Moistener System

The moistener system supplies a pressurized solution of water and spindle cleaner to clean spindles in the picking units during normal operation. The spindles are cleaned by contact with pads on the moistener column and the flow of solution through the pads and onto the spindles.

A solution pump draws solution from the tank and delivers the solution to a distribution chamber on each picking unit. Solution delivery pressure can be adjusted as necessary to minimize buildup on spindles as follows:

  1. Press solution pressure button on armrest control console. Current pressure is displayed on the armrest display unit (ADU).
  2. Rotate selection dial on console to change setpoint.
  3. The new setpoint is sent to the cab control unit (CAB) which in turn sends a message to the header interface control unit (HIC). The HIC control unit monitors the actual solution pressure signal from a pressure sensor in the output line and compares the actual value to the setpoint value. The HIC control unit actuates the water pressure adjustment valve as necessary to reach the new setpoint.

A flush feature is provided to send a larger amount of solution to each moistener pad to assist in cleaning spindles when needed. The flush function is initiated by the operator. When the flush button on the armrest control console or multifunction control handle is pressed, a signal is sent to the CAB control unit. The CAB control unit sends a message to the HIC control unit which then energizes the flush valve solenoid to provide additional solution to the moistener pads.

SymptomProblemSolution

Open cotton bolls left on plants.

Moistener system not adjusted, operated, or cleaned properly.

Clean system and check solution pressure.

 

Moistener system malfunction.

Check for correct amount of solution being dispensed for operating conditions.

Check solution strainer in power module and clean as necessary.

Clean nozzles in picking units.

Picker drops cotton

Suction doors too wet.

Adjust solution pressure.

 

Moistener system malfunction.

Check solution mix ratio and solution pressure.

Plugging in suction doors or ducts.

Wet suction doors.

Increase spindle cleaner mix ratio and decrease pressure setting.

Spindles not doffing.

Moistener system not adjusted, cleaned, or operated properly.

Clean and adjust moistener system. Operate flush system.

 

Moistener system malfunction.

Check for correct amount of solution being dispensed for operating conditions. Check solution mix ratio.

Spindles coated with green stain.

Moistener system not cleaned, adjusted, or operated properly.

Clean and adjust moistener system. (See REACTING TO SPINDLE BUILDUP in Moistener System section.)

Excessive wear on moistener pads.

Moistener system malfunction.

Check moistener system for proper operation.

Loss of pressure in moistener system.

Belt broken or slipping.

Replace belt or adjust tension.

Solution pressure unstable. Cannot regulate pressure correctly.

Solution strainer restricted.

Remove and clean strainer. Bleed air from system.

 

Air trapped in system.

Open drain valve in bottom of solution pump. Open bleed valve by solution strainer. Engage fans and operate until clear stream of water is present at both valves.

Close drain and bleed valves.

 

Solution pump belt tension too loose.

Adjust belt tension.

 

Check valve on solution tank restricted or defective.

Remove and inspect check valve. Replace valve as necessary.

 

Solution pressure regulator valve binding or defective.

Inspect regulator valve and replace as necessary.

Water running out through row units when machine is parked overnight.

Diaphragm check valve assembly dirty or defective.

Clean or replace check valve as necessary.

DP99999,00006C6-19-20110602