Cotton Ginners Handbook – Packaging Lint Cotton

Bale packaging is the final step in processing cotton at the gin. Bale packaging is critical to protecting and preserving the quality of the ginned lint during shipping and storage before consumption at the textile mill. Smooth operation of the bale press and associated systems is required for the efficient operation of the ginning plant. Properly shaped bales are important to the safe and efficient handling and storage of bales. The bale press, condenser, and hydraulic systems must be sized to match the design capacity of the ginning plant in order to maximize capacity. Bale presses may be designed to produce Universal Density bales or High Density bales, although only Universal Density bales are currently approved by USDA. Proper maintenance of the bale press and related systems translates into reduced downtime for the ginning plant. All bale packaging, including the bale covering and strapping or ties, must be approved by the Joint Cotton Industry Bale Packaging Committee in order for the bales to be eligible for collateral in the Commodity Credit Corporation loan program. This manuscript discusses the individual components of a cotton gin bale packaging system and settings to ensure the consistent production of uniform bales of cotton lint.