A biological treatment system for fellmongery wastes : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree Master of Technology in Biotechnology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

The fellmongery process involves the removal of wool from sheep and lamb skins prior to tanning. The pelts also must be free from epidermic, sweat and fat glands, muscle tissue, blood vessels, fat cells and collagen fibrous tissue. The process consists of the following operations:- (1) Washing of pelts. (2) Lime/Na2S paint application. (3) Wool removal; manual pulling. (4) Lining; removal of residual wool, pelt conditioning, carried out in a "dolly" or drum. (5) Deliming and bating; removal of lime liquor and extraneous pelt matter, "dolly" or drum processing. (6) Pickling; preservation; "dolly" or drum processing. Thirty-nine fellmongeries, which were operating in New Zealand at the end of 1972 (42), were all departments of meat processing works. [From Introduction]