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Research papers

AWTA has achieved a world wide reputation for its research work and now has one of the largest teams of scientists working on raw wool metrology.

Our scientists regularly report on their work to the technical forums of the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO). Papers published by the Company's scientists are available for reference purposes and academic use.

Access to research publications produced by other organisations, when approval is provided, is also available.

Papers are grouped in the following categories, with pdf documents available for download and viewing.

Reviews and General Information

Definition of ‘Merino’PDF

Wool Metrology - Past & Current Trends, Future RequirementsPDF

Objective Measurements - more than pretty numbersPDF

Yield Testing

Review of IWTO-19 Appendix K Requirements - Measurement of Ash Content by NIRAPDF

The Minimum Number of Acceptable Subsample Results Required in an IWTO Certificate for Wools of UK OriginPDF

Measurement of IWTO-19 Ash Content by NIR AnalysisPDF

Use of NIR Technology for Predicting IWTO-19 Residual Ash in a Commercial LaboratoryPDF

Use of NIR to Predict Residual Ash in the IWTO-19 Yield TestPDF

Use of NIR to Predict Residual Ash in the IWTO-19 Yield Test - 2nd trialPDF

A Review of the Range Checks Used When Testing for Wool Base in Accordance with IWTO-19PDF

Review of the Subsample Mass Limit for Yield Testing of Scoured WoolPDF

Evaluation of a Prototype Blender for Core Samples of Scoured or Carbonised WoolPDF

The Effect of Aqueous & Dual-Solvent Scouring on Wool Base Calculated According to IWTO-19PDF

Laboratory Scouring Commercially Dual Solvent Scoured Wool During Yield Determination by IWTO-19-85(E)PDF

Summary of the Trial Which Established The Equation For Calculating The Australian Carbonising YieldPDF

Fibre Diameter

The Relationship between New Zealand Merino Fleece Measurement Produced at NZPAC Ltd & their Corresponding Core Test ResultsPDF

In-shed Test Reports - Recommended Sampling ProceduresPDF

Supplementary Report to the In-shed Sampling GroupPDF

NSW In-shed Sampling Trials - Summary ReportPDF

Implications of the CVD of Fibre Diameter on Measuring Mean Fibre DiameterPDF

Importance of the CVD of Fibre Diameter in Selecting TopsPDF

Fundamental Principles of Fibre Diameter MeasurementPDF

The Measurement Precision & Evaluation of the Diameter Profiles of Single Wool FibresPDF

The Relationship Between Mean Fibre Diameter Measurements by Airflow & Laserscan for South African WoolsPDF

Comparison Between Measurement of 'Dry' & 'Conditioned' Wool Samples in a Water Filled LaserscanPDF

What are the Limits to Wool Fibre Fineness MeasurementPDF

Certification of Standard Deviation of Diameter of Raw Wool Measured by OFDAPDF

Calibrating Laserscan for Raw Wool Measurement & an Evaluation of an Alternative Transport FluidPDF

Effect of Fibre Relaxation on Mean Fibre Diameter/Fibre Diameter Distribution Measured by Laserscan & OFDAPDF

Effect of Snippet Length & Fibre Relaxation on Mean Fibre Diameter, Fibre Diameter Distribution & Fibre Curvature Measured by LASERSCAN & OFDAPDF

Relationship Between Airflow & OFDA Measurements for South African Greasy Wool and Commercial Mill TopsPDF

Relationships Between Mean Fibre Diameter Measurements by Airflow, OFDA & Laserscan for South African Wools from Different BreedsPDF

Relationship between Core Test Measurements by Airflow, Laserscan & OFDA Merino Wool Classed at NZPACPDF

Relationship b/w NZ Merino Fleece Measurement Produced at NZPAC Ltd & their Core Test ResultsPDF

Effects of Standardising Measurement Range of Mean/Standard Deviation of Fineness from Laserscan/OFDAPDF

Comparison of Histograms from OFDA, Projection Microscope & Laserscan for Wool TopsPDF

Measurement of Fineness on Superfine Wool - Effect of Revised Laserscan Calibration on ComparisonsPDF

