Delinting of Cotton Seed

Abstract

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for delinting cotton seed by mixing and propelling both the cotton seed and abrasive particles in high-speed contact with each other in a contained space or vessel. The abrasive particles may be calcium carbonate, glass, diatomaceous earth, sugar or sand. The abrasive particles and cotton seed may be propelled by mechanical means in the form a mixer, or through the use of high-speed air in a vessel ( 10 ).

1 . A method of delinting cotton seed, the method including the step of mixing the cotton seed with abrasive particles. 
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the mixing involves propelling and bringing the cotton seed and abrasive particles into high-speed contact with each other. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the cotton seed and abrasive particles are brought into high-speed contact with each other by mechanical means. 
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the mechanical means is a mixer. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the mixer is run at speed from 50 rpm to 100 rpm. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the mixer is run at speed from 200 rpm to 1000 rpm. 
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the cotton seed and abrasive particles are brought into high-speed contact with each other through the use of high-speed air. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the high-speed air is blown onto the cotton seed and abrasive particles at a pressure of from 0.5 bar to 2 bar (0.5×10 5  Pa to 2×10 5  Pa). 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the high-speed air is blown onto the cotton seed and abrasive particles at a pressure of 1 bar (1×10 5  Pa). 
   
   
       10 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abrasive particles have a mean diameter of from 0.1 mm to 2 mm. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abrasive particles are calcium carbonate, glass, diatomaceous earth, sugar and/or sand. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the abrasive particles are sea sand or river sand. 
   
   
       13 . An apparatus for delinting cotton seed, the apparatus comprising a vessel including a cylindrical inside wall and means for introducing compressed air into the vessel tangentially relative to the inside wall.