Cotton Fiber Contamination and Preparation

Understanding Whitefly Effects, Neps, and Testing Solutions

Cotton Fiber Whitefly Honeydew Contamination

Cotton fiber is frequently found to be contaminated by 'Honey dew', an excretion created by white flies. These insects are common in African cotton-growing regions due to vast, non-irrigated savanna zones. Their secretion is a sticky substance that severely impacts fiber quality.

Tsudakoma ZAX Makes Its High-End Mark

Nothing is more disturbing for spinning experts than 'Honey dew'. It causes fibers to stick together, making opening and cleaning extremely difficult. This stickiness leads to mechanical damage during blowroom and carding, resulting in increased neps and fiber fly.

Fiber Immaturity and Its Correlation to Neps

Every spinner knows the implications of immature fibers. Immature content is detectable at several processing stages. Initially, nep counts are taken directly from the bale — ideally from every tenth bale and its corners — before opening line input.

Segregation to Control Neps and Optimize Output

Variation in bale quality demands classification before batching. Continuous nep count monitoring with corrective measures in each process can substantially reduce costs by minimizing ends down, imperfections, and improving strength and consistency.

Modern Testing Instruments

AFIS and HVI are invaluable tools in modern mills. Despite their advantages, many mills still rely on outdated instruments such as Pressley and Micronaire, due to cost constraints or lack of knowledge from decision-makers seeking short-term savings.

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