Relative Velocity, Density, and Temperature Effects on Cotton Moisture Transfer Rates

Moisture affects every aspect of cotton harvesting and processing. Excessive moisture results in grade losses, fiber deterioration, and decreased machine performance while low moisture can cause fiber breakage and results in operating difficulties. Moisture transfer rates of lint, seed, and burs were determined as a function of air velocity. All of the components were exposed to a temperature of 40(C (104(F). In addition, the burs also were exposed to a temperature of 75(C (167(F) and the lint to a temperature of 80(C (176(F). The air flow rates were varied from 104 to 944 cm3 s$1 (0.22 to 2.00 ft3 min$1) through a 6.9-cm (2.75-in)-diam. pipe. Lint density was varied from 0.005 to.03 g cm$3. The goal was to look at relative air velocitie