A Method for the Continuous Measurement of Combing Noil and Its Application in Wool Topmaking

Abstract

Noil is waste fiber generated during combing of staple fiber, the level of which is generally a concern due to the associated economic loss. Strategies to reduce noil have not developed because there has not been a reliable, comprehensive, and accurate method of measurement in a combing plant. We describe here a new method for the continuous, automatic monitoring of the total noil without any interference with operator procedures or production. The noil monitoring system was installed on eight combs in a commercial topmaking plant and tested for 24 hours a day for six months. The data obtained from this trial revealed important performance details of the combing operation, such as noil level and noil production, linear density of the prepared and combed slivers, the number of slivers in the feed, production rate of each comb, the feed rate to each comb, machine operating speed, run-time and down-time for each comb, and comb process efficiencies. The data confirmed that this system could be used as a tool for improving management and control of combing.

Design, function, and applications of high-retention doffer and worker wire

“…Reductions in combing noil of this order during worsted processing are economically significant. 26 It was not possible to measure transfer efficiencies during these trials. Also, given the lack of precision of hauteur measurements, an alternative method for measurement needs to be considered and tracer fiber might be a possibility.…”