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Submitted to: ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 6/5/2005 Publication Date: 7/20/2005 Citation: Holt, Gregory A. 2005. Results from optimization studies performed on the powered roll gin stand - Report 2. American Society for Agricultural Engineers. Paper No. 051099. Interpretive Summary: A prototype powered roll gin stand (previously a Lummus-116) was evaluated in the gin lab at the USDA-ARS, Cotton Production and Processing Research Unit, Lubbock, Texas, in an effort to determine the optimal operational settings of the paddle roll speed, saw speed, seed finger roll speed, and paddle roll loading rate. The study was conducted in order to optimize the powered roll gin stand’s operational components for optimal production rate, lint turnout, and fiber properties. Fourteen response variables were incorporated into a central composite response surface design with four factors at three levels. Results from the optimization study indicated various optimal solutions depending on the emphasis placed on the various response variables. For example, when AFIS short fiber content, ginning rate, and total VMD were the main inputs used for optimization, the optimal setting was: paddle roll speed = 209 rpm, paddle roll load = 17 amps, saw speed = 838 rpm, and seed finger speed = 28 rpm. However, when all fourteen response variables were used as inputs, the optimal setting was: paddle roll speed = 209 rpm, paddle roll load = 17 amps, saw speed = 829 rpm, and seed finger speed = 21 rpm. These responses indicate the compromise that exists with any optimization procedure. Technical Abstract: The powered roll gin stand is a new saw-type ginning technology that has undergone numerous studies evaluating its use for ginning seed cotton. Past results have shown increased production and turnout without adversely affecting fiber properties. In some cases, improvements in fiber properties over a conventional gin stand where demonstrated. However, the question remained as to what speed the various components of the power roll gin stand should be operated to optimize performance. The four main factors of the power roll gin stand evaluated were: paddle roll speed, paddle roll loading rate, seed finger roll speed, and saw speed. This paper presents the results of an optimization study conducted on a Lummus 116 gin stand that was retrofitted with the power roll gin stand technology. The results are based on lint samples taken after one stage of lint cleaning, seed samples, and performance data. Of the fourteen response variables evaluated, three variables resulted in significant models: short fiber content, ginning rate, and visible mechanical damage. Several optimal solutions were obtained based on the input factors used in the evaluation. When including all response variables in the analysis, the optimal operational settings for the gin stand were: paddle roll speed = 208 rpm, paddle roll loading = 17 amps, seed finger speed = 21 rpm, and saw speed = 829 rpm. |
