ABSTRACT

A microwave moisture measurement technique was developed for moisture sensing of cotton bales after the bale press. The technique measures the propagation delay of a microwave signal that is transmitted through the cotton bale. This research conducted a field trial to test the sensor in a commercial cotton gin that is utilizing moisture restoration systems. The field-trial test’s cross-validation accuracy was found to be 0.25% with a repeatability of 0.15% moisture content. These results indicate the sensor has the potential to provide a low cost reliable non-contact measurement of the moisture content of cotton bales