Kevin Diep: From Log to Lumber: 2024 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program

  |  
August 22, 2024

Turning raw, freshly-cut logs into boards of lumber may seem like an easy task, but there are actually a lot of steps involved in the process. From debarking and sawing the logs into manageable sizes to drying, planing, and grading the lumber, each stage requires precise techniques and careful monitoring to ensure the final product meets quality standards.

The log to lumber process

To start off, the logs are brought into the facility by the trucks, which are first weighed, then sent to the log yard. The logs are then stripped of their bark in a machine conveniently called the “debarker”. Following the removal of its bark, the logs are carefully directed into the primary conveyor system, where they undergo a sequence of critical procedures. The logs pass through a scanner that analyzes and determines the most optimal cuts to make on it, based on their dimensions and quality to maximize its value. These cuts are then made as it passes through machines. Some of the waste material which accumulates from the debarking and sawing processes are transferred onto the byproducts truck, while the rest is systematically gathered and repurposed at the thermal plant as a vital energy source for certain mill processes.

Chip byproduct truck being loaded

Once the logs are cut, they are transferred to the kiln, where they are heat-treated to remove moisture and eliminate pests and insects that may be present in the wood. The dried rough-lumber is then transferred to the planer mill, where they get stamped to receive their grading quality and is planed to achieve a smooth, uniform finish. This procedure not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the wood but also prepares it for further applications in construction, furniture making, or other industries where quality and appearance are crucial.

The planer lumber bundles

Throughout the process, various parameters and variables need to be thoroughly analyzed, monitored and controlled in order to ensure safety and quality of the lumber that is produced. This is where my role as the controls engineer comes in. As a controls engineer, my role revolves around designing and implementing systems that optimize the efficiency and reliability of every step in the mill's operations. This includes developing and fine-tuning automated processes that ensure smooth and seamless operation throughout the production cycle. By integrating advanced control systems and technologies, I aim to minimize downtime, maximize productivity, and maintain consistent quality standards.

For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca
(613) 563-1441 x 314
Follow FPAC on X (Twitter): @FPAC_APFC
October 25, 2024
Forestry For The Future and Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group (OSEG) Team Up to Kick Off a Game-Changing Partnership for Sustainable Canadian Forestry
Forestry For The Future and Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group (OSEG) Team Up to Kick Off a Game-Changing Partnership for Sustainable Canadian Forestry
Read This
September 19, 2024
Canada’s Forest Sector Announces Recipients of 2024 Awards of Excellence
Canada’s Forest Sector Announces Recipients of 2024 Awards of Excellence
Read This
September 19, 2024
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. Honoured with 2024 Indigenous Business Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to Canadian Forestry
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. Honoured with 2024 Indigenous Business Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions to Canadian Forestry
Read This
September 19, 2024
The Honourable Candice Bergen, Retired Canadian Senator Percy Mockler, and Chief Paul Gladu Receive the 2024 Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Awards
The Honourable Candice Bergen, Retired Canadian Senator Percy Mockler, and Chief Paul Gladu Receive the 2024 Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Awards
Read This
September 21, 2020
Lisa Raitt Honoured As Community Champion By Canada's Forest Products Sector
Forest Products Association of Canada recognizes former minister Lisa Raitt's leadership in the forestry sector with Forestry Community Champion award
Read This
November 13, 2019
The Search for Canada's Greenest Workforce
Canada's forest industry is a top employer and global leader in sustainability, forest management, clean technology and innovation
Read This
March 21, 2019
Standing Tall with Canada's Forest Workers on International Day of Forests
Forest Products Association of Canada celebrates forestry communities, workers and world leading forestry management for International Day of Forests
Read This
February 20, 2019
Opinion | Workforce Diversity - Canada's Forest Sector Branches Out
Forest Products Association of Canada embraces diversity and encourages women and indigenous to join the forestry workforce
Read This
October 1, 2024
Keegan Ashley: Blog 4: Conclusion to Summer: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Keegan Ashley: Blog 4: Conclusion to Summer: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
October 1, 2024
Kevin Diep: Blog 4: Interview with Brett Erickson and Yash Shah: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Kevin Diep: Blog 4: Interview with Brett Erickson and Yash Shah: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
October 1, 2024
Kevin Diep: Blog 5: End of Summer in Forestry: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Kevin Diep: Blog 5: End of Summer in Forestry: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
August 29, 2024
Ally-Ann Romanchuk: Silviculture Expert Podcast: 2024 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Ally-Ann Romanchuk: Silviculture Expert Podcast: 2024 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
October 1, 2024
Keegan Ashley: Blog 4: Conclusion to Summer: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Keegan Ashley: Blog 4: Conclusion to Summer: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
October 1, 2024
Kevin Diep: Blog 4: Interview with Brett Erickson and Yash Shah: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Kevin Diep: Blog 4: Interview with Brett Erickson and Yash Shah: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
October 1, 2024
Kevin Diep: Blog 5: End of Summer in Forestry: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Kevin Diep: Blog 5: End of Summer in Forestry: FPAC 2024 Green Dream Internship Program
Read This
August 29, 2024
Ally-Ann Romanchuk: Silviculture Expert Podcast: 2024 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Ally-Ann Romanchuk: Silviculture Expert Podcast: 2024 FPAC Green Dream Internship Program
Read This