Fundamental Principles of Fibre Fineness Measurement - Airflow InstrumentPDF

Effect of Fibre Medullation on Laserscan Diameter MeasurementPDF

Variable Test Specimen Mass Airflow Round TrialPDF

Effect of Cell Snippet Position on Laserscan Diameter MeasurementPDF

Comparison of Diameter Measurement Tech from Interwoollabs Inter Rnd Trials for Wool TopsPDF

Use of Variable Test Specimen Mass when Measuring Mean Fibre Diameter by AirflowPDF

Commercial Implications of the Coefficient of Variation of Fibre Diameter on Measuring Mean Fibre DiameterPDF

Measurement of the Fineness of Superfine Wool - A Comparison of Airflow, Laserscan & OFDAPDF

The Effect of Between Fibre Coefficient of Variation on the Fibre Fineness Measured by AirflowPDF

Importance of CVD of Blends of Wool Tops when Measured by Airflow, Laserscan & OFDAPDF

Impact of Test Result Precision on On-Farm DecisionsPDF

Using OFDA2000 & Fleecescan to Prepare Lots for Sale & Sheep Selection - A Case StudyPDF

Feed Gaps & Fibre Variations - Development of Along Staple Diameter Measurement as a Diagnostic Tool for Improved Grazing Management. 2004 ResultsPDF

Fibre Curvature

Standardisation of Mean Fibre Curvature (Series 14 IH Calibration Top) - Calibration for Minicored Scoured-WoolPDF

Standardisation of Mean Fibre Curvature Using the Series 14 Calibration Top as a ReferencePDF

Proposal for Calibrating Laboratory Preparation Systems and Instruments to Measure Curvature on Raw WoolPDF

Measuring Fibre Curvature - Key IssuesPDF

The Effect of Histogram Class Interval on the Calculation of Mean Fibre Curvature & Standard Deviation of Fibre Curvature & Standard Deviation of Fibre CurvaturePDF

Analysis of the Curvature of Wool Offered for Auction in AustraliaPDF

The Influence of Preparation Techniques on the Measurement of Fibre CurvaturePDF

Fibre Curvature Morphometry & MeasurementPDF

An Objective Technique for Measurement of Fibre Crimp Curvature - Part 1 - MetrologyPDF

Evaluation of Alternative Methods for Fibre Curvature Measurement on NZ WoolsPDF 

Staple Measurements & Top Predictions

Final TEAM-1, TEAM-2 & TEAM-3 ReportsPDF

Final TEAM-3 ReportPDF

Final Report on the Performance of the Style InstrumentsPDF

A Between-Instrument Comparison of Staple Crimp Frequency Measured by Crimp MetersPDF

Predicting Processing Results of Sale Lots - Part 1 - Performance of TEAM Hauteur EquationsPDF

Predicting Processing Results of Sale Lots - Part 2 - Development of a Sale Lots Formula for HauteurPDF

Predicting Processing Results of Sale Lots - Part 3 - Performance of TEAM EquationsPDF

A Review of the Proposed TEAM-3 Formula for Predicting HauteurPDF

TEAM-3 Processing Trial - Final ReportPDF

TEAM-3 Processing Trial - November 2003 UpdatePDF

TEAM-3 Processing Trial - May 2003 UpdatePDF

TEAM-3 Progress Report - December 2002PDF

TEAM Final Report 1985PDF

Preliminary Analysis of TEAM-3 DatabasePDF

The Examination of Decrimped Staple Length to

Deriving Additional Parameters from the Staple Force vs Extension Curve Measured by ATLASPDF

Measurement of Staple Crimp Frequency Part 1 - Manual Measurements using the Crimp GaugePDF

Measurement of Staple Crimp Frequency Part 2 - The Crimp Meter - DescriptionPDF

Measurement of Staple Crimp Frequency Part 3 - The Crimp Meter - Initial EvaluationPDF

Differentiate Atypical Wool Types as a Potential Aid to Purchasing & Processing PredictionPDF

Report on Trials Evaluating Additional Measurements 1981-1988PDF

Industry Review of the TEAM Prediction FormulaePDF

Fleece Measurement

Precision of OFDA2000 & Fleecescan for Estimating the Diameter Characteristics of Fleeces - A Case StudyPDF

