Flax Processing Research Articles

EXPERIENCE OF MODERNISATION OF SORTING TABLES AT THE FLAX PLANT

Modern flax mills are equipped with new production lines for short and long fibres. In particular, the Belgian company Depoortere supplies such lines of various capacities. The equipment allows for continuous processing of flax, complete cleaning of flax seeds. Standard sorting tables are used for sorting flax (manually by length and colour). At the same time, back in the 1980s, based on the modernisation of standard sorting tables, original designs of experimental sorting tables equipped with aspiration devices were created and tested in production conditions. In this paper, an experimental conveyor table with a perforated surface is considered, equipped with a device for removing air contaminated with dust particles. An experimental table with a two-sided arrangement of workplaces with the function of localisation and removal of dust in the process of sorting long flax fibre is presented. The results of testing of experimental tables at Palekh flax plant, comments and suggestions from the employees of the flax plant regarding the design of the tables are presented. The designs of experimental tables equipped with aspiration devices, have significant advantages in comparison with standard tables, can be adapted to modern lines installed at flax plants.

THERMAL PROCESSING OF OIL FLAX BONES INTO ACTIVATED CARBON

Flax shives – waste generated during the primary processing of flax in the textile industry, make up 70% of the total mass of oil flax stalks. The results of an experimental study of the thermal processing of oil flax bonfires by the method of slow conductive pyrolysis in the temperature range of 400–650 °C are presented. An experimental bench for thermal decomposition of flax fire and activation of carbon residue by superheated water vapor is presented. The required temperature regimes of pyrogenetic decomposition were established, which are in the range of 500–600 °C. An analysis of the physicochemical properties of experimental samples of biochar obtained by pyrogenetic decomposition of flax fires has been carried out. At low temperatures of 400–430 °C, the specific gravity of carbon is in the range of 80–82%. Under temperature conditions of 500–600 °C, the specific gravity of carbon was 91–93%. At higher temperature conditions, the yield of gaseous products increases, and the ash content in the solid carbonaceous residue increases. The modes of steam activation of biochar from flax fires have been established, so to achieve the best sorption values, water vapor should be at a temperature of 900 °C. A comparative analysis of the sorption abilities of experimentally obtained activated carbon with BAU-A activated carbon is given. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that the activated carbon from the fire of flax corresponds to the parameters of GOST 6217-74.

Studying the composition of linen flax variety on the signs determining the choice of an effective flax straw processing technology

