Investigating the High-Density Compression of Bulk Wool

The physical properties of bulk wool compressed to high density are largely unknown. Improved knowledge may assist in prediction of variables such as force and displacement during compression. An experimental multi-axial press was developed to allow investigation of these properties for application to the wool dumping industry. The press had a 170 tonne main axial ram, a multi-axial moveable-wall pressing chamber of 150 tonne capacity, instrumentation to measure wall forces and displacements, and a PC/PLC-based control system. Tests were done to investigate wool's pressing characteristics, including pressure-density relationships and chamber wall forces. Wool's compression characteristics were found to be highly nonlinear. Lubrication was found to significantly reduce wall friction forces. A tensile failure occurred in the wool during a test when the side-platens were free to move. The results may find application in the design of high-capacity wool dumping presses.