GB867451A - A method and apparatus for continuous soaking of fibre material with washing liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0867451/IV(c)/1> In a method for continuously soaking loose fibrous material e.g. raw wool, the fibrous material is constrained to move or fall into a chamber containing a quantity of washing liquid maintained in a continuous state of agitation by injection of a jet of the washing liquid below the liquid level in the chamber, the jet being directed towards a discharge opening provided at the bottom of an opposite wall of the chamber, whereby the fibrous material is discharged from the chamber. Preferably the jet of washing liquid enters the chamber at right angles to its side wall. The method may be carried into effect using apparatus comprising a chamber containing washing liquid, an injection nozzle located in a side wall of the chamber and directed towards an elongated discharge opening at the bottom of the chamber in an opposite wall, the area of the discharge opening being variable. As shown, a vessel 10 may have an intermediate wall 11 which can be raised or lowered. Wall 11 and base 12 together form a discharge opening 13 of variable cross-section extending over the entire width of chamber 10. An injection nozzle 14 opposite opening 13 directs washing liquid against wall 11 and flushes base 12 of fibres and solid impurities contained therein. The fibres and their impurities discharged through opening 13 may enter a spout 15 which directs them to a further stage of a washing plant. A splash guard 19 may be provided in chamber 10. A safety discharge may function in the event of opening 13 becoming clogged.