ABSTRACT

The investigation for utilizing cotton processing waste or byproducts as the raw material for manufacturing fuel pellets has continued with the assistance from the USDA. The goal of this project was to develop an economic model to validate the cost feasibility for establishing a fuel pellet operation using cotton gin byproducts. The objectives required a complete and comprehensive analysis of marketing, transportation and manufacturing aspects. The results concluded within the confines of the analysis that manufacturing fuel pellets from cotton byproducts is a feasible operation. Crystal Ball 2000 simulation software, optimizing for Return on Investment (ROI), resulted in the selection of a two-shift 12hr work scenario with a 15,000 tons production capability. This yielded a payback period less than one year and ROI over 100%.