Feasibility Analysis for Implementing GPR Scanning System in Sawmills for Productivity Improvement

Non-destructive scanning technologies have been applied to detect internal defects of logs to optimize log scanning. Research has been done using many non-destructive scanning technologies with limited success for real-time implementation. The main objective of this research is to identify the issues related to implementation of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning system in sawmills for purposes of yield improvement. The paper discusses the logistics on integration of the scanning system into the existing sawmill environment. The durability of a scanning system in continuously operating sawmills and integrating the scanning system into existing sawmill operations were identified as major research aspects. The paper also evaluates the economic feasibility of implementing the GPR scanning system for three different size sawmill classes. Based on conservative estimates of revenue and initial costs, results indicate that the investment would be feasible for all the three sawmill sizes.