The next generation

Pajusco Tecnologie presented their newest tanning drum technology at Tanning Tech in October. The X Drum is a new system that is incorporated into any existing Pajusco drum, including liming, tanning and dyeing drums, which means that the upgrade can be installed quickly and efficiently. The new system saves on chemicals, water and time and, although the drum size remains the same, the load can be increased by up to 30%. The system is designed to replace the traditional pegs and tables, as well as the new non-radical table arrangements, where the pelts are subjected to a rolling and rubbing effect and the bath is pumped through the leather. The new internal arrangement of the X Drum generates a lifting and dropping of the pelts and bath, producing an optimum pumping effect of the float through the leather fibres. The lifting and dropping is done in such a manner that reduces the rubbing effect to a minimum. In the liming drums, the results can be compared with those obtained with paddles. In the tanning drums, the results show that the hides are more distended and the chemicals have a better absorption rate. In the retannage, twisting and knotting disappears, improving the dyeing results. Here, also, the absorption rate of the chemicals is improved. When producing low quality hides, tearing in the drums is zero and this can result in a dramatic increase in yield. 'The drum is currently being tested in Arzignano and we will have the results in a few months' time', Silvano Castegnaro told Leather International at the exhibition. 'Once the system is installed in a tannery, we will be inviting customers along to see the machine in action.' The system is also currently under patent. The X Drum also permits the tanner to reduce the float of the bath in certain processes and also reduce the quantity of chemicals used. The system can be applied to any size drum and is also adaptable to existing ones.