Project Number: 6208-21410-005-08
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: May 15, 2003
End Date: Dec 31, 2006

Objective:
The objectives of this cooperative research project will be: 1) develop various prototype gin stand fronts that can be easily retrofitted to various makes and models of existing saw-type gin stands, 2) determine optimum operational settings for the various components of the powered roll gin stand in regards to maximizing fiber properties, lint turnout, and processing rate, and 3) perform a cost/benefit analysis of upgrading existing gin stands to utilize the powered roll technology. The primary emphasis of fulfilling the objectives will be to promote commercialization of the powered roll technology for successful implementation into existing cotton gins.

Approach:
Based on previous work, four studies will be conducted. Three of the studies will be conducted at commercial cotton gins and one at the USDA-ARS, Cotton Production and Processing Research Unit's cotton gin at Lubbock, TX. The three studies at the commercial gins will entail retrofitting the existing gin stands with the Powered Roll technology and optimizing their operational settings for maximum economic gain from the perspective of lint turnout and fiber properties. The study at the Lubbock gin lab will focus on design configurations that are robust to changes in cotton varieties and moisture content. Experiments will be conducted using response surface methodologies to maximize performance of the various components of the powered roll gin stand in order to enhance the economic gain of implementing the technology.

Project Team

Holt, Gregory

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Crop Production (305)   Quality and Utilization of Agricultural Products (306)