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KiwiScour is a machine for cleaning and treating small lots of animal and other fibres. It is designed to provide consistent, traceable and controlled processing of small and separate lots.
Wool and animal fibre cleaning tends to take place in large commercial volumes. Typically, craft/niche operators process small and individual lots via ad hoc and labour-intensive methods.
The devices invented by AgResearch meet demand from the emerging number of niche and specialist fibre producers and small companies seeking to participate along the value chain.
KiwiScour is ideal for individual growers or a collection of growers who produce a small volume of specialist/niche fibres. It could also suit emerging niche market companies and community organisations seeking to develop niche/specialist and traceable products and harness increased value from their clip via moving along the value chain.
KiwiScour is ideal for individual growers or a collection of growers who produce a small volume of specialist/niche fibres. It could also suit emerging niche market companies and community organisations seeking to develop niche/specialist and traceable products and harness increased value from their clip via moving along the value chain and bathtub processing in no longer a viable option! Until now, appropriately-scaled machinery was not readily available.
The scouring process is essential because it washes out contaminates in the wool such as dirt, sweat and grease leaving the wool ready for processing. Fibre is processed in approximately 1kg lots contained within a cube shaped basket and progress along a series of bowls of heated water that are continually agitated. This allows for easy separation of individual lots or even fleeces.
Detergents are added to the early bowls and the counter current flow of washing water ensures clean fibre at the exit.
The AgResearch KiwiScour is pitched at growers, processors and manufacturers of specialty and craft market textiles. The complete technology package includes high pressure squeeze and dryer units. The system has been patented and is being developed to include options for chemical treatments, such as dyeing plus options for pre-scour opening of soiled fibre.
Send an email to one of our team or check out our facilities located across Aotearoa New Zealand.
