Interpine Innovation

Impacts of Length and Diameter Measurement Error on Mechanical Harvesters
14/06/2011 5:17:00 p.m.
A short profile of a published paper by Hamish Marshall and associates on measurement errors associated with mechanical harvesters. Hamish leads Interpine research and development team since 2008. Evaluation of the economic impacts of length and diameter measurement error on mechanical harvesters and processors operating in pine standsHamish D. Marshall, Glen E. Murphy, and Kevin Boston, Canadian Journal of Forest Research 36-1661-1673 (2006) AbstractValue recovery studies from around the world have shown that on average mechanical log-making systems lose 18% of the potential value compared to 11% for motor manual systems. One of the potential reasons for their poor value recovery performance is the level of accuracy of their stem diameter and length measurements. Numerous studies have looked at the level of error in both the diameter and length measurements made by mechanical harvesters and processors; however, few have looked at the economic impacts of these errors. The paper investigates...

So What is the Timbertech Logger and How are we using it?
7/11/2008 2:47:00 p.m.
The Timbertech or Logger Tool was developed in the late 90's to assist a logmaker (log bucker) gain the best value solution from the trees (stems) as they are merchandised into log products. As shown in the video below, a handheld computer is connected to a digital calliper which is used to capture log length and diameter information, while the operator keys in a coded description for sweep and features of the stem like branching or nodal swelling. Interpine developed the original tools back as early as 1995, then called the ICO tool (Interpine Computer Optimiser). It was then transformed into the Timbertech Logger in 1998.                     [A short video of Chris Bridson, one of our Logmaker auditors using the Timbertech] http://youtu.be/zANUEBwuHKI   Here at Interpine we are still using both version 1 and 2 tools for : Logmaker Value Recovery Assessment Audit comparisons of resulting optimal log product combinations vs automated or...

Logmaker Value Recovery Audits - Interpine LVR Ltd
7/12/2006 1:58:00 p.m.
For the past 18 years Interpine Forestry Ltd (IPF) has provided the forest industry with log value recovery services (LVR) beginning with the use of the FRI AVIS program to the now most widely used TIMBERTECH* audit tool. Interpine invested significant resources in the development of the TimberTech system and trained a number of highly skilled technicians. Chris Bridson has worked this system through all its development stages and is regarded by many as the most proficient and experienced LVR audit technician in New Zealand. Chris has also been used in other countries as an independent auditor on various logging operations and has an excellent breadth of knowledge and understanding of the value recovery aspects of log making. The LVR audit market is small and highly specialised and IPF has come to an arrangement with Chris Bridson for buy this component of Interpines Services. IPF will still continue to support...

Log Maker / Crew Onsite Value Recovery Audits – Understanding the Audit System
7/05/2006 1:50:00 p.m.
This article helps receivers of the Log Maker Value Recovery Audit results understand the terminology used and displayed in the audit results. But first an overview of what an LVR audit is.... Overview of a Logmaker / Crew Value Recovery Audit One of our services is to complete a Logmaker / Crew Value Recovery Audits (LVR). In order to take a snap shot of the LVR performance of a log-bucker, a comparison needs to be made between the log-buckers application of a cutting strategy and the optimal application of the same cutting strategy over felled and delimbed stems. In order to derive a log value recovery result in terms of recovered dollars or recovered value percentage, prices need to be applied to each individual grade and length. In some cases forest managers and wood-flow planner's still use priority listings as a means of signaling to the log-bucker which grades to...

Value Loss - Closing the Gap in the Forest
1/12/2003 2:34:00 p.m.
Article Source : InWood International - Science Report - Issue 54 Page 45 - Dec 2003 (www.inwoodmag.com*) The forest industry globally is losing critical value at source - cutting trees into logs.   And, ironically, the more mechanised an operation, the worse it seems to become.At a precision forestry symposium in Seattle in June 2003, Professor Glen Murphy from Oregon State University showed just how - poorly harvesting processor - heads can perform and that even the Swedes with their uniform spruce forests cannot always get it right. Unbelievable as it may sound on average the value loss of all mechanised log-making operations studied worldwide was a little more than 20%, although the top operators working in more uniform stands lost closer to 10%.Despite all the efforts to extract maximum value. the so-called `value gap' is still there, and may even be getting wider as some companies focus once again on productivity...

‘Logmaister' System Trialed
1/11/2003 2:56:00 p.m.
Kajavala Forestry Ltd (KFL) have been trialing a prototype portable tree optimization and processing system called a 'Logmaister' in their logyard in Kawerau. "We're amazed at how this prototype is performing," said Managing Director of KFL, Jacob Kajavala. The 'Logmaister' has a log bed and scanner, which can handle stems up to 38m in length. The scanner sits on a separate rail beside the log bed and moves parallel to the log. It measures the diameter, length and curvature of the stem using laser scanners. These measurements are then used to optimize the log. That information is transferred to a processor and the stem is removed from the log bed using hydraulic kickers. Logs are processed by a unit that is mounted on an excavator at the end of a boom stick. This unit is similar to a harvesting head. It grasps the stem and finds the butt end using...

