Objetivo Investigation of different surface examination techniques that could provide rapid and accurate methods for point of delivery inspections were undertaken during the project. Results from these trials indicated that a process involving ultrasound analysis of raw material could provide the necessary quality grading information for a tanner. Current methods are too slow for point of delivery inspection of rawstock and cannot be used to protect the tanner from buying hides that have begun to putrefy. Two avenues of investigation were taken during this project: I. Assessment of current bacterial detection methods - from which a simple direct staining method was devised. II. Evaluation of electronic nose technology - which proved capable of making clear distinctions between selected quality groupings of raw material. When sorting and grading hides at the semi-processed wet-blue stage, many variables can affect the operation, resulting in up and down grading of material. Both the consistency and accuracy of this process are of major concern to tanners in order to meet their production and economic needs. Optimal sorting conditions for wet-blue hides were determined during the project in three main areas: moisture content, hide orientation and lighting conditions. From the work optimising moisture and lighting conditions significant improvements in damage detection rates were achieved. Results of these trials indicated that the grading light under which the individual detected the most damage was linked to the individual's colour differentiating ability. Therefore, by tailoring lighting conditions to the individuals optimal colour conditions improvement in damage detection was achieved. These findings were also indicated in the project partner's tannery evaluations of the system. Guidelines and practical process considerations for minimising the effect of leather surface damage were collated. Through the use of these guidelines tanners are able to alter all or part of their processing to minimise the appearance of different damage types. Ámbito científico engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcolorsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesacousticsultrasound Programa(s) FP3-CRAFT - Specific programme of research and technological development in the field of industrial and materials technologies - CRAFT -, 1990-1994 Tema(s) Data not available Convocatoria de propuestas Data not available Régimen de financiación CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinador BLC LEATHERSELLERS RESEARCH CENTRE LTD Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección University College, Northampton, Park Campus, Boug NN2 7AL NORTHAMPTON Reino Unido Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos Participantes (1) Ordenar alfabéticamente Ordenar por aportación de la UE Ampliar todo Contraer todo HOLMES HALLS TANNERS LTD. Reino Unido Aportación de la UE Sin datos Dirección Sculcoates Tannery, Hull HU5 1RL HULL Ver en el mapa Coste total Sin datos
