Defining patterns in the intensification of hemp stalk retting processes

The object of this study is the technological operations of primary hemp stalk processing, factors that intensify the retting process, and stalk crushing. The task addressed was the identification of technical and technological solutions that would enable intensification of the production processes for hemp retting. Based on the research results, it was established that placing the flattened stems in natural and polypropylene bags, compared to cellophane bags, accelerates the preparation time of retted stalks in a vertical position by 1.19 times, and in a horizontal position by 1.38 times. The retting time for horizontally placed crushed stalks with weekly moistening twice a week is 2.16 times shorter than for uncrushed ones. It was determined that the process of crushing pre-prepared and cured stalks, whether in a vertical or horizontal position, allows for a significant reduction in retting period by 2.14 times, and for freshly cut stalks – by 1.27 times. The intensity of the reflected light flux changed in the case of reaching the retting phase for unflattened stems with their vertical placement from the initial 32.0 lux to 18.0 lux. In flattened stems under the conditions of their vertical placement – from 50.7 to 16.3 lux, respectively. In the case of horizontally placed crushed stalks, the light intensity at the retting phase was 20.3 lux. The lowest fiber breaking load value of 5.0 daN was established for the retted stalks obtained from freshly cut flattened stems in a vertical position, as well as in non-flattened stems in the vertical (7.0 daN) and horizontal (3.5 daN) positions