Sampling Variation Over A FleecePDF

Colour of Raw Wool and Wool Sliver

Final Report of the IWTO Colour Working GroupPDF

Report of the IWTO Colour Working GroupPDF

International Rnd Trial Comparing Certified Tile Calibrations to Standard Wool Top Calibrations for Greasy WoolPDF

International Rnd Trial Comparing Certified Tile Calibrations to Standard Wool Top CalibrationsPDF

Calibration of Colour Instruments Using a Certified Tile & a Standard Wool TopPDF

Use of Regression Equations to Predict the Colour of Wool Using Ceramic Tile CalibrationPDF

Performance of Various Calibrations When Measuring Certified Ceramic Colour StandardsPDF

Scoured Wool

The Effect of Conditioning Time on Mean Fibre Diameter ResultsPDF

Review of the Subsample Mass Limit for Yield Testing of Scoured WoolPDF

Comparisons of Moisture Content of Wool in Bulk by the Malcam Equipment & the Standard IWTO ProceduresPDF

Wool Sliver and Top

Comparisons Between OFDA4000 & IWTO Standardised Methods for Measurements Made on Wool Tops - Part 1 Diameter CharacteristicsPDF

Comparisons Between OFDA4000 & IWTO Standardised Methods for Measurement Made on Wool Tops - Part 2 Length CharacteristicsPDF

INTERWOOLLABS Report on Round Trials Completed in 2004PDF

A Review of the Distribution of Fibre Length in TopsPDF

Modelling of Length Distributions in the OFDA 4000PDF

Report on Equivalence Round Trials for the Almeter AL2000PDF

Foundations & Metrology of the Almeter Wool Fibre Length MeasurementPDF

Application of a Raw Signal Filter on the Precision & Accuracy of the Almeter AL2000PDF

Investigations into the Repeatability & Precision of the Re-configured Almeter - AL2000PDF

Uniformity of Wool Characteristics

Processing of Classed Grower & Bulk Class Lots of Different Uniformity IndexPDF

Prediction of Wool Preparation Category for Classed Fleece Lines using a Uniformity IndexPDF

Assessing the Variability of Classed Fleece Lines Using a Uniformity IndexPDF

Impact of Test Result Precision on On-Farm DecisionsPDF

Wool Contamination

Fibre MedullationPDF

Definitions of Medullation Threshold Values used by Different Testing MethodsPDF

The Precision of Dark & Medullated Fibre Testing of NoilPDF

Dark & Medullated Fibre Contamination in Merino Fleece from Damara Crossbred Lambs; Top & Noil ProductsPDF

Results from Rnds 0-2 from the Interlaboratory Proficiency Program for Analysis of Pesticides on Raw WoolPDF

Robust Extraction & Clean-up Method for Analysis of Organophosphates, Synthetic Pyrethroids, Organochlorines, Diflubenzuron & Triflumuron on Raw WoolPDF

Relationship btw Greasy & Processed Dark Fibre Contamination from DAMARA Crossbreds in Merino WoolPDF

Australian Wool Innovation 2004 Global Survey of Dark & Medullated FibresPDF

Determination of the Contaminant Threshold Level for Medullated Fibres in Merino Wool FabricsPDF

Residues of Pesticides in Australian Wool 2004-2005 - Results from AWI SurveyPDF

Status Report on Dark & Medullated Fibre Testing of Presale Core Samples and Review of the Detection Threshold for Contaminant MedullationPDF

Preliminary Estimates of the Between-Laboratory Variability from Rounds 1 - 4 of the IWTO Wool Residue Interlaboratory Proficiency Program 1999 - 2001PDF

Development of an Improved Test for Detection of Dark & Medullated Fibres in Presale Core SamplesPDF

Update of Progress in Dark & Medullated Fibre Risk ProjectPDF

Development of a Quantified Risk Factor for Presence of Dark/Medullated Fibres in Aust Merino WoolPDF

Managing the Risk of Dark & or Medullated Fibre ContaminationPDF

Merino Crossbreeding & Objectionable Sheep Fibres - The Problem & Potential SolutionPDF

Exotic Sheep Breeds in Australia - A Status ReportPDF

Detection of Pigmented & Medullated Fibre in Core Samples of Commercial Sale Lots from Merino Ewes Mated to Damara Fat Tail RamsPDF

