2444 version 6
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Demonstrate knowledge of wool and the wool scouring process
Level / 4Credits / 4
PurposeThis unit standard is for people working in scouring or a related industry. People credited with this unit standard are able to describe the types of wools processed in New Zealand and the mechanical principles, operation and functions of the plant used in wool scouring.
Subfield / Textiles ManufactureDomain / Wool Scouring
Status / Registered
Status date / 25 January 1995
Date version published / 18 July 2008
Planned review date / 31 December 2010
Entry information / Open.
Accreditation / Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA and industry.
Standard setting body (SSB) / Competenz
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference / 0030
This AMAP can be accessed at
Special notes
1Information to support the learning required for this standard can be obtained from papers and articles published by AgResearch. These may be obtained from AgResearch at
2Canesis Network Ltd, originally Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ), is now called AgResearch Textiles.
Elements and performance criteria
Element 1
Demonstrate knowledge of wool production and disposal in New Zealand.
Performance criteria
1.1Properties of wool are described in terms of the benefits/disadvantages each property contributes to end-products.
Rangeresilience, water absorption, abrasion resistance, fibre crimp, flame resistance, resistance to soiling.
1.2New Zealand sheep breeds are identified and their wools described in terms of seasonal availability and end-use.
RangeRomney, Perendale, Coopworth, Corriedale, Halfbred, Merino, Drysdale.
1.3Wool processing systems are described in terms of their processing sequence.
Rangewoollen, semi-worsted, worsted.
1.4Yarn types are described in terms of their characteristics and end-use categories.
Rangetypes – woollen, semi-worsted, worsted;
end-use categories – carpets, hand knitting, knitwear, woven fabrics.
Element 2
Demonstrate knowledge of impurities found in wool and describe methods for their removal.
Performance criteria
2.1Impurities found in greasy wool are described in terms of type and origin.
Rangenatural, acquired, applied.
2.2Reasons for opening and dusting greasy wools are described.
Rangeimprovements in subsequent processing, improved scouring, reduced liquor usage and effluent loading.
2.3Wool openers are described and compared in terms of their function and operation.
Rangecyclic opener, double drum opener, step opener-blender, short wool processor, decotter.
Element 3
Demonstrate knowledge of wool conveying systems.
Performance criteria
3.1Mechanical wool conveying equipment is described and compared in terms of function, operation, and advantages/disadvantages.
Rangebelts, mesh mats, spiked lattices.
3.2Pneumatic wool conveying equipment is described in terms of function and operation.
3.3Shirley wheel and double drum condenser are described in terms of their function and operation.
3.4Reasons for removing dust from air and methods of removing dust are described.
Rangemethods – bag filters, cyclone gravity discharge;
reasons – environmental, contamination, cleanliness.
Element 4
Demonstrate knowledge of scouring systems.
Performance criteria
4.1Scouring systems are identified and described in terms of their operating principles.
Rangesolvent scouring, suint (Duhamel), WRONZ Comprehensive Scouring System, aqueous.
4.2Scouring systems are compared in terms of advantages and disadvantages of each system.
Rangesolvent scouring, suint (Duhamel), WRONZ Comprehensive Scouring System, aqueous.
4.3Liquor treatment loop is described in terms of function and operation.
RangeWRONZ Liquor Treatment Loop, other treatment equivalents.
Element 5
Demonstrate knowledge of wool drying.
Performance criteria
5.1Regain and moisture content are defined according to industry standard definitions.
5.2Drying principles are described in terms of dryer operation.
5.3Dryer control is described in terms of methods and equipment used.
Rangetemperature, moisture measurement, humidity.
5.4Dryer energy supply and use is described in terms of energy source, safe handling procedures, and advantages/disadvantages in use.
Rangegas, steam.
Element 6
Demonstrate knowledge of pressing and packing wool.
Performance criteria
6.1Wool presses used in wool scouring are described in terms of their function and operation.
Rangeconventional, dump, high density.
6.2Wool presses are compared in terms of advantages and disadvantages.
Rangeconventional, dump, high density.
6.3Packing material types used for wool are described and compared in terms of advantages and disadvantages.
Rangejute, polypropylene.
6.4Banding of bales is described in terms of the factors that affect the banding operation.
Rangeband configuration, band thickness, band length.
6.5Bale branding techniques are identified and compared in terms of advantages and disadvantages in use.
Please note
Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact Competenz if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018