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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lubbock, Texas » Cropping Systems Research Laboratory » Cotton Production and Processing Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #384283
Research Project: Enhancing the Profitability and Sustainability of Upland Cotton, Cottonseed, and Agricultural Byproducts through Improvements in Pre- and Post-Harvest Processing

Location: Cotton Production and Processing Research

Title: Module feeder inspection system for plastic contamination: Design update

Author
item Wanjura, John
item Pelletier, Mathew
item Holt, Gregory

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/3/2021
Publication Date: 5/4/2021
Citation: Wanjura, J.D., Pelletier, M.G., Holt, G.A. 2021. Module feeder inspection system for plastic contamination: Design update. National Cotton Ginners Association. Available: https://www.cotton.org/ncga/upload/JDW-MFIS-Design-Update-NCGA-White-Paper-04222021-002.pdf.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This report describes the updated design and operation of an inspection system that provides ginners an instantaneous view of the dispersing cylinders in a cotton gin module feeder. Images are provided by network IP cameras installed in the back wall of a module feeder using a new adjustable housing design that allows for easier installation into various module feeder designs. We observed that when these systems are installed and operated, accumulation of plastic and other contaminants on dispersing cylinders is detected and removed more quickly than when the cylinders are manually checked between work shifts or during other pauses in gin operation. Gin crews are more responsive to plastic accumulation on the dispersing cylinders because they can see when it occurs and quickly remove the contaminants, thereby reducing the risk of plastic contamination in lint bales.