Delinting

Delinting is a process used to remove linters, which are short fibers, from cottonseeds. These linters are attached to the seed after the primary ginning process, which removes the longer staple cotton fibers. Delinting is typically performed using a specialized machine called a delinter. This machine uses saw blades or brush-type mechanisms to shear off the remaining linters from the cottonseed.

There are two main types of delinting: once-over and second-cut. Once-over delinting removes the majority of the linters in a single pass. Second-cut delinting follows a once-over process and removes the remaining, shorter fibers. The degree of delinting can be controlled to produce different grades of linters.

The primary purpose of delinting is to improve the quality and usability of cottonseed. Removing linters makes the seeds smoother and easier to handle, which is beneficial for planting, oil extraction, and other industrial uses. Delinted cottonseed yields a higher percentage of oil during the crushing process and produces a cleaner oil with fewer impurities. The linters themselves are also a valuable byproduct. They are used in various applications, including the production of cotton batting, yarn, paper, and as a source of cellulose for chemical industries. The delinting process is a crucial step in maximizing the value derived from the cotton crop.