Powered Tramper: Design and Evaluation

Properly constructed modules will prevent reduced lint value and increased ginning costs when significant rainfall occurs.  Study of the compressive properties of seed cotton has shown that more cotton must be placed in the center of the module to produce a crowned shape that sheds water.  The goal of this research was to design and test a device capable of moving cotton from the outer edges to the center of a module, while still compressing the seed cotton.  A powered tramper, which uses an auger to convey cotton, was developed to replace the conventional tramper.  The powered tramper operates automatically without affecting the operating speed or pressure of the tramper cylinder.  Initial testing of the powered tramper occurred in 2007, and modules were built with a crowned shape.  Design changes were made to prevent plugging of cotton in the housing for testing in 2008.  The height was measured at multiple points on the top surface of modules built with the powered tramper and conventionally built modules.  Preliminary data indicated that the modules built with the powered tramper did have a crowned shape, with few depressions that might collect water.  However, the modules made with the power tramper did not have a better shape than the few conventional modules measured.  All modules in this sample were generally crowned, with few depressions where water could collect.  The powered tramper will continue to be evaluated.