Tanzania is one of Africa’s most forest-rich nations, with over 44 million hectares of forest and woodland—nearly half of its land area. These forests produce a wide range of valuable hardwoods, including Mninga (Pterocarpus angolensis, also known as African teak or bloodwood), African rosewood, ebony, mahogany, and camphorwood.
For local wood processors, these species represent significant commercial opportunities. However, traditional drying methods often limit production efficiency—taking months to prepare timber and leaving it vulnerable to defects.
Challenges in Drying Mninga (African Teak) Hardwood
Mninga is highly prized for its:
- Dense, durable texture
- Fine grain and deep reddish color
- Applications in furniture, instruments, and carvings
Yet its very density makes it difficult to dry.
- Moisture content: 30–50% when freshly sawn
- Air drying: 90–120 days to reach below 18% moisture
- Risks: Cracks, uneven drying, mold growth
Local processors needed a faster, more reliable solution to meet market demand while protecting the natural beauty of this premium species.
The Solution: SWKD-14.0 HF-Vacuum Kiln
In June, Shuowei commissioned its largest model to date—the SWKD-14.0 high-frequency vacuum wood drying kiln—in Dar es Salaam.
Key features that proved decisive in this project:
- Core heating with high-frequency waves → Moisture evaporates evenly from the inside out
- Vacuum environment → Lower boiling point, faster drying at lower temperatures
- Automated control system → Adjusts curves to Mninga’s density and moisture profile
- Food-grade stainless steel construction → Long service life, resistant to corrosion in humid climates
Tanzania Mninga Drying Results: From 120 Days to 10 Days
The system achieved outstanding results:
- Drying cycle: From 30–50% moisture down to 12–14% in just 10 days
- Defects: No cracks, minimal stress, excellent surface quality
- Efficiency: Cut drying time by over 90% compared to air drying
- Reliability: Automated controls ensured consistent results across the full 14m³ load
Customer Feedback & Impact on East Africa Hardwood Industry
During installation, Shuowei’s Project Director Carlos Sheng welcomed partners from across East Africa, including a client who traveled from Malawi.
This client observed:
- The entire installation and debugging process
- Real-time trial data from Mninga drying runs
- The kiln’s automated control interface
Impressed by the efficiency and performance, the client confirmed an order the very next day.
“What stood out to us was not just the speed, but the quality—no cracks, no color change, and uniform moisture. This is a real game-changer for hardwood drying in our region.” — Visiting client from Malawi
Why It Matters for East Africa
This project highlights several industry benefits:
- Faster turnover → Mills can deliver products in weeks, not months
- Higher value recovery → Less waste from cracks or warping
- Sustainability → More efficient use of Africa’s valuable timber resources
- Regional growth → Technology transfer supports modern wood processing across East Africa
Future of Hardwood Drying Technology in East Africa
With over a decade of continuous service in East Africa, Shuowei sees Tanzania as a strategic hub for the region. The Dar es Salaam installation proves that HF-vacuum drying is not just technology—it is a practical solution that helps African mills scale production, reduce waste, and reach international quality standards.
Shuowei remains committed to supporting partners with advanced technology, tailored solutions, and responsive service—contributing to the sustainable growth of Africa’s timber industry.
📌 Discover how vacuum drying can improve your wood business: swwooddryer.com
