Duct Design
Industrial hollow conduits guide the airborne passage of loose textile fibers and tufts between processing machines. In the opening and cleaning stages of a spinning mill, pneumatic transport ducting moves material from the bale opener to the carding machines. This system uses suction or compressed air to keep fibers suspended during travel.
Velocity Profile
The layout and diameter of the transport ducts are engineered to maintain a specific air velocity that prevents fibers from settling. If the velocity is too low, fibers accumulate on the bottom of the duct, creating blockages that stop the entire production line. Too high a velocity can damage fragile fibers or cause them to roll into tight neps.
Smooth curves and transitions prevent turbulence and friction along the inner walls.
Fiber Conservation
Duct design directly affects the cleanliness of the cotton before it reaches the carding stage. Modern conveying lines incorporate waste separators that pull heavy impurities like seeds and sand out of the fiber stream through centrifugal action. This separation step prevents damage to downstream machinery.
System Maintenance
Static electricity can build up inside synthetic fiber transport lines, causing fibers to stick to the duct walls. Installing grounded metal ducting or applying antistatic sprays prevents this accumulation from occurring. Operators must inspect the ducts regularly to ensure no material is snagging.
