Author
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Le, Sanh |
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Submitted to: Applied Engineering in Agriculture
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2006 Publication Date: 3/1/2007 Citation: Le, S. 2007. Fiber Quality Properties Produced by Saw-type Lint Cleaners. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. Vol. 23(2): 125-130. Interpretive Summary: Saw-type lint cleaners are widely used and generally recognized as the most efficient lint cleaners in the ginning industry. Because of their popularity, a small improvement in their performance will produce substantial benefits to the ginning industry. Further guidance for ginners is needed to enable them to capitalize on these improvements. A study was conducted for two seasons to build models to predict the performance and fiber quality produced by saw-type lint cleaners based on their operational parameters. The study found that moisture content and variety are the dominant effects on the performance of saw-type lint cleaners. Model equations derived for turnout, percent lint cleaner waste and cleaning efficiency showed the linear relationship among the parameters investigated. The smooth-leaf variety yields higher turnout at low speed and high moisture. High cleaning efficiency precipitated high waste. The models also include prediction of fiber grade properties, namely, brightness (reflectance) and yellowness (+b). Working within the range of parameters investigated, the models provide ginners a comprehensive tool to operate saw-type lint cleaners effectively with predictable fiber quality. As a result, farmer profits will be improved. Technical Abstract: The saw-type lint cleaner is the work horse of the ginning industry in lint cleaning. A study was conducted over a two-year period to examine the performance of a saw-type lint cleaner in response to feed rate, saw speed, combing ratio, variety and moisture effects. The study found that moisture content and variety are the dominant effects on the performance of saw-type lint cleaners. Model equations derived for turnout, percent lint cleaner waste and cleaning efficiency are composed of various combinations of saw speed, batt density, combing ratio or its inverse, variety, and moisture content. All models are linear. The smooth-leaf variety yields higher turnout at low speed and high moisture. High cleaning efficiency precipitates high cleaner waste. Both the cleaner waste and cleaning efficiency models vary linearly with combing ratio. Effects of the lint cleaner operation on fiber quality are also predicted. |
