Energy analysis of cotton gin waste

Abstract

The disposal of cotton gin waste from the gin site has become an economic factor in the efficient operation of a cotton gin. Energy costs are rising and the possibility of curtailment of energy supplies, primarily natural gas used for drying, has become a reality in some instances. The feasibility of incinerating cotton gin waste as a heat source to dry seed cotton has been demonstrated. Gross heat value and ash percent has been determined for cotton gin waste produced from mid-South picker harvested cotton. This research evaluated the variability of physical and chemical composition of cotton gin waste from six gins in Texas. Two of the gins received predominantly picked cotton and four of the gins received predominantly stripped cotton. During the 1977 ginning season samples were collected weekly from each gin. Moisture content, gross heat value, ash content, volatile matter, constituent parts; lint, burs, sticks, and fine trash, ash melting point, and the percentage of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, arsenic, and sulfur were all determined for each sample taken. Cotton gin waste was stored in two modules, one stripper harvested cotton waste and the other picker harvested cotton waste. Internal temperatures were taken periodically during the storage period, approximately eight months. At the end of the storage period samples were taken from the stored waste modules and gross heat value determined..