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ARS Home » Southeast Area » New Orleans, Louisiana » Southern Regional Research Center » Cotton Structure and Quality Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #313228
Title: Comparative fiber evaluation of the mesdan aqualab microwave moisture measurement instrument

Author
item Rodgers Iii, James
item Delhom, Chris

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/21/2015
Publication Date: 4/15/2015
Citation: Rodgers III, J.E., Delhom, C.D. 2015. Comparative fiber evaluation of the mesdan aqualab microwave moisture measurement instrument . National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference. p. 63-67.

Interpretive Summary: Moisture is a key cotton fiber parameter, as it can impact the fiber quality and the processing of cotton fiber. The Mesdan Aqualab is a microwave-based fiber moisture measurement instrument for samples with moderate sample size. A program was implemented to determine the capabilities of the Aqualab for rapid, precise and accurate cotton fiber moisture measurements. Calibrations and operational protocols for the Aqualab were established, using the oven drying method by both the Scirocco and SRRC laboratory ovens as initial references. In preliminary evaluations, very good moisture content agreement was observed between the Aqualab and different oven methods over a wide moisture range. Weight impacts were slight, and excellent analytical was observed.

Technical Abstract: Moisture is a key cotton fiber parameter, as it can impact the fiber quality and the processing of cotton fiber. The Mesdan Aqualab is a microwave-based fiber moisture measurement instrument for samples with moderate sample size. A program was implemented to determine the capabilities of the Aqualab for rapid, precise and accurate cotton fiber moisture measurements. Calibrations and operational protocols for the Aqualab were established, using the oven drying method by both the Scirocco and SRRC laboratory ovens as initial references. In preliminary evaluations, very good moisture content agreement was observed between the Aqualab and different oven methods over a wide moisture range. Weight impacts were slight, and excellent analytical was observed.