Impact of cleaning process modifications on the efficiency of improved working parts
Abstract
In the context of increasing demands for cotton fibre quality and energy-efficient processing, this study focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of cleaning systems by modifying working parts in fibre cleaning machines. The research investigates the influence of guiding devices and the geometric profile of grates on flow behaviour and pressure distribution in dual-drum saw-type fibre cleaners. A mathematical model based on the compressible flow of fibrous material was developed to describe the interaction between the fibre stream and the inclined grate surfaces. The pressure-density relationship and flow velocity were analysed through nonlinear differential equations, and analytical solutions were obtained under specific boundary conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that changes in the initial thickness of the fibre stream and the shape of the guiding device significantly affect the cleaning efficiency. An optimised profile of the guiding system reduces fibre loss and improves impurity removal by up to 15% compared to conventional systems. The proposed modifications offer a promising solution for adapting fibre cleaning equipment to handle machine-harvested, highly contaminated cotton in modern ginning operations.