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Judging Bale Moisture by
Bale Chamber Pressure
Judging Bale Moisture by Bale Chamber Pressure
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Use bale chamber pressure readings in large square balers in a similar fashion as you would use them to
judge natural dew conditions. This is a good, redundant method of bale moisture measurement.
□ Effectiveness and accuracy in DewPoint steam-baled hay.
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During the cooler hours of the day and at night, bale chamber pressure is fairly accurate in
DewPoint steam-baled hay. During these hours, an operator who is accustomed to judging bale
moisture conventionally by the bale chamber pressure reading should be able to keep within
reasonable bale moisture tolerances using similar readings as he would use while baling fully
cured hay with natural dew.
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If baling with stem moisture combined with either steam or natural dew, the bale-chamber-
pressure method of judging moisture is not accurate and is risky.
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When baling with steam in the hot part of the day, bale chamber pressure will nearly double
to maintain the friction necessary to reach plunger load target settings, even though the bale
moisture is sufficient.
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An operator using this method of moisture judging would do well to become very familiar with
the characteristics of this method before becoming dependent upon this method.
□
If you use the
bale chamber pressure reading to monitor bale moisture during operation:
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You must DETERMINE the acceptable bale moisture parameters you are comfortable with.
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As a general rule, you will add from 1%-4% moisture to the hay you are baling, depending on
the ambient conditions and the steam rates used to meet the existing conditions.
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WATCH bale chamber pressure readings on baler monitor.
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ADJUST the steam injection rate over the first 5 to 10 bales using the Master Steam Rate slide-
switch and/or the individual valve proportioning slide-switches.
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INCREASE steam injection rate to lower
bale chamber pressure readings.
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DECREASE steam injection rate to raise bale chamber pressure readings.
Alternative 1
Bale Chamber Pressure
