Evaluation of practices to unwrap round cotton modules

Authors: Delhom, Christopher - Chris; VAN DER SLUIJS, MARINUS H - Deakin University; Wanjura, John; Thomas, Joseph

Submitted to: Journal of Cotton Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/14/2023
Publication Date: 4/5/2023
Citation: Delhom, C.D., Van Der Sluijs, M.J., Wanjura, J.D., Thomas, J.W. 2023. Evaluation of practices to unwrap round cotton modules. Journal of Cotton Science. 27:90-101. https://doi.org/10.56454/IPOU8527.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56454/IPOU8527

Interpretive Summary: The introduction, and rapid adoption, of cotton harvesters with on-board module building has required gins to adapt their module feeding systems to handle the new packages of seed cotton. There are numerous systems available and the system chosen by an individual gin is dependent on a number of factors such as ginning capacity, cost to implement, safety, and preferences of gin management. The systems require well trained staff to efficiently and safely remove plastic module wrap while preventing the wrap from entering the gin and contaminating the lint bales. Modules may be fed in a variety of orientations and the plastic removed by either manual or semi-automated systems. This work evaluated the most well-known unwrapping systems used to handle modules in the U.S. and Australia. No single system can be recommended, as the needs, layout, and priorities of each gin vary. However, the details of the systems are presented in terms of manpower, time and motion, safety, and the potential to prevent module wrap from entering the gin. The data presented here has been gathered from numerous on-site visits to gins across the U.S. and Australia.

Technical Abstract: Adoption of John Deere harvesters with on-board module building capacity that produce round modules covered with a patented engineered polyethylene film has been rapid and has forced gins to adapt their module feeding systems with techniques and machinery to feed these round modules into the gin. The system used by a gin is dependent on the number of round modules handled by the gin, the cost of implementing the system, and the preferences of gin management. Irrespective of the system used, all require well trained staff to prevent plastic wrap from entering the gin and contaminating lint bales. Modules are fed in different orientations, and the plastic is removed with either manual or semi-automated systems. This work evaluated the most well-known unwrapping systems used to handle modules in the US and Australia, which include assorted manual and semi-automated methods. No single system can be recommended, as the needs, layout, and priorities of each gin vary. However, the details of the systems are presented in terms of manpower, time and motion, safety, and the potential to prevent module wrap from entering the gin. The data presented here has been gathered from numerous on-site visits to gins across the US and Australia.