HIGH VOLUME COTTON TESTING EQUIPMENT 3301F
Cotton classing with integrated innovative stickiness grading
-·To test all-cotton classification values, such as:
length, strength, elongation, micronaire, maturity, fineness, color grade and trash;
-·Customer-proven 100% reliable measurement and grading of sugar stickiness ensures proper laydown selection;
-·Test results independent from operator influence due to highly automated operation;
-·Classing module is calibrated with international standard materials;
-·Fully automatic;
-·Designed, engineered, and manufactured in Italy.
– Testing method for stickiness grading recognized by ITMF – ICCTM (International Textile Manufacturers Federation – International Committee on Cotton Testing Methods)
Description
CONTEST-F has been developed to measure all relevant fiber data from the cotton bale. The instrument consists of 2 main modules:
-·the LSE module measures all parameters known from the classification of raw cotton, like length, strength, elongation, short fibers, color grade, trash, and leaf grade, as well as the cotton moisture.
-·The SM module measures stickiness, micronaire, and maturity.
The integration of various sensors delivers the full fiber profile, which is important for the preparation and spinning process, as well as the yarn quality and the final product.
After the sample preparation for the two modules, the measurements take place automatically, therefore test results are not affected by the operator. The sample preparation is easy and the operation of the user interface is intuitive and simple.
The two measuring modules can be operated simultaneously as well as separately. Each sensor can be individually selected.
Overall measuring time of both modules operated simultaneously: 200 samples per 8-hour shift.
Measuring time of the LSE Module (length/strength/colour/trash): 150 seconds.
Measuring time of the SM Module (stickiness, micronaire, maturity): 80 seconds.
In order to complete the cotton profile on raw cotton as well as to obtain vital processing data from the sliver, the CONTEST-F can be linked to the latest version of the well-known third generation of NATI – advanced version. The NATI III testing results include Neps, Seed Coat Neps, Trash, and Dust.
The NATI III data can be linked to the CONTEST-F data logger and appear together on the same screen and the same printout, as per the following example.
REFERENCE STANDARDS
Micronaire: ISO 2403, Determination of micronaire value
Length: ASTM D1447, Length and Length Uniformity of Cotton Fibers by Photoelectric Measurement
Strength: ASTM D1445 – 2012 Breaking Strength and Elongation of Cotton Fibers (Flat Bundle Method)
Stickiness: UNI EN 14278-3; Method using an automatic term detector rotating drum device
High Volume Instruments: ASTM D5867, Measurement of Physical Properties of Raw Cotton by Cotton Classification Instruments
AMBIENT CONDITIONS
Ambient conditions must be maintained in order to get reproducible test results, according to ISO 139 (temperature: 20°C ± 2°C / 68°F ± 2°F / R.H: 65% ± 4%) and/or ASMT D1776 (temperature: 21°C ± 1°C / 70°F ± 2°F / R.H: 65% ± 2%).
Due to the hygroscopic nature of cotton, the samples have to be conditioned plainly in the laboratory, for at least 24 hours before testing.
DIMENSIONS / POWER SUPPLY
Power supply: 230 Vac, 50/60 Hz, single-phase, 2 kW
Dimensions: (L) 1510 x (W) 980 x (H) 1450 mm
Weight: 430 kg