Field Evaluation of the VIPRTM System

The Lummus VIPR™ (Visual Imaging Plastic Removal) System is a commercial contamination detection/removal system for mounting on the feeder apron of an extractor feeder above a saw gin.  Utilizing Bratney technology, along with developmental work by the USDA-ARS Lubbock Gin Lab supported through Cotton Incorporated, the first commercial prototypes of the unit were installed during the Fall 2019 gin season at two beta gin sites (one in south Georgia and the other in west Texas).  Results from the commercial validation/evaluation protocol testing on both yellow and pink round module wrap plastic are presented.  The results from additional testing on alternative colors of round module plastic wrap (green and blue) are also included.  All testing was performed under typical commercial production ginning conditions and capacities.  This system is but one facet in the ongoing work by Lummus to address the critical issue of seed cotton and lint cotton contamination within the ginning industry.