Barco introduces sensor for detection of polypropylene contamination in yarns
Barco is pleased to announce that it has developed a sensor for the detection of polypropylene contamination in yarns. Combined with the existing foreign fiber detection sensor, the Barco add-ons to Schlafhorst OE spinning machines now offer a total solution to eliminate contamination in OE yarn.
Polypropylene and other synthetic contaminants cannot be detected with conventional, optical foreign fiber clearers as they are transparent or look like cotton. But after dyeing, these contaminants show as white spots in the fabric.
Polypropylene fiber wrapped around cotton OE-yarn before...
... and after dyeing
Therefore, Barco has developed a sensor to detect polypropylene contamination. While the yarn passes, the fibers exchange electrons with the sensor, the so-called Tribo-electric effect. State-of-the-art electronics measure this current and when a synthetic fiber passes the sensing electrode, it is detected because of the change in the Tribo-electric current.
On Schlafhorst open-end spinning machines, the new sensor is sold under the name Corolab®-PP. Such open-end machines equipped with Corolab®-PP detect polypropylene, polyethylene (PE) and polyamide (nylon) contaminants. The sensor is insensitive for vegetable contamination such as jute and flax, which in most cases can be bleached out later. Its principle of operation enables Corolab®-PP to function also perfectly on cotton-PES blends. As with all other Barco sensors, contaminants are reported with use of a defect classification matrix. Through the clearer settings, disturbing faults will cause the rotor to stop or lock.
On Schlafhorst OE machines, the sensor comes as a simple add-on to the existing Corolab® yarn clearer. The newly developed Corolab® section electronics are “PP-ready”. This means that only the add-on sensor is needed to equip the OE-frame with PP-clearers. Together with Schlafhorst, Barco worked out retrofit solutions for most of the installed Corolab® base, so that initial investments in Barco’s yarn clearer technology are safeguarded.
In combination with the existing Corolab®-ABS optical foreign fiber detector, the new polypropylene sensor offers a total solution to eliminate all types of contamination in OE-yarn.
