Bur Cotton Material Flow Characterization and Parameterization on a Wire Belt Conveyor

The goal of this study was to characterize and parameterize bur cotton flow on a wire belt conveyor.  This was accomplished using two techniques:  data were collected using a high speed camera to aid in velocity characterization and fiber quality and foreign matter data were collected to aid in the parameterization process of the fiber.  Wire belt conveyor widths (0.18, 0.36, 0.53, and 0.69 m), depths of material (0.025, 0.05, 0.10, 0.18 m), and belt speeds (calculated based on material flow rate required) were used to match three common bur cotton yields observed in the Southern High Plains: 428.6, 642.9, and 857.1 kg ha^-1 (which are equivalent to1, 1.5 and 2 bale per acre yields) to three material flow rates to determine testing parameters.  These material flow rates were used in conjunction with a top and side view high speed camera to determine flow characteristics of bur cotton.  Fiber quality, percent foreign matter removal, and foreign matter data were collected from the extreme high and low velocities as determined by each belt width and material flow rate and shallowest and deepest material depths (0.025 and 0.18 m) within each of the wire belt widths to determine the wire belt configuration effects on fiber quality and foreign matter content.