The results of determining the technological quality of flax straw during processing using traditional technology are presented: yield and number of long and short fibres, total fibre yield, and complex indicators – per centimetres of flax long-stem varieties of various selections. On average, a comparative analysis of the actual values of these characteristics with the standardised values in the norms for fibre yield and quality from retted flax straw was carried out without considering the distinctive features of the varieties. It was established that compliance with the criteria per centimetres of long fibres, as the main product obtained from flax straw of different quality, ranges from 69.6% to 94.0%, and for per centimetres of short threads from 102.1% to 118.7%. As a result of studying the composition of varieties based on these characteristics to justify the choice of the most rational raw material utilisation option during processing, types with maximum and minimum values per centimetres of long fibres were identified, which are the primary criterion for the efficiency of flax processing enterprises. Based on the results of differentiated analysis by varieties with different qualities of flax straw, it is recommended to use the processing technology for both long and short fibres for such varieties as Diplomat, Alexim, Grant, Veralin, Suzanne (flax straw number 1.00), Sursky, Tost, Tverskoy, Grant, Lyra, Leader (flax straw number 1.50), Sursky, Leader, Electra, Lyra, Tverskoy, Lenok (flax straw number 2.00). For these varieties, the maximum values per centimetre of long fibres range from 98.0% to 187.9. Flax straw of sorts with the minimum value of this complex indicator is advisable to process into uniform or short wool. These include the following flax long-stem varieties: Tomsky 18, Universal, Fakel, Electra (low-quality flax straw), Tomsky 16, A-29, Praleska (medium-quality flax straw), Dashkovsky, Vasilik, Tost (high-quality flax straw). It is concluded that it is necessary to consider the distinctive features of varieties simultaneously with the quality of flax straw, which will significantly expand the possibilities for ensuring the profitable operation of enterprises.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OILSEEDS MARKET BASED ON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Increased demand in the oilseeds market allows agricultural producers to diversify production and sell products on the international market. The purpose of the study is to assess the development trends in the production of oilseeds in an agro-oriented region. The objects of observation are organisations of various organisational and legal forms of ownership. The analysis of the sustainable development of the oilseeds market made it possible to determine that the Altai Territory is one of the largest agrarian-oriented regions with significant land resources that allow the efficient cultivation of oilseeds. In current conditions, considerable work is underway in the region to change the structure of sown areas in the direction of their increase for highmargin oilseeds. Also, to obtain high yields in the region, space navigation systems are being introduced, highyielding varieties and hybrids are used, and a plant protection system and use of mineral fertilisers are. At the same time, highly efficient technologies are used on 4.1 million hectares of sown areas. The navigation system (space technology) allows the use of equipment with GLONASS navigation while satisfying the possibility of using advanced technologies to produce agricultural products and their transportation. In addition, the crossborder location of the region makes it possible to optimise the channels for selling products to the markets of Asian countries. To further stimulate the production of high-quality long fibre flax for agricultural producers, state support funds were provided to compensate for up to 40% of the cost of machinery and equipment used for the production and primary processing of fibre flax. At the same time, several issues should be resolved, such as the use of rational land use technologies based on technical re-equipment, land reclamation (stageby-stage restoration of irrigation), development of a system of domestic elite seed production, the introduction of modern innovative technologies for the cultivation of oilseeds; reduction of production costs of cultivation of oilseeds.

Study of the Process of Grinding Oil Flax for the Purpose of its Utilization

The possibility of recycling straw and oil flax trusts in the form of tangled broken stems after threshing the seeds in the field by grinding them on flax processing equipment has been determined. The results of studies of the process of chopping stems from a windrow, the influence of processing modes of the chopping machine and the shape of the working body on the performance of the crushed mass are presented.

Re-hackling flax before spinning

Flax is a traditional plant used to make textiles. Flax, like all natural fibres, is a material with variations. Knowledge of a crafting process can be obtained by studying artefacts and all available documentation and by being present in a craft tradition and society of spinning. A craftsperson will make many small decisions during their work. How do we gain knowledge about handling materials, and how do we preserve the intangible skills relevant to a craft? This performance article aims to make visible specific knowledge of material, tools and working methods for re-hackling flax. The text and performance illustrate the perspective of a reflecting craftsperson. By asking questions about the work process, critical decisions regarding crafts will be highlighted. This approach will help preserve and transmit craft skills within flax processing.

Technology and implementation of flax stripping in the primary flax processing line

This paper investigates the utilization of an oscillatory-type working body for the stripping process within the primary fiber flax processing line. It also introduces the equation governing the movement of this working body, thereby enabling the determination of the fundamental geometric parameters of the mechanism. (Research purpose) To develop the technology for fiber flax stripping at a flax mill using the proposed comb-type device, and to examine the parameters and modes of its functionality. (Materials and methods) A testing model was designed for a stripping machine, enabling an exploration of the flax combing process within the factory. The limitations of the parameters under investigation were identified. Furthermore, a theoretical model was formulated to calculate the performance of the stripper. (Results and discussion) The operation kinematic mode, stripping cleanliness, and seed losses during the stripping process are determined through theoretical analysis. It is discovered that the quality of stripping is influenced by the thickness of the flax ribbon. Specifically, an increase in the flax straw's thickness results in the clogging of the stripping device, subsequently leading to the formation of tangles and entanglements on the working body. On the other hand, insufficient thickness of the flax ribbon leads to significant damage to the stems. The limits for the thickness of the flax ribbon are established considering both the potential minimum and maximum yields: the lower limit being 0.01 meters and the upper limit set at 0.05 meters. The application of the factory's stripping technology is expected to ensure a 10 percent reduction in seed losses and an additional 6 percent reduction in production costs. (Conclusions) Theoretical justification for the parameters and operational modes of the stripper in the flax processing line, along with its design, is provided. The feed speed of the flax ribbon is configured to range between 1.0 and 1.5 meters per second, while the rotation frequency of the working body varies from 2.2 to 3.0 revolutions per second.