Fibre Medullation, Marketing & ManagementPDF

Wool Contamination - Pigmented & Heavily Medullated FibresPDF

Dark Fibre Control in Sheep & WoolPDF

Dark Fibre Risk & PredictionPDF

Dark Fibre Contamination in Wool - Its Prediction & RamificationsPDF

Preparation & Dark Fibre ContaminationPDF

Formulae and Calculations

Mathematical Combination by Subtraction of Measured Fibre Diameter Distributions of Greasy & Scoured WoolPDF

Mathematical Combination of Measured Fibre Diameter Distribution Histograms for Greasy & Scoured WoolPDF

Annual Reviews

The Annual Review is a report by the Directors to the Member Guarantors on the performance of the Company over the previous financial year. It includes a full financial statement for the financial year under review.

The Annual General Meeting of Member Guarantors is usually in October. The Annual Review is distributed to the Members and, if accepted, it is then available for general distribution.

Annual Reviews available for download:

  AWTA Annual Review 2017 2018 tumb

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Complete Annual Review

Directors' Report & Financial Statements

 AWTA Ltd Annual Review 2023-2024

AWTA Ltd Annual Review 2022-2023

AWTA Ltd Annual Review 2021-2022

AWTA Ltd Annual Review 2020-2021

AWTA Ltd Annual Review 2019-2020

AWTA Ltd Annual Review 2018-2019

AWTA Ltd Annual Review 2017-2018

Annual Review 2016-2017

Annual Review 2015-2016

Annual Review 2014-2015

Annual Review 2013-2014

Annual Review 2012-2013

Annual Review 2011-2012PDF

Annual Review 2010-2011PDF

Annual Review 2009-2010PDF

Annual Review 2008-2009PDF

Annual Review 2007-2008PDF

Annual Review 2006-2007PDF

Annual Review 2005-2006PDF

Annual Review 2004-2005PDF

Annual Review 2003-2004PDF

Annual Review 2002-2003PDF

Annual Review 2001-2002PDF

Annual Review 2000-2001PDF

Annual Review 1999-2000PDF

Annual Review 1998-1999PDF

 

 

Directors Report 2011-2012PDF

Directors Report 2010-2011PDF

Directors Report 2009-2010PDF

Directors Report 2008-2009PDF

Directors Report 2007-2008PDF

Brochures and Handbooks

As part of its services to its clients and other interested parties, AWTA publishes brochures and various handbooks featuring information in regard to:

  • AWTA's services
  • Explanations/Reviews of current standard test methods
  • Research & development of new test methods
  • Other wool industry related matters

If printed, these publications are circulated, free of charge, to all addressees on our Mailing List. Otherwise they are available in electronic format on our web site.

Note that wool testing process and the company's operations change from time to time as a result of improvment to the process and these documents may not reflect some of these changes.

If you wish to be placed on our Mailing List and receive such publications please download the form below and complete the details in this form and return to AWTA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Corporate Brochures

Corporate Brochure

AWTA Ltd Corporate Brochure

This brochure provides an overview of AWTA Ltd as a whole and explains the roles of the various divisions which make-up the AWTA Group.

AWTA is the largest wool testing organisation in the world. The AWTA group is comprised of three operating divisionsin Australia (AWTA Raw Wool, AWTA Product Testing and Agrifood Technology), its wholly owned subsidiary NZWTA and its joint venture, JinAo Testing Company. AWTA Ltd continues to expand its service offering into other agricultural and manufacturing markets where independent, high quality and high integrity testing is a vital part of the value chain.

