Interpine Innovation

Interpine Conducting a Review of Forest Mensuration Equipment from Haglof Sweden
20/01/2012 4:13:00 p.m.

Automated Log Counting: Proof of Concept at SilviLaser 2011
21/10/2011 1:33:00 p.m.
Improving log inventory is a key area where the New Zealand forestry industry could significant improve its supply chain performance. Although the process of counting logs seems relatively simple; in reality it is a difficult and labour intensive job. This is particularly significant to the New Zealand log export industry which is required to count and barcode every log (excluding pulp) that is exported. The fluctuating nature of export markets means that automated methods of counting logs hold significant potential. Hamish Marshall recently presented at the SilviLaser 2011 conference in Tasmania, looking at the accuracy of log counts for logs in pile/stacks using 3-dimensional (3D) point cloud data obtained from a ground based LiDAR scanner. In the past there have been a number of attempts to develop an automatic log counting system, the majority of these have used 2-dimensional photographic images. It was hypothesised that using 3D point data would overcome some of the problems that these approaches have encountered in the past. The validation study carried out on the algorithm showed that logs can be accurately counted and log diameters can be measured. Further work would be required to develop the algorithm into a commercial product and to determine the most cost effective hardware required to collect the 3-dimensional data required by the algorithm. SilviLaser 2011 brought together research scientists and practitioners from around the world to share their experience in the development and application of LiDAR for forest assessment and inventory and strengthen and develop new linkages between...

The Original JAS Log Scaling Standards, MAF Japan 1967
17/08/2011 2:30:00 p.m.

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 the economic impacts in terms of value loss of six different harvesting operations in three different pine species. The accuracy and precision of the measurements recorded in this study were similar to those of other studies from around the world. A simulation model was developed to estimate the value loss caused by these errors. The results of the simulation model showed that the operations were losing between 3% and 23% of the potential value because of measurement errors. Further analysis showed that the industry should concentrate on increasing the precision of the length and diameter measurements to optimize gains from...

Resin Coding Assessment During Forest Inventory - An External View of Potential Internal Resin Problems
17/09/2010 8:47:00 a.m.
Interpine implement external resin bleeding scoring in most of forest inventory operations, to assist with assessment of internal wood quality. Introduction to Resin Coding AssessmentA series of studies have confirmed clear links between external resin on the bark of radiata pine and subsequent degrade and value loss in potential clearwood products. Resin scores are collected by forest inventory staff using the Wood Quality Initiative's "Field Guide to Assist Recongnition and Classification of Resinous Defects on Bark of Radiata Pine". This is then used to keep resin incidence within the woodflows from pruned stands constant over time and in particular avoid large numbers of severe resin stands being harvested over any period. Maps produced from resin scoring are used to identify resin prone areas and environmental factors, which should be avoided over the next crop rotation. Resin scoring is also extensively being used in : Juvenile stem assessment can also be used in the pruning prescriptions as part of the selection criteria for trees to prune. Genetic trials to remove the resinous seedlots from the next crop generation. Combined with log-end segregration during harvesting to remove resinous logs out of the clears product line. These tools are inexpensive and easy to implement with the potential to make a large difference in the impact of internal resinous defects of the value of your forest resource.   Literature Cited – Quick Refs McCONCHIE, "Field Guide to Assist Recongnition amd Classification of Resinous Defects on Bark of Radiata Pine", WQI, Rotorua 2005. (Images shown are...

Spike Knots – What are They? Introduction into Identifying and Measuring Spike Knots
7/09/2007 3:09:00 p.m.
A number of stem or log attributes are recognised and/or measured during log-making (bucking of logs within a stem). One of these is a "spike knot". Spikes knots are the result of acutely angled branches. So in essence they are just a normal branch which has formed on a steep angle in terms of the stem. They can effect log and end-product value, and quality and in particular make material unsuitable for peeling or some sawn products. This is due to the increase in the knot area ratio (horizontal area of the knot when sliced as part of a piece of lumber or veneer) )that the knot will occupy in the final product.Common Methods Throughout The Industry There are a number of different methods in New Zealand for measuring "spike knots" in log products. This article aim to summarise a few of these to help produces of log specifications to understand why it is important to make note which method should be used. Examples of specifications seen in the industry can be confusing to a log-maker, such as these noted below which have been extracted from company specifications across the country for a medium diameter structural sawlog grade: length of knot + branch entry point > 2.5 x knot width (grade constraint Spikes < D/6 to max 6cm) Spike knots must not exceed 2x knot width or 10cm (either condition) Max 10cm - measured hard knot lengthwise along the axis Max 10cm with a a max of 4 spike knots...

Standing Tree Acoustics - Interpine start using the Fibre gen Director ST300 Tool
15/12/2006 4:51:00 p.m.
In August 2005 extensive acoustic testing was carried out on behalf a client throughout their forest estate. This testing comprised of two parts. The first involved the sampling of upcoming harvest areas to attain an average acoustic velocity of the standing resource using the Director ST300. The second part was a destructive trial to establish a relationship between acoustic velocity results of the standing trees to those found in cut logs. This article aims to just review the use of the Director ST300 and to help impart an understanding of the science behind the tool.   Introduction to Standing Tree Acoustic Testing Stiffness and fibre properties of wood are fundamentally important for producers of lumber and pulp and paper. Acoustic speed or the speed at which sound travels through wood, is well proven to be an accurate measure of wood stiffness [see Pellerin and Ross, 2002]. With recent technological advances it is now possible to measure stiffness in standing trees. Traditionally the segregation of logs by internal quality characteristics has relied on knowledge of tree age, species, geographic location and climate. The development of acoustic testing now allows the forest owner to broadly segregate logs based on their inherent stiffness quality allowing more discerning supply to end markets [NZFI, 2002]. At least two log markets benefit from logs segregated on stiffness, these being the structural lumber market and veneer logs for LVL production. In 2005 the New Zealand timber structures standard NZS3603 was amended requiring verification testing on visually and machine...

Lit Review: Log Quality by Acoustics
7/11/2005 3:01:00 p.m.
The use of acoustic technology has been recognized as an accurate, precise, and efficient means by which wood quality can be quantifiably measured (www.metriguard.com/fiber.htm; Rippy 1998; Baldwin 1995). However, the process of measuring wood quality at the log level with acoustic tools has until recently been limited by a lack of ruggedness and mobility among the measurement tools themselves. Within the last several years, the portability of such tools has increased such that handheld measurement units are capable of quantifying key mechanical wood properties quickly, simply, and accurately (Carter and Lausberg FEIA 2002; Clark, Hartmann, Lausberg, and Walker 2002; NZFI June 2002; Young NZJF 2002). Amid the NZ forest industry two handheld acoustic log measurement models have been developed for operational use. These models include the CHH Fibre-Gen Hitman tool and the Fletcher Challenge Forests (FCF) Sound Wave Acoustic Technology (SWAT) tool. The latter was developed primarily for FCF usage, while the Hitman tools were developed for both CHH and the open marketplace. Because of the availability of the Hitman tool, in addition to Interpine Forestry's (IPF) close working relationship with CHH's manufacturing wing both trialing and operationally implementing Hitman, the tool has become IPF's choice model for testing structural log qualities via acoustic means. Essentially, the Hitman tool measures the velocity of a sound signal reverberating through a log hit with a standard hammer. This procedure thus requires a single operator only, and produces an accurate result approximately within 1-2 seconds (NZFI 2002). Measurements can be provided in either...