The Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA) amendments of 1990 have affected every source of air pollution in the U.S. including cotton gins. Cotton gins which are not in compliance with FCAA, will have to invest in air pollution controls, which could be an economic burden. Rotary drum filters are perceived to be highly efficient in reducing particulate emissions and are recommended as additional controls for cotton gins in "tight" locations. The performance of rotary drum filters was evaluated in terms of emission concentration, efficiency and pressure drop using a scaled down model of the rotary drum filter. Different filter media were tested. The results from the study were compared to the performance data for cyclone systems. Rotary drum filters were found inviable for use as particulate control devices for cotton gins.