Mass flow measurement of seed cotton

Systems obtaining real-time mass flow data were developed to support cotton gin automation. The experimental systems used the attenuation of optical a nd ultrasonic signals, inertia, and air pressure differences caused by chan ges in potential energy. A conveyor belt standard indicated real-time accur acy while a truck scale standard verified accuracy integrated over rime. Co nveying air velocity pressure and vertical pipe air pressure differential m ost accurately reflected mass flow. Their estimate of mass flow rate in rea l time was within 10% of the belt scale. Both systems are inexpensive to ma ke and easy to add to an existing cotton gin.