Design and Parameter Optimization of Transverse-Feed Ramie Decorticator

Abstract

In view of the elevated labor intensity and low efficiency of ramie fiber decortication, we designed a simple automatic ramie decortication machine in line with the characteristics of the ramie fiber decortication process, design requirements and market demand through an innovative design and theoretical analysis of key components such as the clamping and conveying device and the fiber detecting device, and identified the key factors and parameters affecting the quality of ramie decortication. We develop a mathematical model of the fiber percentage of fresh stalks and the ramie fiber impurity rate by considering decortication clearance, the drum speed, and the conveyance speed as factors, and determine the effect of operating parameters on ramie decortication and the optimal combination of parameters. Finally, a multi-objective optimization test was performed using the Box–Behnken test. In this paper, based on the results of the multi-objective parameter optimization analysis, the optimal parameters for ramie peeling were determined, namely, a decortication clearance of 3.7 mm, and a conveyance speed of 340 rpm. According to the optimized parameters, the ramie peeling process was experimentally validated. Using the optimized parameters, a validation test of the ramie direction in this study was performed. As indicated by the results, the percentage of fiber in the fresh stalk reached 5.05%, and the impurity rate in the ramie fiber was 1.24%. The relative errors of all metrics and model predictions were less than 5%, thus validating the accuracy of the prediction model. The machine achieved a production efficiency of 78.5 kg·h−1, which is in line with the design specifications. The raw fiber had a gum content of 23.45 percent, and the stripped fiber met the national standard for secondary ramekin fiber. This study lays a theoretical basis while providing technical support for fully automatic ramie decorticators.