Eight MT15-18 trunnion mounted actuators are installed to open and close air and pressure vents on lumber dry kilns.

The actuators are coupled to drive double and triple vents above multiple dry kiln chambers.

Regulating temperature and pressure in the kiln, they open and close in response to sensors in each kiln chamber.

The application has a continuous duty cycle, adjusting at approximately 2 minute intervals when the chambers are loaded.

Kiln dried lumber is the main product of this mill. The kilns being a key component in their production of super dry board, unique from the more standard fast drying process.

The ambient environment, in which the actuators operate, varies between 30^oC
( 86^oF) in summer to -30^oC ( -22^oF) in winter. They are totally exposed to heavy winter snowfall, as well as high rainfall throughout the year.

The original actuators used in the application were electro-mechanical screw type that were compromised by reliability, low power and short longevity and could not stand up to the ambient environmental changes between summer and winter.