Анализ сортов льна-долгунца по выходу и качеству волокна при переработке льнотресты

Abstract. The article presents the results of a study to determine the technological quality of flax in 553 batches of 35 varieties of flax during primary processing in production conditions. The purpose of the study is to analyze the varieties of flax by yield and fiber quality when processing flax of various quality to develop proposals for choosing the optimal use for its intended purpose in the interests of the consumer. Methods. The object of the study was flax and its processed products – long and short fiber. The signs of the technological quality of the flax were determined according to the current standards. Results. When comparing the normalized and actual values of the signs of technological quality of flax, it was found that, on average, for all the varieties presented, the planned indicators are met by the output of short fiber (by 110.0–163.2 %) and the output of the entire fiber (by 102.1–118.3 %), depending on the quality of flax. The most significant non–compliance with the norms is observed in the yield of long fiber by 70.0–93.6%. From flax of such varieties as Tverskoy, Vasilek, Lider, A 93, Grant, Agata, Veralin, it is possible to obtain long and short fibers that meet the requirements of norms in all parameters. It is noted that the best ratio of complex indicators – percentage numbers of long and short fibers, which determine the efficiency of flax processing enterprises, are characterized by the varieties of flax-long-grain Grant (60.9 : 39.1). Leader (66.3 : 33.7), Tverskoy (65.9 : 34.1), Surskiy (73.8 : 26.2), Tsezar’ (66.0 : 34.0), Diplomat (59.6 : 40.4), Vasilek (66.9 : 33.1). Scientific novelty. Monitoring of flax varieties by the yield and quality of fiber from flax during primary processing makes it possible to justify the choice of the most rational use of the stem material of a particular variety according to one of the existing technologies aimed at obtaining long and short fibers or at producing the same type.

Processing of Oilseed Flax From the Southern and Siberian Regions

The results of a study of the possibility of primary and deep processing of oil flax from the southern and Siberian regions are presented. The characteristics of the initial raw material in the form of a tangled mass of stems were studied, a line of primary and deep processing was presented, the quality indicators of the obtained fibers and the technological characteristics at each stage of the processing were determined. Options for using the obtained fibers are proposed, taking into account their quality.

Use of flax processing products in the food industry

Use of flax processing products in the food industry

The network of rural settlements on the territory of the modern Tyumen region in the 1930s: population, economic and socio-cultural development

The paper characterizes the state of a set of functionally interconnected settlements that developed by the mid-1930s on the territory of the modern Tyumen region. The subject of the study is the network of settlements in the region, the object is its number, economic and socio-cultural development. The density of the settlement network, the ratio of collective, individual and other farms in each district is determined. Attention is focused on the creation of collective farms in the course of collectivization that unfolded during this period. Statistical data on the number of industrial enterprises and points of trade in villages, as well as data on the development of communication institutions (post office, telephone), schools and hospitals, club institutions are presented. The scientific novelty of the publication consists in determining not only quantitative, but also qualitative indicators of the development of the settlement network of the region. The district specifics were revealed, which consisted in the economic specialization of the majority of administrative-territorial units in the production of oil, the dominance of timber processing enterprises in the northern regions and flax processing plants in the southern ones. The conclusion is made about the predominance of the cooperative form of trade in the villages over the state one. Positive changes in the state of socio-cultural infrastructure were noted, expressed in an increase in the number of school and medical institutions. At the same time, the school network consisted of 86% of primary schools. There was still a shortage of hospitals and outpatient clinics, medical personnel in rural areas.

