ARS | Publication request: Investigation of the Effects of Lint Cleaning Machinery Loading on Fiber Quality at a Commercial Roller Gin.

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings/Symposium
Publication Acceptance Date: January 7, 2005
Publication Date: January 7, 2005
Citation: Whitelock, D.P., Armijo, C.B., Hughs, S.E. 2005. Investigation of the effects of lint cleaning machinery loading on fiber quality at a commercial roller gin. In: Proceedings of the Beltwide Cotton Conferences, January 4-7, 2005, New Orleans, Louisiana. p. 789-794. 2005 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary: A recent survey of United States roller gins showed that typical loading of Pima lint cleaning equipment varied greatly from one gin to another and was as high as 1080 pounds per hour per foot of machinery width. Cotton gin machinery manufacturers recommend that roller gin lint cleaner be loaded to about 960 pounds per hour per foot of machinery width, but no research on the quality effects of that loading has been published. During the fall 2004 ginning season, data were taken at an average size roller gin to assess the effects of lint cleaning machinery loading on fiber quality. Leaf grade and bale value, after lint cleaning, were significantly better (about ½ grade and $40) for lower loading rates. The research indicated that, at higher loading rates (loading rates near, but still below industry recommendations), lint cleaning efficiency was reduced. It was also found that, regardless of the lint cleaner loading rate, leaf grades significantly improved about one full grade and bale values significantly increased about $71 due to lint cleaning. Current ginning practices of the United States roller ginning industry vary greatly from gin to gin and are not based on engineering analyses. This research is important in that it begins to quantify the relationship between fiber quality and lint cleaner loading. The results may help operators better control the ginning process to produce better quality cotton for US and export markets.

Technical Abstract: Recommendations for roller gin lint cleaner capacities are 1.5 ' 2 bales per hour (bph) per foot of cleaner width, but no research on the quality effects of that loading has been published. A recent survey of US roller gins showed that typical loading of Pima lint cleaning equipment ranged from 0.75 to 2.25 bph/ft. Data were taken at an average size (20 bph) roller gin during the fall 2004 ginning season to assess the effects of lint cleaning machinery loading on fiber quality. Lint fiber samples were taken before and after cleaning with an inclined cleaner and centrifugal-type lint cleaner loaded at different rates ranging from 0.5 to about 1.7 bph/ft. Lint fiber samples were classed at the AMS Classing Office (Phoenix, AZ). Most of the differences in lint classing parameters due to loading were not significant. Leaf grade and bale value, after lint cleaning, were significantly better (about ½ grade and $40 higher) for lower loading rates (' 1.3 bph/ft) on a lint cleaning sequence that included a lint fan, stationary condenser, 6-ft wide inclined cleaner, and 8 ft air-jet; indicating that at higher loading rates (' 1.7 bph/ft) lint cleaning efficiency was reduced. As a result of lint cleaning, leaf grades significantly decreased about one full grade (from 3.2 to 2.2) and bale values significantly increased from about $457 to $528. The results justify further study.