RFTS Lab Procedures

Scouring

Chemical - ideal for classing flocks of sheep.
Detergent - ideal for the processing chain and ram sales.

Minicoring

After overnight conditioning, the whole clean sample is cored by multiple kneedles passing through and withdrawing 2mm snippets of fibres.

Testing

Fibres are randomly spread on a glass slide and placed on the stage of the OFDA. ALL test results are processed with 4000 fibre counts for complete accuracy of MFD, SD, CV_D and %>30µm.

Test data is imported into RFTS files and then all test reports are issued.

Principles

protective rubber gloves are worn at all times to avoid contamination
cleanliness and constant removal of wool fibres by vacuum are paramount
minicore cylinder, needles, spreader, OFDA and slides are vacuumed after each sample
clean slides are deposited in sealed containers when not in use
only clean scoured wools enter the Laboratory

Temperatures

Scouring - 65°C
Drying - 105°C
Laboratory - 21°C and 65% relative humidity

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