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@PHDTHESIS{Khn:1025255,
author = {Kühn, Justin},
othercontributors = {Gries, Thomas and Häußling, Roger Adrian Maria},
title = {{T}echnical development and sociological analysis for a
higher cotton fibre quality in ginning},
school = {Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen},
type = {Dissertation},
address = {Aachen},
publisher = {RWTH Aachen University},
reportid = {RWTH-2026-00632},
pages = {1 Online-Ressource : Illustrationen},
year = {2025},
note = {Veröffentlicht auf dem Publikationsserver der RWTH Aachen
University 2026; Dissertation, Rheinisch-Westfälische
Technische Hochschule Aachen, 2025},
abstract = {This thesis addresses the issue of shortened cotton fibres
during ginning, which hampers mechanical recycling and
reduces overall recycling rates. Long and strong fibres are
crucial for multiple recycling cycles. Otherwise, short
fibres lead to waste. The ginning process faces challenges
such as poor machine settings, wrong moisture management in
processing, storage in dusty surroundings and a lack of
practical knowledge among workers. The hypothesis posits
that better moisture management and structured knowledge
transfer (e. g. in a Train the Trainer program) can help
reduce fibre length losses in ginning.The research combines
literature reviews, expert interviews and on-site
investigations in India and Egypt with lab developments at
RWTH Aachen University. It focuses on reliable moisture
measurement techniques to preserve fibre length. Direct
methods like the oven standard are accurate but slow, while
indirect methods, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR)
and electrical resistance measurement, offer quicker
alternatives. Resistance measurement proves most viable for
on-line control due to its low cost and robustness.
Therefore, this system is further developed and used as a 50
$ cheap approach for ginner trusted operation. Additional
moisturisation system enable fibre gentle processing.
Operationally, maintaining optimal moisture levels is
critical. Peak fibre strength occurs at around 15\% moisture
content, while storage above 12\% risks quality degradation.
The study emphasizes the importance of effective training
for ginning mill operators regarding moisture control and
machine maintenance.From an economic perspective, bale
pricing is sensitive to quality differences. Quality
preservation better preserves prices than increases above
standard traded qualities. Implementing a
moisture-management system can yield significant financial
returns by preserving fibre quality. A cooperative model
like Raiffeisen or farmer cooperatives as used in the USA
involving farmers as co-owners of ginning mills can enhance
focus on premium cotton attributes while fostering
continuous improvement through reinvestment in training.
Overall, this thesis advocates for simple yet robust
measurement tools combined with effective operator training
strategies to improve cotton quality sustainably while
enhancing economic viability in production environments.},
cin = {419110},
ddc = {620},
cid = {$I:(DE-82)419110_20140620$},
typ = {PUB:(DE-HGF)11},
doi = {10.18154/RWTH-2026-00632},
url = {https://publications.rwth-aachen.de/record/1025255},
}
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