China’s leading fine yarn producer, Sanyang Textile Co., Ltd., achieved remarkable results after implementing Rieter’s winding suction nozzle upgrade on 32 winding machines. Following the modernization, yarn production increased by 3%, while energy consumption dropped by 13%.
The new aerodynamically designed suction nozzle enables more efficient upper yarn pick-up. As a result, the percentage of red lights decreased by 55%, and the operator’s workload was significantly reduced.
Strategic Modernization in a Competitive Environment
Sanyang Textile, a key supplier of fine yarns ranging from Ne 40 to Ne 120, continues to adapt to changing market demands, particularly the growing demand for knitting yarn. However, intense competition has squeezed profit margins, making cost reduction and efficiency gains top priorities. Within this context, the company focused on modernizing its 32 Autoconer 338 winding machines, which had been in operation for more than 20 years.
Zhang Sheng, Chief Engineer at Sanyang Textile, stated: “With the suction nozzle upgrade, we observed a remarkable 13% improvement in energy savings. Machine efficiency increased by 3%, and operator workload was reduced. This upgrade significantly strengthens our market position.”
From Pilot to Full-Scale Implementation
Rieter After Sales initially carried out the upgrade on a single machine as a pilot project. The outstanding results encouraged Sanyang Textile to expand the modernization across all 32 machines.
The old standard suction nozzles were replaced with new, flow-optimized versions. Thanks to their aerodynamically optimized shape, the new nozzles provide highly efficient airflow management, which lowers energy costs while ensuring effective upper yarn pick-up even at reduced suction pressure.
Quantifiable Benefits
The modernization delivered several measurable advantages:
- 13% energy savings,
- 3% increase in machine efficiency,
- 55% reduction in red light percentage,
- 50% decrease in upper yarn search failures.
With these improvements, the return on investment is expected to be less than two years. Operator workload and maintenance costs have decreased, while the lifetime of the machines has been extended.
Rieter: Innovative Solutions Backed by 230 Years of Experience
Headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, Rieter is the world’s leading supplier of systems for short-staple fiber spinning mills. With over 230 years of experience, the company shapes the textile industry with cutting-edge spinning technology. Operating 18 production sites in ten countries and employing approximately 4,560 people worldwide, Rieter continues to contribute to sustainability in the textile value chain by minimizing resource consumption.
