INNOVATIVE SEPARATOR DESIGN FOR ENHANCING FIBER RETENTION IN PNEUMATIC TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

This research focuses on minimizing cotton fiber loss by optimizing the structural design of the cotton-air separator. The proposed modification involves the integration of specialized trapezoidal guide vanes within the working chamber. This innovation reduces the contact area between the raw cotton and the screen surfaces by approximately 40%, thereby significantly mitigating mechanical damage to the fibers. Experimental data indicate a substantial reduction in the fiber loss coefficient: from 0.70 kg/h to 0.28 kg/h for high-grade cotton (I-II) and from 3.78 kg/h to 2.42 kg/h for lower grades (III-V). Economic analysis confirms an annual fiber saving of 4,495.5 kg, resulting in an estimated benefit exceeding 73 million UZS. With a rapid payback period of 3-4 months, this technical solution offers high efficiency for the cotton ginning industry.