Before the cotton is further processed in mixers and fine cleaners, the new Trützschler CL-X pre-cleaner gently and reliably removes coarse contaminants like leaf debris, stalks, or seeds from cotton with minimal loss of good fibers, improving efficiency and laying the foundation for a high-quality end-product.

The CL-X's lower energy consumption is crucial at a time when rising energy prices are becoming a more essential issue in spinning mill competitiveness.

Head of mechanical engineering at Trützschler, Robert Többen explained that their major emphasis during the CL-X development was on optimizing the fiber air flows. By pushing the airflow across two rolls in a spiral, they have developed a solution that allows for decreased power consumption at the opening rolls.

The CL-X saves up to 30% on energy consumption when compared to a contemporary benchmark machine. In addition to the optimized flow, an integrated air separator helps to reduce transport air by ensuring that only excess air, rather than all of the air, has to be removed. When there is less exhaust air, there is less energy consumption.

In addition, the CL-X boosts productivity substantially. The output rate of one CL-X is equivalent to that of two Trützschler CL-P machines at a maximum of 1,600 kilos per hour. Customers can work at high or low productivity rates with a single machine as a result of this flexibility.

In tests done at a Turkish client, the CL-X was shown to have a cleaning efficiency approximately three times that of the benchmark unit. Better separation and softer tuft handling are made possible by enhanced grid design, and a 2.6-meter-long cleaning section allows for maximal tuft opening and cleaning.

Direct, automated coordination with the BO-P bale opener is possible thanks to the lot management system. The opening roller speeds and grid bar positions – and therefore the cleaning intensity – are automatically adjusted to the changing material being fed into it.

The machine can react to a wide range of contaminants thanks to the stepless and unique adjustment of grid devices for each opening roller. Different speeds along the grids are caused by a 10% faster second opening roller, and different sizes of trash may also be separated.

The Wastecontrol waste sensor is now included in the CL-X, ensuring that trash is consistently segregated throughout production and preventing the loss of precious fibers. The operator receives an automated recommendation for the optimal setting via the machine's display, which he or she may apply with a few clicks.