Converting flax processing waste into value added biocomposites

Flax fibers have excellent strength and other properties preferable for textile, composites and other applications. In addition to being an important industrial crop, many studies have been reported on the use of flax fibers, flax fabrics and other flax based products as reinforcement for composites. Processing flax fibers into yarns generates considerable (up to 25%) amounts of fibrous and non-fibrous waste which is generally discarded or used for low value applications. Pure flax fiber have current selling price between 6.5 and 7 Euro/kg compared to 0.16–0.19 Euro/kg for the flax waste used in this study which could make the composites highly affordable. To realize the unique properties of flax fibers such as its relatively high strength and add value to the waste, flax processing waste were used as reinforcement for polypropylene (PP) composites. Flax waste was separated into fibrous and non-fibrous (powder) components and combined in various ratios with poly(propylene) as the matrix. A compatibilizer (maleated polypropylene) (MAPP) was used to improve the surface interaction and adhesion between reinforcement and matrix and enhance the properties. Substantial increase in strength and modulus were observed due to the addition of the compatibilizer. A compatibilizer content of 3% was found to be optimum when the tensile strength was highest at 27 MPa and tensile modulus was 1212 MPa. The thermal conductivity and noise insulation properties also showed an improvement from 0.050 to 0.039 W/mK and 0.05–0.35 respectively after the addition of the compatibilizer. Flax-PP composites have properties surpassing that of commercially available medium density particle boards and that of neat PP.

The Influence of Water Hardness on the Agronomic Traits of Foreign Fibre Flax Varieties in the Republic of Croatia

The amount and quality of fibres depend on a whole range of factors, the most important being variety, agroecological conditions, agrotechnics and the degree of fibre flax plant maturity, the purpose for which flax is grown, retting and processing. The retting of fibre flax is the most complex stage in the processing of flax into fibre. The aim of this study was to gain knowledge about the acclimatization ability of foreign varieties that can potentially be adapted to climatic in Republic Croatia. Therefore, this paper presents the results of achieved agronomic traits (dry stem yield, dry stem after retting, total fibre yield, long fibre yield, share of total fibre and share of long fibre) of five foreign varieties of fibre flax. The selected varieties were retted in very soft, medium hard and hard water. Variety trials with fibre flax were set up over three years (2012–2014) at two locations (Zagreb) on anthropogenized eutric cambisol and (Križevci) on pseudogley on level terrain. The trials were carried out according to the RCBD in four replications. According to the results of the three-year research into the agronomic traits of fibre flax, significant differences were identified among the varieties studied. The varieties Agatha, Viola and Electra recorded the highest values of studied traits. Statistically significant differences were only recorded among different water hardness for long fibre yield in 2012 and share of total fibre in 2013 in Zagreb. The highest yields and share of fibres were recorded when the fibre flax was retted in very soft water.

Evaluation of the efficiency of the functioning of flax processing enterprises of the Vitebsk region

The article provides information about the current state of the flax industry in Belarus and, in particular, in the Vitebsk region. The necessity of introducing the main effective innovative projects in the conditions of our country is substantiated, which will contribute to increasing profitability (reducing unprofitability) of the main flax mills of the Vitebsk region.

Prospects for the Development of the Linen Subcomplex of the Russian Federation on the Example of the Tver Region

The forms of management of the linen subcomplex in the Soviet and postSoviet times are analyzed. The problems and prospects for the development of the linen industry as a result of the creation of a linen regional cluster are considered. The advantages of clustering and the main directions of integration of enterprises for the cultivation and processing of flax and the production of competitive high-tech products are shown. The created clusters in the economy of Russia and other countries of the world, the existing and proposed measures of their state support are characterized.

