Paddle scouring machine

Paddle scouring machine

A modified paddle dyeing machine to wash wool

The development of the mini-washing system began with a study of the operation of industrial wool washing systems, which are currently considered state-of-the-art for washing and allow for excellent cleaning results. To this end, a Paddle machine already used for garment dyeing was chosen for this system because it's commercially available in sizes ranging from 5 kg to 60 kg of treated fiber and the material is placed uncompressed in the washing tanks and is moved by ram systems that advance it along the tanks. This movement system is currently the most similar to that found in an industrial washing plant, as it sinks the material slightly below the surface of the liquid while simultaneously advancing it.

General Information

ActivityScouring Production scaleSemi-industrial Sector focusManufacturing LicensingShareAlike (CC BY-SA) TRL7. System prototype demonstrated in operational environment

Input materials

Centro Consorzi, partner in Woolshed project, with technical collaborators are working at the documentation to modify the machine and it will be shared in 2027.

Ingredients

Read the document in attachment

How to

Contact woolshed @ centroconsorzi.it if you're interested in modifying a machine.

Conclusion

At this stage, we're working on mechanical, electronic, and water treatment modifications to the machine. We conducted the first washing tests in the summer of 2026. This fall, we'll continue with the remaining modifications and analyze the water and wool before and after washing with different amounts and types of soap.

Low-tech Criteria

Simplicity3 Efficiency4 Durability5 Maintainability5 Ease of use3 Local5

Resources

Woolshed Factory Catalogue, 2026