“Unicorn Fibre Wash” and “Unicorn FibreRinse” have been designed and tested to achieve optimum cleaning with minimal fibre damage during processing. In addition, we have formulated the product to be environmentally safe and perform not only as well but better than typical alcohol ethhoxylates while using cooler water temperatures.

The compositions are optimum blends of both nonionic and anionic surfactants combined with a natural source alkalinity package to provide a buffered bath pH for fibre care and moderate bath life. The products should be used at similar initial charge concentrations and make-up rates as that currently being employed in fibre scour processing arrangements. It should also be recognized that water quality and bulk fibre cleaning rates will also play a role in the initial charge concentration and subsequent make-up rates. A certain amount of trial and error should be expected during start-up to avoid over or under use of the products.

Due to the rigor of current scouring processes, along with temperatures exceeding 65-70ºC (149-158ºF), a certain amount of inter-tangling and stress can be imparted to natural fibre, especially to high-end luxury fibre with little waxy, i.e., alpaca, cashmere, qiviut, bison, angora. This invariably leads to matting/felting, breaks and frays resulting in damaged fibres and consequent reduced fibre yield. To improve the end quality of the scoured fibre we sought to achieve cleaning at the lowest possible bowl temperature. Our studies indicate that excellent cleaning can be achieved in the temperature range of 50-60ºC (122-140ºF) with "Unicorn Fibre Wash". Lower temperatures for less oily/waxy fibre – upper range for heavier oily/waxy fibre. In situations where raw, exceptionally greasy fleece is to be scoured, "Power Scour" should be utilized in the temperature range of 60º-70ºC (140º-158ºF)

In the course of our research and formulation work we discovered a potential need for a rinse additive during fibre scouring. We found it beneficial, during the last rinse step, to add a processing aid – "Unicorn Fibre Rinse". This has proved to be true based on studies conducted at the Australian CSIRO labs. This particular product helps relax the fibre resulting in easier handling and potential higher through-put as well as a higher end quality fibre bundle.

"Unicorn Fibre Wash", "Power Scour" and "Unicorn Fibre Rinse" can be used with existing scour lines typically employed for fibre cleaning. The following example will illustrate the application for a four wash tank/bowl cleaning operation:

Step #1 - Initial Wash : Dose the Unicorn Fibre Wash or Power Scour at an initial working concentration of 5% of the fibre weight. For example: to wash 20 lbs. of fibre use 1 lb. (approx.16 fluid oz.) of Unicorn Fibre Wash.

Working temperatures for scouring with Unicorn Fibre Wash should be in the range of 50-60ºC (122-140ºF) depending on fibre characteristics. Working temperatures for Unicorn Power Scour should be in the range of 60º-70ºC (140º-158ºF) (For example: Lower temperatures = low micron alpaca, bison or cashmere fibre and higher temperatures = higher micron sheep wool fibre or oily/waxy fibre.

Cleaning performance will be optimal in this range – and problematic fibre damage/tangling should be improved. In addition, operations will be improved due to the lower energy costs in maintaining these temperatures.

Step #2 - If Additional Wash required: Follow identical conditions to that of Step #1 - except use 4% or approx. 13 fluid oz. of washing product. This can be reduced to 3% should a subsequent wash be needed.

Step #3 - Initial Rinse: Use 45-50ºC (113º - 122ºF) water.

Step #4 - Final Rinse: Here we recommend the use of Unicorn Fibre Rinse. This is a newly developed product that will help strengthen the fibre and ease the final processing steps and maximize ease of handling. Depending on the fiber type, this product would be added to the bowl at approximately 3% to 5% of the fibre weight. For example: to rinse 20 lbs. of fibre use 10 to 16 ounces of Unicorn Fibre Rinse.

Note: To maximize the adherence of color dyes to fibre that might receive such post treatments, we suggest conditioning with Unicorn Fibre Rinse AFTER the dyeing process.

Each operation is expected to be slightly different and the above recommendation should be used as a starting point for final optimization.