Experiences with Gin Process Control in the Midsouth and West

Various components of a computerized process control system, such as infrared moisture meters, video cameras, computers, paddle samplers, pneumatic cylinders, etc., were installed in a phased approach over a five-year period at two commercial cotton gins. The systems are not yet fully automated or fully implemented, but all of the components that have been evaluated functioned well for extended periods of time. Analyses indicate that reducing the number of lint cleaners from two to one on cotton selected by the computerized system could increase the bale value by about $3 to $6 each. Controlling moisture correctly could have a similar impact and a savings of about $6 per bale. Total additional profits for cotton grown in the United States could exceed $135 million annually.