cotton testing procedures. production & modules cotton testing procedures production &...
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Cotton Testing Procedures
Cotton Testing Procedures
Production & Modules
Cotton Testing Procedures
Production & Modules
Cotton Testing Procedures
Cotton Gin
Cotton Testing Procedures
• Samples are drawn from each bale at gins and warehouses licensed by USDA
• Samples from each bale consist of two portion, one portion cut from each side of the bale
• Samples are cut from space between wires or ties of bale
Bale Sampling
Cotton Testing Procedures
Bale Sampling
• Each portion is approximately 154 mm wide and 305 mm long
• Each portion must weigh 114 grams for a total sample weight of 228 grams
• A Permanent Bale Identification coupon is placed between the two portions of the sample
Cotton Testing Procedures
Bale Sampling
Cotton Testing Procedures
Bale Sampling
Cotton Testing Procedures
• The sample is placed immediately in a sample sack which is provided by USDA
• The samples are transported to USDA Classing Offices by carriers contracted by USDA
Bale Sampling
Cotton Testing Procedures
• Licensed samplers are under the supervision of USDA
• USDA employees perform random sampling inspections at all gins and warehouses that are licensed to sample cotton to ensure sampling procedures are followed
• Samplers that do not comply with established procedures are subject to the loss of sampling privileges
Bale Sampling
Cotton Testing Procedures
Receiving Samples
Cotton Testing Procedures
Traying Samples
Cotton Testing ProceduresSample Conditioning:
– USDA requirement:• 21°±1° C and 65%±2% RH• 6.75% - 8.25% moisture content (dry basis)• Methods: Passive (48 hour) or Rapid Conditioning
(10 – 15 minutes)
Rapid Conditioning Passive Conditioning
Cotton Testing Procedures
Moisture checking
• 6.75% - 8.25% moisture content (dry basis)
Cotton Testing Procedures
Instrument Testing
Cotton Testing Procedures
Instrument Fiber Property Measurements: Micronaire – fineness of fibers Strength – grams per tex Length – upper half mean length Length Uniformity – uniformity of fiber lengths Trash – percent area non-lint Rd – degree of brightness +b – degree of color Official Color Grade
Cotton Testing Procedures
Instrument Fiber Property Measurements: Micronaire – single test
Strength, length, length uniformity – two comb test
Rd, +b, trash – four image test
Cotton Testing Procedures
Manual Classer Determinations:• Official Leaf grade – determined in accordance with the Universal
Grade Standards• Extraneous Matter
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training
• All USDA employees receive standardized training including: HVI Operators HVI Supervisors HVI Technicians
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Operators
All new HVI operators must complete a two week training program
The training program covers the established procedures for instrument calibration and operation
New HVI operators must demonstrate their ability to perform all tasks and meet certain volume requirement
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Operators, First Week
Training program orientation Instrument orientation Instrument calibration Reference level checks Instrument operation Evaluation/examination
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Operators, Evaluation
HVI operators must demonstrate their ability to complete tasks associated with the operation of the instrument
Their abilities are documented on a HVI Skills Evaluation Checklist which must be certified by the HVI operator, HVI Supervisor, and Area Director
Cotton Testing Procedures
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Operators, Examination
HVI Operators will operate instrument in a production setting and must test an established number of samples
7 hour shift 7.5 hour shift 8 hour shift
350 375 400
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Operators, Second Week
Continue the operation of instruments to demonstrate proficiency of operations
Supervisors closely monitor HVI operator performance and provide additional training, if needed
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Operators, Examination
HVI Operators will operate instrument during second week in a production setting and must test an established number of samples
7 hour shift 7.5 hour shift 8 hour shift
475 510 575
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Supervisors
• Receive training on the following: Supervision of Calibration illustrating leadership ability Analysis of reference level check data Temperature and humidity monitoring Correction of routine problems encountered on
instruments Workplace efficiency
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Technicians
• All new HVI Technicians must complete a two week training program
• The training program covers all aspect of instrument operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Technicians
• HVI Technician Training areas: Instrument operation Calibration Instrument setup Operation of each component Instrument evaluation
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Technicians
• HVI Technician Training Areas: Data analysis Proper instrument maintenance Identification of instrument problems Instrument repair
Cotton Testing Procedures
Employee Training – HVI Technicians
• HVI technician must successfully pass a practical and written examination at the conclusion of the training to be certified