kilning - packing density

[Darkthirty]

How tight can I load a kiln? Haven't built one yet, so I'd like to run as much as possible and can build to spec at this point. Any informed input / actual experience would be appreciated!

 

[deluxestogie]

For kilning, the packing density doesn't matter, so long as the leaf is maintained at an adequate humidity, and above 120°F (to prevent mold growth). I have kilned leaf hanging on strings, leaf pressed into dense pads, and large quantities of leaf simply dumped into suitable plastic bags (that remain open). All of those worked well. It's about temp and humidity.

On the other hand, if you intend to use the same chamber for flu-curing, then the leaf must be hung or suspended in such a way that air can easily circulate between the leaves, otherwise you get uneven flu-curing. For flue-curing in my chamber, all of my leaf is hung on string--actually wire, and a fan maintains circulation.

Bob

 

[Darkthirty]

Great! All has been cured and hanging or boxed since last fall, thought I'd kiln it to make sure it's sweet.

 

[Moth]

leaf pressed into dense pad

Hmmmm. I have a fairly large laboratory water bath (long story) and have idly wondered if I could use it as a hacky "sous vide" kiln.
Colour cure leaves first in paper layered cardboard boxes, dry them, shrink wrap and press in a water proof container then stick in the water bath for a month or so...
Thoughts?

 

[deluxestogie]

Hmmmm. I have a fairly large laboratory water bath (long story) and have idly wondered if I could use it as a hacky "sous vide" kiln.
Colour cure leaves first in paper layered cardboard boxes, dry them, shrink wrap and press in a water proof container then stick in the water bath for a month or so...
Thoughts?

If the "shrink wrap" is waterproof, and the leaf has adequate moisture sealed within, then I would give a go with a small batch for 30 days at ~125°F (~52°C). If the "shrink wrap is not waterproof, then you would get sous vide soup.

Bob