CALCULATION OF COST DURING TIMBER KILN DRYING IN KOSOVO

The drying process of timber in Kosovo mainly is done by conventional kiln (almost 90% around the world are using the same), because of easy kiln characteristics and lower price. The cost of kiln drying loads the selling price of wooden material. In the study is selected timber of beech (Fagus Sylvatica L. 28mm thickness), with initial moisture content 60% and final moisture content ? 10%. A case study is chosen conventional kilns in Kosovo. Results from measurements give the costs/m3: The capital cost 4,37?/m3; The maintenance cost 0.65?/m3; The electricity cost 4.26?/m3; The labor cost 4,11?/m3; the heat energy cost 3.61?/m3; the cost of drying quality 8.74?/m3, and the tax cost 3,37. Based on the calculations, to dry 1m3 (28mm thickness) of the beech wood with initial moisture content 60% and final moisture content ? 10%, dried in conventional kiln drying in Kosovo are spent 29,5 ?/m.3 Objectives: This paper is attempted to find out the cost of timber drying, based on literature data and our practical part. The material can be useful for all drying subjects in Republic of Kosovo.