Buffer

If, during on-going sawing, a stop in green sorting occurs, the buffer automatically re-channels the timber flow so that it gets stored in different batches on different chain conveyors. As soon as the sorting restarts, the main flow is controlled from the sawmill back to the sorting plant, at the same time the temporarily stored lumber is portioned back mixed with the main intake flow. This is achieved by increasing the speed in the sorting plant until the buffer is empty. The buffer function with both buffering and emptying together with the automatic speed control of the sorting plant is fully automatic. To prevent damage to the lumber when it drops between two levels, the buffer is fitted with different methods for careful handling, such as the flap drop damper, and belt-cushioned transporters. In order to create an orderly and high bundle without damaging the lumber, a buffer pocket is often used. The buffer pocket consists of two walls that form a V-shape, of which the one wall pneumatically folds down to enable the release of the lumber when the correct level has been achieved.