Field trials of a self-adjusting seed finger system to improve gin turn-out and fiber properties

Previously, we reported a prototype system whereby the position of the seed fingers in a saw gin could be adjusted continuously to affect the amount of residual lint on the ginned seed and provide more fiber (increased gin turnout). The system combines partitioned seed fingers pivoted on a shaft that are controlled by electric actuators able to adjust the angular position of each seed finger partition according to the load exerted by the seed roll. That previous work noted that as the seed finger angle and load on the seed roll were increased, more residual lint was removed. Initial tests showed differences of up to 1.4% less residual lint with no impact on seed damage after the seed finger angle of the partitions was increased (in unison) to the maximum value. Following those findings, a dynamic feedback mechanism for automatically adjusting the seed finger partitions according to a relationship between the load applied by the seed roll and the seed finger angle was developed. In this article, we describe preliminary tests of the automatic mode (auto mode), i.e., the application of auto-modulating low (6°), medium (12°), and high (18°) loads to the seed roll in a commercial saw gin during seasonal production. The resulting effects on residual lint (turn-out), seed damage, and fiber quality in each mode were measured. The best results in terms of energy savings, reduced residual fiber on the ginned seed, seed damage, fiber length, and color grade were found when low (6°) to medium (12°) loads were applied across the seed roll.