sawn timber in the specified cross-sections and prepared pulp chips ready for further use.
Before processing begins, the process engineer and production manager determine the optimal cutting pattern—the arrangement of the saws and the sequence in which the log is cut.
The cutting pattern is calculated for a specific log diameter and the required sawn timber dimensions. This approach makes more efficient use of the wood and produces the required volume of sawn timber in the specified cross-sections.
RAW-MATERIAL FEED
A front-end loader places the prepared logs on the infeed table. The logs then enter the sawline individually, ensuring consistent and stable operation of the equipment.
DEBARKING
The first processing unit on the line is the Cambio 800 debarker. It removes the bark from the surface of each log before further processing.
The separated bark is conveyed out of the production building and used as fuel in the mill’s own boiler plants.
SAWMILLING
After debarking, each log passes sequentially through canters, circular-saw equipment and multi-rip saws. This produces sawn timber in various cross-sections and lengths.
Pulp chips are generated during cantering and sawing. They are conveyed to two vibrating screens, where the sawdust is separated and the required chip fraction is produced.
EQUIPMENT
Cambio 800 debarker · Canters · Circular-saw equipment · Multi-rip saws · Conveyor system · Two vibrating screens
STAGE RESULT
Sawn timber in the specified cross-sections and prepared pulp chips ready for further use.
STAGE 03
GREEN TIMBER SORTING
TRANSFER TO THE SORTING LINE
After passing through the sawline and trimming, sawn timber of different cross-sections and lengths is directed to the green-timber sorting line.
This stage divides the overall production flow into uniform groups before kiln drying.
AUTOMATED MEASUREMENT
Sensors installed on the line determine the thickness and width of each piece of sawn timber. The system also records its length and directs each board to the appropriate sorting bin.
Sawn timber of the same dimensions gradually accumulates in each bin.
ASSEMBLING A KILN PACK
Once the volume required to assemble a kiln pack has accumulated, the sawn timber is transferred to the stacking machine.
The boards are arranged in successive courses. Timber stickers are placed between the courses to create space for air to circulate through the pack. This arrangement ensures a uniform drying process.
BATCH PREPARATION
The assembled packs are moved by loader to a temporary storage area. Once a batch of the required volume has been accumulated, the packs are transferred to the drying kilns.
EQUIPMENT
Green-timber sorting line · Measuring sensors · Sorting bins · Stacking machine
STAGE RESULT
Uniform kiln packs with evenly arranged sawn timber and correctly positioned timber stickers.
After passing through the sawline and trimming, sawn timber of different cross-sections and lengths is directed to the green-timber sorting line.
This stage divides the overall production flow into uniform groups before kiln drying.
AUTOMATED MEASUREMENT
Sensors installed on the line determine the thickness and width of each piece of sawn timber. The system also records its length and directs each board to the appropriate sorting bin.
Sawn timber of the same dimensions gradually accumulates in each bin.
ASSEMBLING A KILN PACK
Once the volume required to assemble a kiln pack has accumulated, the sawn timber is transferred to the stacking machine.
The boards are arranged in successive courses. Timber stickers are placed between the courses to create space for air to circulate through the pack. This arrangement ensures a uniform drying process.
BATCH PREPARATION
The assembled packs are moved by loader to a temporary storage area. Once a batch of the required volume has been accumulated, the packs are transferred to the drying kilns.
EQUIPMENT
Green-timber sorting line · Measuring sensors · Sorting bins · Stacking machine
STAGE RESULT
Uniform kiln packs with evenly arranged sawn timber and correctly positioned timber stickers.
STAGE 04
KILN DRYING
BATCH ASSEMBLY
Kiln packs are accumulated in a temporary storage area. Once a batch of the required volume has been assembled, the packs are delivered by loader to the drying kilns and loaded inside.
The timber stickers ensure an even flow of heated air between the pieces of sawn timber.
DRYING SCHEDULE
The process parameters are determined according to the wood species, board thickness and required final moisture content.
A complete drying cycle takes between 2.5 and 10 calendar days. Depending on the intended use of the product and the order requirements, the sawn timber is dried to the moisture content required for transport or furniture production.
PROCESS CONTROL
Throughout the cycle, operators monitor the operating parameters of the drying kilns. This maintains the specified drying schedule and ensures a uniform reduction in moisture content throughout the entire pack.
Once the drying programme is complete, the batch is unloaded from the kiln and transferred to buffer storage before final grading.
HEAT SUPPLY
The heat required to operate the drying kilns is generated by the mill’s own boiler plants. Bark and fuel chips produced during wood processing are used as fuel.
The boiler plants operate automatically and are monitored around the clock by the mill’s operators.
CONTROLLED PARAMETERS
Wood species · Sawn timber thickness · Cycle duration · Final moisture content · Kiln operating parameters
STAGE RESULT
Uniformly dried sawn timber with a moisture content suited to its intended use and the order requirements.
Kiln packs are accumulated in a temporary storage area. Once a batch of the required volume has been assembled, the packs are delivered by loader to the drying kilns and loaded inside.
The timber stickers ensure an even flow of heated air between the pieces of sawn timber.
DRYING SCHEDULE
The process parameters are determined according to the wood species, board thickness and required final moisture content.
