Implementation of Batchwise Bioscouring of Cotton Knits

The examination of critical factors determining the performance of bioscouring showed that a short treat-ment of the fabric at greater than 808C after pectinase treatment at 608C was essential for removal of waxes from the fabric as demonstrated by diminished inten-sities of methylene peaks in FT-IR measurements. Batch-wise bioscouring of cotton knits was carried out several times with post-treatment at 808C using a rapid dyeing machine. The dye-ability of bioscoured knits was as good as the company’s alkaline scoured ones with slightly higher K/S values. Water pollution caused by effluents of bioscouring and alkaline processes were estimated, as well as that due to the input of chemicals and enzymes. Higher BOD:CODCr ratios for enzymes indicated their biodegradable character. After calculation of energy consumption using a simulation program, an economic evaluation of the two processes was done on the basis of one ton production by considering the costs of chemicals and enzyme, water usage, energy consump-tion and waste water treatment charge