Зависимость качества трепаного волокна от сорта льна-долгунца и номера льнотресты

Abstract. The article presents information on the quality of long fiber obtained from flax of various quality of 31 varieties of flax of domestic and foreign selection during processing at flax processing enterprises of flax-growing regions of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the research is to determine the strength of the influence on the quality of the long fiber obtained during the processing of flax at processing enterprises, factors of the flax-long flax variety and the number of flax. Methods. The material for the study was flax fiber, represented by 523 batches and the long fiber obtained from it. The control developments of the flax trust were carried out according to a special methodological program with an assessment of the quality of fiber products according to the current regulatory documentation. A rating assessment of varieties by the quality of long fiber and a dispersion analysis of experimental data was carried out according to the scheme of a two-factor uneven complex. Results. Using the rating assessment of varieties by the quality of long fiber, a group of varieties characterized by its highest quality was determined when determining the number of flax on the entire evaluation scale. These include the following varieties: Al’fa, Tverskoy, Zaryanka, Dashkovskiy, Mogilevskiy 2, Tomsk 16. It is noted that in the context of the numbers of the flax trust, the set of varieties with high quality of long fiber represented by the rating varies significantly. It was found that the number of long fibers obtained during the processing of flax is more dependent on the quality of the produced flax (dispersion ratio Ff = 92.0 > Fst = 8.6) than the grade factor (Ff = 6.9 > Fst = 3.3). It is shown that the solution to the problem of improving the quality of long fiber that meets the requirements of the textile industry is primarily associated with the production of high-quality flax. The flax must have a quality of at least number 1.50. Scientific novelty. The priority of the factor of the flax seed number over the factor of the flax variety is proved, and their reliable influence on the quality of the long fiber produced at flax processing enterprises.

Promising Russian developments in the production of flour products with flax seeds and products of their processing

The article is devoted to the systematization of scientific developments of domestic scientists in the sphere of oilseeds flax processing and their use in technologies of flour products. Oilseed flax is the only oilseed crop in which almost all anatomical parts are important for industrial processing. The use of oil flax in the food industry is due not only to the presence of biologically valuable nutrients, but also to the functional and technological properties inherent in the products of their processing. It is shown that along with whole and ground flax seeds, not only flax seeds processing products (full-fat, semi-fattened, skimmed and oil), but also bran and cryopowder from seeds are widely used in the above food technologies. Flax seed hydrocolloids or dry polysaccharide extract deserve special attention, which are of interest not only from the technological point of view (analog of xanthan gum, guar gum), but also from the medical and biological position, since they perform prebiotic function in the human body. Analysis of numerous domestic sources of scientific, technical and patent information allows us to conclude that flax seeds are, on the one hand, a well-known and widely used raw material. On the other hand, it should be noted that there are still a number of insufficiently elaborated directions, in particular, additional research is needed, which will allow to realize on an industrial scale economically competitive technologies of production of flour products, maximizing the potential (technological and medical and biological) of non-starch polysaccharides, lignans and other biologically active compounds of flax seeds

Flax processing waste – A low-cost, potential biosorbent for treatment of heavy metal, dye and organic matter contaminated industrial wastewater

