Performance Evaluation of Power Operated Cyclonic Cotton Picker

A cyclonic cotton picker was developed and its performance was evaluated on the basis of output capacity, picking efficiency, trash content and collection efficiency at the aspirator speeds of 4500 rpm, 5500 rpm and 6500 rpm, and at the pickup pipe diameters of 18 mm, 25 mm and 32 mm. A maximum output capacity of 8.29 kg/h with maximum picking efficiency of 93.27% was determined for pickup pipe diameter of 32 mm at aspirator speed of 6500 rpm. A minimum trash content (6.59%) and maximum collection efficiency (98.67%) were also seen for the aspirator speed of 6500 rpm when a pickup pipe diameter of 18 mm was used. It was found that the developed cyclonic cotton picker performed better when the aspirator speed was increased. Also, the fuel consumption was found to be 0.77 L/h, 0.96 L/h and 1.30 L/h at the aspirator speeds of 4500, 5500 and 6500 rpm, respectively. Cost analysis was also performed to check the economic feasibility of the developed cyclonic cotton picker. The total cost of the developed cyclonic cotton picker was found to be Rs. 135.30/h. Also, the break-even point was estimated to be 487.90 kg per annum, which was 12.30% of the annual utility rate of 480 h. The custom fee and the operating cost for the cyclonic cotton picker were calculated and found to be Rs. 211.40/h and Rs. 124.62/h, respectively. For a harvesting season of 60 days/year, the pay-back period was found to be 4.15 years.