Project Number: 6208-21410-005-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 29, 2004
End Date: May 28, 2009

Objective:
New markets for cotton fibers are demanding a more uniform, high-quality product. This requires innovative new designs and methods in the harvesting and ginning process that will require: (1) developing handling and cleaning systems for cotton strippers that will improve the cleanliness and quality of seed cotton; (2) developing non-contact moisture sensors, and integration of these sensors into controls to continuously evaluate seed cotton moisture, along with new methods for detecting and removing contaminates and other foreign materials from seed cotton and lint that minimize fiber damage and maintain producer returns; (3) air quality research to evaluate cotton gin particulate matter emissions, current methods of measuring particulate matter emissions emitted from cotton gins, and abatement devices commonly used by cotton gins in reducing particulate matter emissions; (4) identifying and assessing techniques for improving the value and utility of gin byproducts; and (5) developing improved lint/seed separation techniques that will improve fiber quality and turnout.

Approach:
Handling and cleaning systems for cotton strippers that will improve the cleanliness and quality of seed cotton will be investigated. Non-contact moisture sensors will be developed and integrated into controls to continuously evaluate seed cotton moisture while processing. A new method for detecting and removing contaminates will be developed for seed cotton and lint. The detection and cleaning system will minimize fiber damage and maintain producer returns. Air quality research will be conducted to evaluate cotton gin particulate matter emissions, along with improved methods for measuring particulate matter emitted from cotton gins. Efficiency of abatement devices commonly used by cotton gins will have to be significantly improved to meet future standards for particulate matter emissions. Additional processing methods for cotton gin byproducts that improve the market value, turning financial liabilities into viable marketable products, will be developed. Additional projects will identify and assess techniques for improving the value and utility of gin byproducts. Operating parameters for the power roll gin stand technology will be developed to optimize seed, fiber, and yarn quality.