A huge quantity of dye and heavy metal contaminated wastewater is generated from the textile industries every year all over the world. Additionally, water retting of flax fibre in sub-tropical humid climate also produces bulk amount of wastewater. Extraction of flax fibre from stem produces a large quantity of flax processing waste mainly composed of broken shives. A potential and cost-effective biosorbent can be formulated using these flax processing wastes to remediate the wastewater. However, no such previous studies were conducted to evaluate its potentiality as a biosorbent in detail. Keeping such a wide research-gap in mind, this study was done to explore the potentiality of almost freely available flax processing waste as a biosorbent. The present study demonstrated the efficient adsorption of heavy metals like adsorption of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) as well as reduction of dyes viz. malachite green (MG), methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) from contaminated wastewater treated with flax-biosorbent. Calculated maximum adsorption capacity values were obtained as 8.32, 13.35, and 7.12 mg g−1 for Cu, Pb, and Zn, correspondingly; and 163.9, 94.3 and 85.5 mg g−1 for MB, MG, and CR, respectively. Such values strongly indicate the higher adsorption competence of the flax-waste based biosorbent. The optimum pH ranged from 5.0 to 7.0 concerning heavy metal-adsorption on this biosorbent, while, the optimal pH for the removal of dyes was ranged from 6.5 to 6.7. The adsorption kinetics for heavy metals and dyes followed the pseudo-second-order path. Significant improvements of flax-retting wastewater were also found after treating it with flax-biosorbent at the rate of 2 g L−1. All these results strongly depict the potentiality of flax processing waste as a low-cost biosorbent to treat industrial wastewater as well as the leftover flax retting water. Thus, this technology might be a breakthrough to ensure cleaner production and sustainable development goals.

Eco-friendly Process to Degum Flax Roving with Deep Eutectic Solvent and Microbial Treatment

ABSTRACT Flax is an economically important fiber crop, however, it requires degumming to yield usable fibers. The degumming process of flax roving is a key step in flax processing and production. In this study, deep eutectic solvent (DES; choline chloride–urea) pretreatment was combined with microbial treatment to develop an ecofriendly and effective degumming method for flax roving. The optimal conditions for DES pretreatment (100°C for 120 min with 90% DES) were obtained through orthogonal tests. DES combine microbial treatment could effectively remove gum from the flax fibers. The flax roving fibers were characterized by chemical analyses, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Compared with fibers treated with microbes alone, flax roving fibers subjected to DES combine microbial treatment showed better breaking tenacity (16.77 cN/tex) and average pectin, hemicellulose, and lignin removal rates of approximately 86.4%, 26.7%, and 55.1%, respectively. NMR revealed that the composition of DES was not damaged during pretreatment, which means the bulk solution could be reused. This research showed that DES combine microbial treatment is feasible and effective method for flax roving degumming.

Efficiency of using the biological potential of fiber flax varieties of the Tomsk school of breeding in flax straw processing

The information on the structure of the areas cultivated with fiber flax in Russia in 2016-2020 is presented. The varieties of the Tomsk school of breeding occupy almost 30% of the total area under crops. The study was carried out in the flax-growing regions of Russia in 2001-2020. The technological value of flax raw material of the studied varieties of fiber flax for processing flax of various quality at flax processing enterprises was determined. The indicators for the total fiber yield, long and short fiber yield, long fiber number and short fiber number, and the combination of these features were studied. The efficiency of using the potential capabilities of the studied varieties in relation to the data of the State Variety Testing was established. According to the results of flax straw processing and the rating assessment of these varieties in relation to the best and worst ones, it was found that the following varieties can be referred to as the ones with low-quality flax straw: Tomsk 18 - by the yield of short fiber (24.9%), Tomsk 16 - by the number of long fiber (11.08 N), Tost - by the number of short fiber (3.42 N) and the complex of features (average rating index of 9.8 positions). The group of the best varieties for the total fiber yield includes Tomsk 18 (33.2%) and Tost (32.2%), for the long fiber yield - Tost (13.1%), for the short fiber yield (23.2%) and the number of short fiber (5.20 N) - Tomsk 18 (high-quality flax). None of the varieties presented fulfil the biological potential in the processing of flax straw under production conditions in terms of the total fiber yield and the yield of long fiber, established by the State Variety Testing. Its value for the varieties of the Tomsk school of breeding is 65.2-86.3% for the total fiber yield, 17.6-31.4% for the long fiber yield (low-quality flax straw), 77.7-94.2 and 30.5-52.2%, respectively (high-quality flax straw).