Cotton lint moisture-sample storage container comparison
2004
Byler, R.K.
"Quart-size" (0.95-L) metal cans with metal lids have been used for transportation and storage of cotton lint samples intended for moisture content analysis by the oven method for many years. In some cases, particularly when the samples are collected at a distance from the analysis lab, the transportation of the empty cans can be inconvenient. This study examined the use of zipper-closed plastic bags, which are widely available, for sample transportation and storage. Cotton lint samples were pretreated with higher and lower humidity, placed in containers, and stored in an environment maintained at a constant relative humidity and temperature. The samples and containers were weighed periodically. After a period of between 2 to 3 weeks the cotton was tested for moisture content by the oven method. This moisture content was used with the weight data to calculate the moisture content over the storage period. Statistical analysis was used to estimate the moisture content/time slope based on the different containers. The metal cans proved to be the best of the containers tested. Double bagging using freezer bags was the best of the plastic bag containers. Therefore, metal cans should be used when available; however, if the samples are promptly shipped and analyzed then the double-bagged freezer bags can be used.
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