Value Recovery and the Small Forest Owner
7/03/2002 3:57:00 p.m.
Published : Forest Logger and Sawmiller, March 02  These days as a forest grower and owner you will often hear quoted comments from forest marketing specialists and stumpage purchasers such as : "we'll sell your trees for more money""maximise your return per hectare""don't sell your forest in the dark" Normally these statements are well founded, as significant gains can be made by utilizing an independent specialist with vast knowledge in evaluating, marketing and harvesting your stand of trees. However one key aspect that not only leaves the seller in the dark but also marketing specialists and purchasers is "how much value did we actually recover in relation to the full potential recoverable value that was once standing". By and large the difference between the potential and actual recoverable value is primarily influenced by three key variables: Accuracy of the pre-harvest inventory assessment or appraisal Performance of the harvesting operation, and Market...

Value Retention During the Harvesting Process
7/10/2001 3:55:00 p.m.

Value Retention During the Harvesting Process
1/10/2001 2:30:00 p.m.

Forests Log-on !
21/09/2001 6:02:00 p.m.
An $800,000 quest for better returns from New Zealand forests has led to a world-first development in forest information technology, with potential to save the industry more than $250 million a year. Technology New Zealand provided $395,000 in funding to the joint-venture research project between Rotorua-based Interpine Forestry Ltd and LIRO (Logging Industry Research Organisation). Its aims were to improve the utilisation of timber from trees; the resulting technology uses measurement controls and real time information to increase profitability. According to former forestry contractor the Managing Director of Interpine, the tools can be used either as a fully integrated system or independent componentry. The three tiered harvest management tools increase profitability by customising cuts, minimising waste and enabling contractors to analyse what is in each stand."We now have a suite of electronic tools which can fit into a contractor's existing system or be used as a total system by themselves. The tools...

Precision Log-Making to Maximise Value Recovery from Plantation Forests
1/06/2001 2:22:00 p.m.

Women Have the Timbertech Touch
7/03/2000 2:52:00 p.m.
Forest Industry Training - Advantage Press ReleaseMarch / April 2001 Look out guys - the women could be after your job! Interpine Forestry, Rotorua, is receiving plenty of interest from women wanting to use the new Timbertech computerised log-making gear. The company receives funding and assistance from Forest Industries Training to run courses on using the new tool. Three women attended the first course of its type earlier this year. Tony Hutchison, tutor for IPF, says women are reliable and give attention to detail, which is very important in this work. "Most of them have children so they know how to organise. I have spoken to contractors and they agree women can be very good at this job." Tony already has 30 names on the waiting list for this year's course. Most have either been in training, unemployed or looking for a change of work. Using the Timbertech tool is...

Management Implications of IFR Technologies – Invader System
4/11/1999 2:17:00 p.m.
New Zealand Journal of Forestry - Volume 44 #3Nov 1999 Alastair Riddle , IFR Technologies The original goal of the work programme started by Forest Research and later Fletcher Challenge Forests, Liro Limited, Interpine Forestry, Interpine Liro limited and now IFR Technologies was to produce a stem optimising tool that was fast enough to use at production speed in our logging operations. With the Invader tool now in place, it is becoming apparent that the management information provided by the system will be of as much value to forest managers as the log optimising gains. The Invader system offers manufacturing-type control of the harvesting process. Forest owners, large and small will benefit from the transparency and control offered. All the information that the logmaking tools collect is linked to a particular skid, time, contractor, crew and tool operator. All the stem descriptions are stored and downloaded to a central database,...

So What’s The Big Deal About Timbertechs?
4/11/1999 2:10:00 p.m.
New Zealand Journal of Forestry - Volume 44 #3Nov 1999 Andy Dick, Manager - Value Recovery, Carter Holt Harvey Forests Timbertechs, or more correctly, logger caliper tools, are the cornerstone of the Invader system developed by IFR Ltd (a company primarily owned by Forest Research) to make logs more effectively. Carter Holt Harvey is committed to the use of electronic optimising tools for log making and has asked its suppliers to install these tools. This is a huge undertaking that has forced change in practice at the work face and how we relay cutting instruction information to our crews. The driver for this change is our need to recover full value from our estate. Value Recovery has developed as a significant discipline within forest management. Those companies involved in making and marketing logs that get Value Recovery right will survive, and those that don't, won't. Most simply put, value recovery...

Forests Log On
4/06/1998 2:04:00 p.m.
Technology NZ - News Release An $800,000 quest for better returns from New Zealand forests has led to a world-first development in forest information technology, with potential to save the industry more than $250 million a year. Technology New Zealand provided $395,000 in funding to the joint-venture research project between Rotorua-based Interpine Forestry Ltd and LIRO (Logging Industry Research Organisation). Its aims were to improve the utilisation of timber from trees; the resulting technology uses measurement controls and real time information to increase profitability. According to former forestry contractor and Managing Director of Interpine, Don Scott, the tools can be used either as a fully integrated system or independent componentry. The three tiered harvest management tools increase profitability by customising cuts, minimising waste and enabling contractors to analyse what is in each stand."We now have a suite of electronic tools which can fit into a contractor's existing system or be...