On recommendations of Pakistan Cotton Ginning Association (PCGA), Smeda has planned up-gradation of five ginning factories - two in Sindh and three in Punjab -, said Muhammad Shahid Chaudhry, Head of Smeda's Technical Services Group (TSG), while talking to Business Recorder here on Friday.
Shahid said that the Authority was carrying out analysis of the ginning sector. In the first phase, Smeda had modified the pre-cleaning systems and also made adjustments of the machinery like Ribs, Saws, Spacers etc.
It was observed during this process that half of the energy is consumed in the 'Pneumatic' control of seed-cotton and lint. Calculations of fans required for suction and delivery power of pneumatic control on the basis of 30 cubic ft air requirement per pound of lint cotton and 40 cubic ft air per pound of seed-cotton at different velocities and production rates were calculated.
The Smeda also has hired some experts for carrying out this up-gradation process in respect of five ginning factories pointed out by the PCGA. Under this programme, one ginning mill each in Moro and Naushero Feroze will be up-graded by the end of August, 2004. This programme in Punjab would be implemented in the districts of Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and Lodhran.
This up-gradation process is being made on matching grant basis. Total cost of the up-gradation in respect of one ginning mill is Rs 150,000 (of which 50 percent will be shared by Smeda), Shahid added.
Smeda has contributed Rs 375,000 for the five ginning mills identified by PCGA.
Minimum 15 percent energy savings and improvement in the quality are expected after implementation of this programme. During the 2004-05 season, Smeda also plans to install moisture control system of lint cotton in different districts of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan. It would also be done on matching grant basis to reduce the operational cost of ginning, and make this sector more competitive.
This will be the first control system being installed in the ginning industry where an 'auto control system' never existed.