Download: AWTA Brochure

Testing the Wool Clip

 

Testing the Woolclip

This brochure has been designed to provide a comprehensive summary of the major services AWTA provides to the wool industry and descriptions of the processes used to achieve test results. The processes dicussed include:

  • Presale Test Certificate procedure
  • Yield measurement
  • Major Vegetable Matter types
  • Fibre Diameter measurement
  • Staple Length & Strength measurement
  • Colour measurement
  • Fleece measurement
  • Test certificates & reports

Download: 
Testing the Wool Clip BrochurePDF  
Testing the Wool Clip - ChinesePDF

Laserscan

Laserscan Technology

This brochure contains a detailled discussion of the Sirolan Laserscan equipment used by AWTA for the determination of Mean Fibre Diameter. It reviews the IWTO methods that are followed during the measurement and certification process and explains in general terms how the equipment measures wool fibres. The main topics are:

  • Measurement
  • Precisions
  • Interferences
  • Calibration
  • Processing
  • Benefits
  • Measuring finess characteristics of wool fibres
  • The Laserscan instrument
  • Benefits to wool growers & processors

Download: Laserscan Technology BrochurePDF

 VM Handbook

Vegetable Matter in Australian Wool

This booklet provides a useful reference for the identification of the major Vegetable Matter types which occur in Australian wool. The need for correct identification and standard nomenclature descriptions of vegetable matter is important and becomes even more so if the industry is to move to a system of selling based on measurement and standardised descriptions alone.

The 3 broad categories of VM Type disucced in this handbook, coded simply B, S and H, are defined as follows:are sometimes questioned..

  • Burrs - clover & medic burrs
  • Seeds - seed material, shive, grasses & thistles
  • Hard-Heads - hard heads (bean burrs), sticks & twigs

The VM types are described in this booklet as either B, S or H, as appropriate.

Download the Handbook: Vegetable Matter in Australian Wool PDF

Wool Testing Handbook

Objective measurement is an integral part of the preparation, marketing and processing of Australian wool.

Nearly all Australian wool is tested for Yield, Vegetable Matter Base and Mean Fibre Diameter prior to sale and/or prior to export. An increasing proportion is also tested for Mean Staple Length and Mean Staple Strength. Scoured and carbonised wool is normally tested for Regain (moisture content). However, a significant number of scoured and carbonised lots are also tested for Yield and Mean Fibre Diameter.

This handbook is designed to provide members of the wool industry with details of the technical basis to Objective Measurement and the procedures for many of the common calculations. The information included is largely drawn from, or based upon, the relevant IWTO Test Methods and Regulations and Australian Standards.

The key features of the booklet are:

  • Calculation procedures and terminology are outlined for various Test Certificates

  • Sections on the precision of testing and retesting are included. These sections describe procedures available for improving the precision of a test result and the procedures followed by Test Houses when a retest is initiated

  • Core Test interyield conversion tables previously published in a separate booklet are included

  • A bareme for the calculation of theoretical HAUTEUR from raw test data according to the formula described in the report on trials evaluating additional measurements 1981-88, December 1988 (TEAM) has been included

This handbook, first published in September 1990 will not be reprinted. Copies of the latest issue of the handbook are still available and can be obtained from the nearest AWTA Raw Wool office.

Conversion Tables

The AWTA Wool Testing Handbook contains examples of calculations associated with IWTO Certificates, conversion tables for a number of Yields and tables for calculating Hauteur, based on the TEAM 2 Formula from Staple Measurements.

The conversion tables have been extracted from the Handbook and are available for download. These tables provide for conversions between yields as well as calculation of TEAM Hauteur from the Yield, Micron and Staple Measurement data.

A separate download is available that contains conversion tables and formulae for Scoured Yield at 16%, which were not included in the original publication.

Find our more:

Yield Conversion TablesPDF

New Conversion Tables for SCD 16PDF

Wool Trading Requirements

Wool Trading Requirements

With the universal use of Test Certificates to define the specification of a wool trading contract, the accuracy and precision of the test results are sometimes questioned. This is particularly so as new measurements are introduced and there is no relaxation of commercial specifications in contracts.

For the new generation of wool market traders, this is an update of earlier reports (reference 1,2,3) on this subject. It provides information to minimise the potential conflicts that can arise between the commercial wool trading requirements and the technical limitations of IWTO Test Methods and Regulations.

It discusses issues such as accuracy, bias and precision, what factors affect these charateristics and how they are relevent to wool testing. The relationship between check-tests and re-tests is also explained.

Download:  Wool Trading RequirementsPDF

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

AWTA regularly produces publications and resource material to assist and provide information to the Wool Industry in its day to day business with the Company, and to provide material to inform the industry about the Company and the services it provides.

Read more: Resources

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