THEORETICAL ASSESSMENT OF A DEVICE DESIGNED FOR TUNNEL FORMATION IN SEED COTTON BUNDLES
Keywords:
seed cotton; storage; ventilation tunnel; cotton bunt (pile); bulk density; plastic deformation; elastic deformation; internal friction; shear resistance; cohesion; compaction; airflow; moisture content; self-heating mitigation; template former; tunnel geometry coefficient; mechanized extraction; process optimization; pre-cleaning/pretreatment; fiber quality preservation; ginning logistics.Abstract
This study focuses on the theoretical analysis and enhancement of a device intended for the formation of ventilation tunnels within seed-cotton stacks, facilitating the safe preservation of cotton with elevated moisture content. The developed template-based forming system is positioned during the stacking process, ensuring uniform placement and compaction of the cotton mass, after which it can be removed mechanically. The investigation examines the elastic and plastic behavior of bulk seed cotton under load, taking into account factors such as bulk density, internal friction, cohesion, and shear strength. Particular attention is given to the optimization of tunnel geometry, especially its cross-sectional dimensions. The proposed design allows the tunnel width to be adjusted between 250 and 300 mm, which helps reduce deformation of the cotton mass, improves air circulation, lowers the likelihood of self-heating, decreases labor requirements, and contributes to maintaining fiber quality during storage.
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