Kinetics of Dust Removal from Cotton by Repetitive Mechanical Cleaning

Abstract

Two models of the kinetics of dust removal from cotton by repetitive mechanical processing are considered on the basis of the fiber-frictional force applied to clean the fiber. The approach in the constant-force model is to hold the fiber-frictional force constant with repetitive processing. In the decreasing-force model, the fiber-frictional force decreases with each successive stage of processing. The primary "pool" of dust in the cotton is assumed to be the in situ dust, that is, already present in the cotton and adhered to the fiber surface. Rate equations are derived to calculate at each stage of mechanical processing the remaining concentration of in situ dust, the cumulative generation of airborne dust, and the amount of airborne dust generated at each stage of cleaning. Diagnostic criteria are presented to fit experimental data to either of the models and to calculate the rate constant. Results of the theoretical calculations indicate the rate of dust removal from cotton is greater for the constant-force model. An equation is derived to compute the theoretical dust removal efficiency of the decreasing-force model relative to the constant-force model.