Aqueous Jet Scouring of Raw Wool

Abstract

Removal of grease and dirt from raw wool packed on a wire mesh conveyer and jetted with aqueous solutions of detergents has been investigated. Grease removal de pends on detergent type and concentration, solution temperature, jet pressure, and number of jettings. Using a nonionic detergent with alkaline builder at 65° C, the following sequence reduces the grease content below 1%: detergent jet, squeeze; deter gent jet, squeeze; rinse jet, squeeze. Visual examination of the scoured wool shows that the original staples are almost undisturbed after being jetted and squeezed. A comparison of scoured fabrics shows that wool is less damaged in jet scouring at 85° C than in conventional aqueous scouring at 50° C.