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Australian Alpaca fleece comes in from the cold … really cold!

This article first appeared in Alpacas Australia Magazine Issue 44 (Winter 2004) and with the permission of the AAA please read this sensational story:

by Michael van den Bos

McGregors International, NSW

With the cold tentacles of winter taking a firm grasp of the seasonal merry-go-round, it is time once again to pull out the jumpers from the bottom draw. To make sure you stay extra warm this winter, Australian Alpaca could be just the ticket, as new ways of exploiting the qualities inherent in the fleece are continually being developed – including ensuring survival in one of the world’s coldest climates.

Initially considered impossible, an Australian drilling company faced the challenge of insulating emergency communication equipment that would continue to work in temperatures that drop to minus 60°C; the solution was alpaca fleece.

Major Drilling, a diamond core drilling company, needed a reliable means of providing emergency communication to employees that would withstand the harsh conditions of the Mongolian winter.

Tony Brennan, Logistics Manager, Major Drilling, outlines just what they are up against. “We operate drill rigs in harsh and isolated environments where emergency navigational and communication equipment is priceless,” he said.

“Our first reaction was that someone would have already developed a solution that would meet our needs. However, there was nothing remotely suitable on the market so sourcing components and materials was a very demanding process, especially when the required products were non-existent and had to be developed from scratch,” he said.

An Emergency Equipment Electronic Support System (EEESS) was conceived and developed by George Meyer of RJM AutoElectrics in Mount Isa, ironically one of the hottest places in Australia.

The EEESS is a sealed and controlled environment containing a satellite telephone, Global Positioning System (GPS) and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). The use of alpaca fleece as insulation made the system unique and able to operate in conditions where other equipment had failed.

Meyer, who has extensive experience and knowledge of arctic conditions and materials suitable for use in extreme environments, explained that the thermal qualities of the insulation material were the biggest concern. It also needed to be transportable and be able to take punishment that modern insulating foams would not be able to handle.

“Our solution was to use alpaca fleece to insulate the emergency communication equipment as the fibre is lightweight, robust and has tremendous thermal qualities. There is only one other natural material that rivals alpaca fleece for its warmth, but it is very hard to get hold of, polar bear fur,” said Mr Meyer.

The self-contained unit, which houses a small heater but has no power supply, was tested at minus 60°C. The system maintained a temperature of plus 16°C, a remarkable 76°C difference.

“There is nothing like this product in the world and we now have both Australian and New Zealand arctic teams looking at using the system. Previously, arctic teams’ navigational and communication systems would stop operating when temperatures hit minus 20°C,” said Mr Brennan.

Queensland based textile designer, Ana Pantelic LDAD, was responsible for producing the alpaca fleece blankets that were used to insulate the EEESS.

“Alpaca fleece is great to work with, from developing highly thermal material to creating luxury suits and garments,” said Ms Pantelic. “The fleece has partially hollow fibres, providing excellent insulating properties whilst remaining lightweight, making it perfect for the job”.

As pure alpaca fleece was required for the insulation of the EEESS, the fibre was hand spun. A lofty yarn was produced to maximize the entrapment of air and it was woven in a way so that it packed in very closely to create a very thick blanket.

“The last thing we did was wash the blanket so it filled out, and as it doesn’t have scales like wool, it didn’t shrink. After a quick moth proofing, the end result was an amazing fabric and a much needed product,” she said.

From the Gobi Desert to premier catwalks, Australian Alpaca fleece is enjoying increasing demand and acceptance both in Australia and overseas. In Australia, large department stores such as David Jones have increased their orders from last season and Australian Alpaca products will also be exported to China, South Korea and the UK.

So next time you feel as if you are being shrouded by the cold cloak of winter, or if you happen to be on top of a drill mast during a Mongolian winter, reach for the alpaca jumper or attempt to shear a polar bear – the choice is yours.