Author
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Anthony, William |
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Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2002 Publication Date: 7/1/2002 Citation: Anthony, W.S. 2002. Comparison of compression characteristics of flat and shaped platens. National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. CD-ROM Interpretive Summary: Cotton bales packaged in the United States are generally superior to those packaged elsewhere. Bale presses require compression forces over 750,000 pounds that are delivered by hydraulic power units equipped with over 200-horsepower motors. Presses are expensive and require a large amount of energy for a short period of time. This study was conducted to ascertain advantages and disadvantages of different types of compression platens. Comparison of flat and shaped platens indicated that shaped platens require 15% more compression force than flat platens and produce 0.6-inch thicker bales but they reduce bale tie forces 18%. These findings can be used to optimize the design of cotton bale presses to reduce manufacturing and energy costs. Technical Abstract: The effect of flat and shaped compression platens on cotton bale presses on the force required to compress cotton as well as the resilient force exerted by cotton bales and their resulting dimensions was investigated. Eight bales of cotton were compressed with two platen types on a conventional universal density cotton bale press and evaluated. The test bales were compressed to about 19 inches of platen separation and restrained with 89-inch long bale ties; they averaged 533 pounds at a moisture content of 4.7%. Compression forces were measured initially, and bale tie forces and dimensions were monitored for 61 days. Results indicated that shaped platens require 15% more compression force than flat platens and produce 0.6-inch thicker bales but they reduce bale tie forces 18%. |