A complete drying cycle takes between 2.5 and 10 calendar days. Depending on the intended use of the product and the order requirements, the sawn timber is dried to the moisture content required for transport or furniture production.
PROCESS CONTROL
Throughout the cycle, operators monitor the operating parameters of the drying kilns. This maintains the specified drying schedule and ensures a uniform reduction in moisture content throughout the entire pack.
Once the drying programme is complete, the batch is unloaded from the kiln and transferred to buffer storage before final grading.
HEAT SUPPLY
The heat required to operate the drying kilns is generated by the mill’s own boiler plants. Bark and fuel chips produced during wood processing are used as fuel.
The boiler plants operate automatically and are monitored around the clock by the mill’s operators.
CONTROLLED PARAMETERS
Wood species · Sawn timber thickness · Cycle duration · Final moisture content · Kiln operating parameters
STAGE RESULT
Uniformly dried sawn timber with a moisture content suited to its intended use and the order requirements.
STAGE 05
FINAL SORTING AND GRADING
BUFFER STORAGE
After drying, the sawn timber is transferred to buffer storage located before the dry-timber sorting line.
The required volume of sawn timber in a particular cross-section is accumulated here, after which the batch is fed onto the sorting line by loader.
FINAL PROCESSING
Final trimming is carried out on the line. Sections containing unacceptable defects are removed, after which the final length of each board is determined.
This processing prepares the products for grading according to their quality and the requirements of the future batch.
GRADE DETERMINATION
Each piece of sawn timber is assessed for quality and assigned the appropriate grade. Thickness, width, length and the quality characteristics of the wood are taken into account.
In accordance with the specified programme, each board is directed to the appropriate sorting bin.
BATCH ASSEMBLY
Once the required volume has accumulated in a sorting bin, the sawn timber is transferred to the finished-product pack assembly area.
Each batch combines products with the agreed dimensions and quality characteristics.
CONTROLLED PARAMETERS
Thickness · Width · Length · Presence of defects · Quality · Grade
STAGE RESULT
Graded dry sawn timber prepared for assembly into finished-product packs, pressing and packaging.
After drying, the sawn timber is transferred to buffer storage located before the dry-timber sorting line.
The required volume of sawn timber in a particular cross-section is accumulated here, after which the batch is fed onto the sorting line by loader.
FINAL PROCESSING
Final trimming is carried out on the line. Sections containing unacceptable defects are removed, after which the final length of each board is determined.
This processing prepares the products for grading according to their quality and the requirements of the future batch.
GRADE DETERMINATION
Each piece of sawn timber is assessed for quality and assigned the appropriate grade. Thickness, width, length and the quality characteristics of the wood are taken into account.
In accordance with the specified programme, each board is directed to the appropriate sorting bin.
BATCH ASSEMBLY
Once the required volume has accumulated in a sorting bin, the sawn timber is transferred to the finished-product pack assembly area.
Each batch combines products with the agreed dimensions and quality characteristics.
CONTROLLED PARAMETERS
Thickness · Width · Length · Presence of defects · Quality · Grade
STAGE RESULT
Graded dry sawn timber prepared for assembly into finished-product packs, pressing and packaging.
STAGE 06
PACKAGING AND DISPATCH
FINISHED-PACK ASSEMBLY
Once the required volume has accumulated in a sorting bin, the dry sawn timber is transferred to the stacking machine.
The boards are arranged sequentially into a uniform finished-product pack. Each batch combines sawn timber of the agreed dimensions, lengths and grades.
PRESSING AND PACKAGING
The assembled pack passes through a press and is then wrapped in protective film.
The packaging helps protect the finished products from external exposure during storage, loading and transportation.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Each finished pack is assigned a unique identification number. This number is used for warehouse inventory and when preparing the batch for dispatch.
FINISHED-PRODUCT WAREHOUSE
After packaging, the packs are transferred to the finished-product warehouse, which can store up to 10,000 m³ of sawn timber at a time.
Organised storage makes it possible to prepare the required batches in accordance with the order specifications.
LOADING AND DISPATCH
The finished products are loaded into containers or semi-trailers and dispatched to customers.
The mode of shipment is determined according to the batch volume, delivery destination and agreed logistics arrangements.
STAGE RESULT
An assembled, protected and identified pack of sawn timber, fully prepared for storage and transportation.
Once the required volume has accumulated in a sorting bin, the dry sawn timber is transferred to the stacking machine.
The boards are arranged sequentially into a uniform finished-product pack. Each batch combines sawn timber of the agreed dimensions, lengths and grades.
PRESSING AND PACKAGING
The assembled pack passes through a press and is then wrapped in protective film.
The packaging helps protect the finished products from external exposure during storage, loading and transportation.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Each finished pack is assigned a unique identification number. This number is used for warehouse inventory and when preparing the batch for dispatch.
FINISHED-PRODUCT WAREHOUSE
After packaging, the packs are transferred to the finished-product warehouse, which can store up to 10,000 m³ of sawn timber at a time.
Organised storage makes it possible to prepare the required batches in accordance with the order specifications.
LOADING AND DISPATCH
The finished products are loaded into containers or semi-trailers and dispatched to customers.
The mode of shipment is determined according to the batch volume, delivery destination and agreed logistics arrangements.
STAGE RESULT
An assembled, protected and identified pack of sawn timber, fully prepared for storage and transportation.