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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Cotton Ginning Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #321444
Research Project: Enhancing the Quality, Utility, Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Western and Long-Staple Cotton through Improvements in Harvesting, Processing, and Utilization

Location: Cotton Ginning Research

Title: Predicting seed cotton moisture content in a Mississippi gin

Author
item Armijo, Carlos
item Whitelock, Derek
item Hughs, Sidney
item GILLUM, MARVIS - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: ASABE Annual International Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/27/2015
Publication Date: 7/27/2015
Citation: Armijo, C.B., Whitelock, D.P., Hughs, S.E., Gillum, M.N. 2015. Predicting seed cotton moisture content in a Mississippi gin. ASABE Annual International Meeting, July 26-29, 2015, New Orleans, LA. Paper no. 152163686.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: A multi-year study is investigating a mathematical model that predicts the moisture content of cotton as it is being processed in the gin. Data was obtained during the 2014 season at the Midnight Gin in Midnight, Mississippi. The model took into account the temperature and mass flow rate of cotton and conveying air at various locations in the gin, and then estimated the moisture content of the seed cotton. Results showed that acceptable dryer temperatures were used. Dryer temperature averaged 224°F and ranged from 104 to 417°F. Seed cotton samples that were used to calibrate and validate the model had a satisfactory range of moisture. Seed cotton moisture averaged 10.5% and ranged from 7.1 to 16.9%. The measured mass flow rate of the cotton was highly variable (51% C.V.), but a calculated moving average improved the variability to 24% C.V. Data analyses that determine the performance of the model have not yet been completed. Ideally, the model works best with high (but safe) dryer temperatures, and good measurements of temperature, and air and seed cotton mass flow rate. Having a precise measurement of seed cotton moisture content will help ginners determine how much heat to use to dry their cotton.