The invention includes a method and apparatus for use in wool scouring operations and the treatment of the aqueous scouring liquids after and during use to extract recoverable lanolin or wool grease and heat from such liquids, and separate solid and extraneous matter from the liquids prior to discharge. The method and apparatus provides for removal of excess liquid from wool leaving a main scouring tank, passage of hot liquor and suspended solids from the wool and main scouring tank to a side tank, recycling of liquid from which solids have precipitated and passage of the solids to a heavy solids settling tank via a dump tank, removal of heavy solids precipitated in the settling tank and passage of the remaining liquid through a lanolin extractor; and recycling the remaining liquid or discharging all or part of such remaining liquid to waste via a heat exchanger which recovers heat from the discharge liquid for heating fresh water or liquid.