Arts Thread

Despite the useful material properties that Irish sheep wool has, farmers face insufficient incentives to collect and process it. The most common wool processing in Ireland is traditional, manual processing, and this project targets the scouring stage of this, a critical step involving the removal of impurities. It also poses many challenges as sheep wool is prone to permanent damage handled incorrectly and the process produces excessive wastewater. The manual element and basic equipment lead to time inefficiency and a labour-intensive process. Wet fleeces are heavy to move meaning that the process is inaccessible to those with strength or mobility issues. In addition, the wool is typically air dried in the sun, which can be extremely time consuming, particularly in the wet Irish climate. The final design is an innovative solution that revolutionizes the traditional wool scouring process, addressing critical industry needs. The multiple part piece of equipment streamlines the traditional scouring process, making it a more time, labour and resource efficient, while its intuitive design encourages entry level processors. By streamlining wool washing with a user-friendly basket and basin setup, it minimizes laborious tasks like heavy lifting, making the process more accessible and comfortable. The sloped walls ensure gentle treatment of the wool, preserving its quality while the valve and drain system simplifies waste disposal, promoting wastewater reusability, cleanliness and efficiency. Incorporating a spinning mechanism expedites drying, reducing processing time and energy consumption. Beyond enhancing productivity, this solution elevates the industry by encouraging the engagement of entry-level users, and fostering sustainability, unlocking the full value of Irish sheep wool while meeting modern demands.