Initial Experiences in Computer Control of Cotton Gin Drying

A computer-based dryer control system was developed and tested in two cotton gins during the 1990 ginning season. The drying temperature setpoint was adjusted based on the seed cotton moisture content before and after drying as measured by infrared moisture meters. The control system adjusted the air temperature by opening and closing the modulator valve on the gas line feeding the burner. Over 500 h of testing of the measurement system and about 60 h of testing of the control system in a commercial gin indicated good reliability of the system. The seed cotton moisture content was rarely as much as 0.5% wet basis from the setpoint, indicating that the system controlled moisture content adequately.