Tennessee Quality Lumber Initiative©

TQLI

Copyright protected by The Tennessee Forest Products Center

The Tennessee Forest Products Center is soliciting Tennessee hardwood lumber producers as research partners for an innovative, multiple research program focused on improving the quality and productivity of lumber manufacturers. We are seeking five producers for Phase I, year one.

The Tennessee Quality Lumber Initiative is a "multi-phase" research program. Phase I of the program takes approximately one year to complete and focuses on reducing lumber thickness target sizes and thickness variation. Phase I uses statistical process control (SPC) with "real-time" control charting to reduce target sizes and thickness variation. Phase I also uses Wonderware'sã human-machine-interface (HMI) technology to display "real-time" thickness at the head-rig. The Wonderwareã human-machine-interface (HMI) system is a personal computer platform that allows operators to monitor SPC and other animated process systems in a "real-time" setting. Thickness measurements in Phase I will be taken using electronic, digital micrometers with wireless transmitters. Customized statistically valid sampling plans and thickness measurement platforms will be developed for use at the "green-chain" for each cooperating sawmill. Phase I will include training of key plant personnel in SPC methods, and the use of all hardware and software.

Phase II of the Tennessee Quality Lumber Initiative (TQLI) focuses on integrating advanced engineering process control (EPC) with statistical process control (SPC). The HMI systems established in Phase I will be linked with programmable logic controller (PLC) systems. Phase II will also focus on advanced thickness measurement systems using laser technology. Sawmills cooperating in Phase I will be given priority as partners for Phase II.

We are currently seeking five producers as partners for Phase I. Criteria for selection will be based on demonstration of management commitment to project, mill production and geographic location within Tennessee. There will be a cost to producers, although the majority of the project costs will be contributed by the Tennessee Forest Products Center. The first installation test-site will be March 1999.  Other test-sites will be commencing throughout 1999.

Download a generic copy of the TQLI proposal (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required)

Copies of the complete proposal of the TQLI can be obtained from:

tmyoung1@utk.edu