Estimating the Quantity of Usable Fibers in Baled Cotton

Abstract

The accuracy of estimating weight loss in processing cotton is improved with in strument based cotton classification measurements when compared to conventional cotton classification. Two new methods of rapidly estimating trash content were in vestigated as candidates for use in instrument classification. Nonlint losses were also measured with a Shirley analyzer and a conventional carding machine. Agreement with carding loss ranged from an r² of 36 for conventional grading to an r² of 77 for Shirley analyzer measurements. When nonlint content data were combined with other fiber data, the Shirley analyzer method explained 90% of the variation in carding loss. When comparing the two new rapid methods, the trash monitor was a better estimator of card loss than the scanning trashmeter, but when combined with fiber data, the two were equal. Both of the rapid trash measuring instruments are commercially available, and both can be used on a routine basis to improve mill performance.