COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF COTTON CLEANING MACHINES AND DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

УДК 620.172 

Abstract

This article presents a comparative analysis of the performance of traditional ginning equipment with a drum and modern pneumatic (Air-bar) cleaning devices, which are widely used in cotton ginning plants. Increasing production efficiency while maintaining fiber quality in the cotton processing industry is one of the current issues. During the research, the main technical and economic indicators of both technologies were comprehensively studied, including the efficiency of cleaning from impurities, the preservation of the natural properties and quality indicators of the fiber, and important factors such as electricity consumption. The results of laboratory and practical experiments showed that pneumatic cleaning systems allow reducing mechanical damage to the fiber (damaged fiber and loss of softness) by 12–15% compared to traditional mechanical methods. In addition, pneumatic devices showed high results in energy efficiency and maintaining fiber length. The conclusions presented in the article provide practical recommendations for the modernization of cotton ginning plants and increasing the competitiveness of finished products.

Аннотация

В данной статье представлен сравнительный анализ производительности традиционного хлопкоочистительного оборудования с барабаном и современных пневматических (Air-bar) очистных устройств, широко используемых на хлопкоочистительных заводах. Повышение эффективности производства при сохранении качества волокна в хлопкоперерабатывающей промышленности является одной из актуальных задач. В ходе исследования были всесторонне изучены основные технико-экономические показатели обеих технологий, включая эффективность очистки от примесей, сохранение природных свойств и качественных показателей волокна, а также важные факторы, такие как потребление электроэнергии. Результаты лабораторных и практических экспериментов показали, что пневматические системы очистки позволяют снизить механические повреждения волокна (повреждение волокна и потеря мягкости) на 12–15% по сравнению с традиционными механическими методами. Кроме того, пневматические устройства продемонстрировали высокие результаты в энергоэффективности и сохранении длины волокна. Представленные в статье выводы содержат практические рекомендации по модернизации хлопкоочистительных заводов и повышению конкурентоспособности готовой продукции.

Keywords: Cotton cleaning, Air-bar, peg drum, cleaning efficiency, fiber damage, pneumatic transport, grate bars.

Ключевые слова: Очистка хлопка, пневматическая решетка, барабан с фиксаторами, эффективность очистки, повреждение волокон, пневматическая транспортировка, решетчатые планки.

Introduction

With the transition to the cotton cluster system in the economy of Uzbekistan, the issue of high-quality processing of raw cotton and production of competitive fiber for the world market has become a priority. The cotton cleaning process is considered one of the main stages determining the fiber grade.

Currently, mainly two types of cotton cleaning technologies are used in cotton ginning plants:

1. Mechanical cleaning: Cleaning by striking cotton against grate surfaces using peg and saw-tooth drums.

2. Pneumatic cleaning (Air-bar): Separation of impurities using airflow and inertial force.

The main problem is that although traditional mechanical devices provide high cleaning efficiency, they exert strong impact forces on the fiber and seeds, resulting in reduced fiber length and an increase in the amount of neps. The purpose of this article is to justify the most suitable technological solution through a comparison of the efficiency of different cleaning devices.

Materials and Methods

The research was conducted both in the laboratory conditions of a cotton ginnery and on a production line. For the experiments, “Namangan-77” cotton with medium contamination (8–10%) and moisture content of 9% was selected.

Compared Devices:

• Device A: UXK type peg cleaner (mechanical).
• Device B: Air-bar pneumatic drum cleaning apparatus.

Measurement Parameters:

1. Cleaning Efficiency (E): Calculated from the difference between the initial and final impurity content.
2.  Fiber Damage: Fiber length and strength were tested using the HVI (High Volume Instrument) system.
3.  Energy Consumption: Electrical energy consumption per ton of cotton processed (kWh/t).

Results and Discussion

Table 1. Cleaning Efficiency Indicators

Table 2. Effect on Fiber Quality (HVI Results)

Table 3. Technical and Economic Indicators

Analysis of the results shows that the UXK cleaner has an advantage in cleaning efficiency. However, this efficiency is achieved due to strong mechanical impacts on the cotton, which negatively affects fiber quality.

In the Air-bar cleaner, the cleaning efficiency is slightly lower, but the fiber quality remains almost unchanged. The main advantage of this device is the very low level of seed damage.

In terms of energy consumption, the Air-bar system is more expensive due to the need for powerful ventilators, but the preservation of fiber quality compensates for these additional costs.

Conclusion

1. UXK-type mechanical cleaners should be used at the beginning of the processing line for removing large impurities.

2. Air-bar pneumatic devices should be installed at the final stages to preserve fiber quality.

3. The Air-bar apparatus demonstrates the highest economic efficiency in cleaning high-grade cotton.

4. In the future, hybrid cleaning systems combining mechanical impact and air-assisted separation should be developed.

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