Author
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Anthony, William |
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Submitted to: Cotton Gin and Oil Mill Press
Publication Type: Trade Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 1/18/2005 Publication Date: 6/11/2005 Citation: Anthony, W.S. 2005. Weight change in cotton bales in woven polypropylene bagging. Cotton Gin and Oil Mill Press. Vol. 6(12): 7-9. Interpretive Summary: INTERPRETIVE SUMMARY NOT REQUIRED - PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED Technical Abstract: As bale storage and handling practices change and new technology emerges, new types of bagging and ties are developed in response to the new requirements. The new materials are investigated to ensure that they perform satisfactorily before widespread use. The materials are studied under accelerated conditioning at high or low humidity in order to quickly assess the response of the new materials prior to commercial testing. The purpose of this study was to determine if a new style bale bag transferred moisture as well as the bags currently used in the United States. Three universal density bales were placed in each of three types of bale bags: 1) fully coated with uniformly spaced pinholes added (micropore), 2) fully coated, and 3) 3-inch wide, strip coated. The bales were stored for 179 days at 75% relative humidity (RH) and 75 °F. The micropore covered bales gained 1.7% (8.5 lbs) while the 3-inch-stripe bagged bale gained 2.1% (10.5 lbs.). Thus, the micropore bagging gains moisture more slowly than the conventional bag and will require about three weeks longer storage to achieve the same moisture levels as conventional bags. In short, the micropore bagging offers excellent bale protection at a lower moisture transfer rate. |
